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Quick Juicy Chicken Breast Recipe with 5 Easy Fresh Sides

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A fast and flavorful chicken breast recipe seared and oven-roasted to juicy perfection, paired with crisp, fresh vegetable sides for a balanced and wholesome meal.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (6-8 ounces / 170-225 g each)
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (optional)
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Cucumber, sliced thin
  • Mixed salad greens
  • Red onion, thinly sliced
  • Avocado, diced
  • Extra virgin olive oil (for dressing)
  • Fresh lemon zest and juice (for salad)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil and rub it in evenly. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, place chicken breasts in the pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side without moving to build a golden crust.
  4. Transfer seared chicken breasts to an oven-safe dish or keep in the skillet if oven-proof. Add fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs on top and squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything. Roast for 10-12 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer reads 160°F (71°C).
  5. While chicken roasts, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, mixed greens, avocado, and red onion in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat.
  6. Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  7. Slice chicken against the grain into thick slices and plate alongside fresh sides. Drizzle any pan juices over the chicken.

Notes

Patting chicken dry before seasoning is key for a golden crust. Use medium-high heat for searing to avoid burning. Let chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Fresh lemon juice brightens both chicken and salad. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently to maintain moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken breast, juicy chicken, quick chicken recipe, fresh sides, healthy dinner, weeknight meal, easy chicken, gluten-free, dairy-free

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/quick-juicy-chicken-breast-recipe-with-5-easy-fresh-sides/