Baked Smoky Chicken Breast! Tender, juicy chicken breasts made with a homemade smoky, savory and sweet spice rub. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner recipe.
In case you’re new here, hi, my name is Jamie and I love smoky, salty, sweet stuff. Do you? If yes, you’re in the right place!
I made these deliciously juicy, tender smoky chicken breasts using a thrown together spice rub which was honestly SO GOOD.
If you’ve gotten bored with your meal prep or with chicken in general, this recipe is for you!
Coming from a Cuban household, chicken breast was always a no-go (unless it was fried or pan seared with lots of oil) because it’s so dry and boring.
I, however, was always a fan.
Some people I know would tell me “HOW do you like chicken? It doesn’t taste like anything!” And to that I say – it’s because you don’t know how to season your chicken. Plain and simple.
You need a smoky, savory, sweet spice rub!
Ok, ok, you don’t NEED this spice rub. You can use garlic, lemon, Italian seasoning, etc BUT…I highly recommend you try this spice rub.
This simple-to-make spice rub consists of:
- smoked paprika
- cumin
- sea salt
- brown sugar
- garlic powder
- chili powder
- cocoa powder
I know right!? LIKE WHAAAT. And the flavor? Smoky, savory with a touch of sweet. Add a squeeze of lime of top and hello, it’s the perfect way to elevate a boring, bland chicken breast.
It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner! Pair it with mushrooms, strawberry salad, or even chipotle Mexican street corn.
Can’t wait for you guys to make it!
20-Minute Smoky Chicken Breasts
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a bowl, whisk smoked paprika, cumin, sea salt, brown sugar, garlic powder, chili powder, and cocoa powder together. Set aside.
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and evenly rub them with olive oil and the spice rub.
- Bake chicken breasts for 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked.* Serve with your favorite side and enjoy!
Notes
SHOP THE RECIPE
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The cocoa made me think mole, but then you threw in that sweetness and it got me all excited! The meal-prep-mania is real in our household and chicken is our go-to. So glad you shared this recipe!