Easy Basic Baked Chicken

I think the bones left in for cooking make for a better taste. My family only likes the white meat however, so I meet everyone’s needs by buying breast quarters with the bone in, and I take the skin off for additional health benefits. To keep the breast moist, I coat with oil and season.

Seasoning:

• 1 T paprika *
• 1 T dried or 3T chopped fresh parsley
• 2 t brown sugar
• 1 t dry mustard powder
• 2 t salt
• 1 t black pepper
• 3-3 1/2 lbs. of cut, bone in chicken breasts
• 2 T extra virgin olive oil

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Combine paprika, parsley, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper and set aside.
2. Remove skin from chicken breasts (leave bone in) and place in 9″x13″ baking dish, meaty side up.
3. Coat with oil and press spice mixture into the breasts.
4. Bake until juices run clear, about 45 minutes.Insert an instant read thermometer near the bone (but not on it) to confirm doneness at 165 degrees.

* If you like a bit of kick, substitute 1T of paprika with hot paprika or with 2t of chili pepper.