Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. If they are uneven in thickness, pound them gently with a meat mallet or rolling pin to create uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking.
2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Dry chicken browns better and absorbs seasoning more effectively.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

1. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
2. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

1. Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and moist.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for added flavor.