Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Pat the chicken breasts dry thoroughly with paper towels until they feel slightly tacky but not wet. This helps them crisp up nicely.
In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and lemon zest to create your spice rub.
Rub each chicken breast with olive oil, then generously sprinkle the spice mixture all over, massaging it into the meat for even coverage.
Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, skin side up if skinned, leaving space between each piece.
Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) and the surface is golden with a slight crisp.
Remove the chicken from the oven and insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part to verify the temperature.
Let the chicken rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes; this resting period helps retain the juices and keeps the meat moist.
Slice the chicken against the grain into thick, juicy slices. The meat should feel firm but give slightly under gentle pressure.
Serve the sliced chicken with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
