Step 1

Preheat the oven to 220C/200C Fan/Gas Line a baking tray with baking paper.

Step 2

Place the chicken breast on the tray – if cooking more than one breast, space them well apart. Drizzle a little olive oil over each breast. Season with a little sea salt and black pepper and, if you wish, one of the seasoning suggestions.

Step 3

Bake for 16–22 minutes, depending on size and thickness. (Thicker chicken breasts will take longer to cook.) A 150–200g/5½–7oz skinless chicken breast fillet will need 16–18 minutes; a 200–250g/7–9oz one 18–20 minutes; and a 250–300g/9–10½ one 20–22 minutes. If cooking more than four breasts at a time, increase the cooking time by 5 minutes, and don’t forget to check that each breast is cooked through.

Step 4

If you have a digital food thermometer, test the internal temperature through the thickest part of each chicken breast. It should reach at least 75C. Alternatively, pierce the thickest part of the breast with a skewer and check that the juices run clear; make sure there is no pinkness remaining when the chicken is sliced. If there is, put the chicken back in the oven for a few minutes.

Step 5

Leave to rest on the tray for 5 minutes before serving. If serving the chicken cold, pat it lightly with kitchen paper after resting and leave to cool.