In a small bowl combine salt, pepper, thyme, sage, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Set aside.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Dry the chicken breasts with a paper towel and rub olive oil all over the chicken.
Sprinkle the spices evenly all over the chicken pieces and gently pat to make sure the seasoning stays on the chicken.
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Heat ½ cup of cooking oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken into the hot oil skin-side down and cook for 2 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Transfer the breasts onto a baking sheet, skin side up.
Place into the oven and bake at 400 degrees for 45 minutes or until fully cooked (the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees F.). Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.