Oven-baked chicken breast is something I make almost every week. It’s a real lifesaver when I need a quick, healthy, and delicious protein for dinner.
This recipe is all about getting that perfect balance: juicy on the inside, nicely browned on the outside, and seasoned just right. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal, but also impressive enough for guests.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile!
Recipe Overview: Oven Baked Chicken Breast
This dish is all about perfectly cooked chicken breasts. We’re aiming for tender, juicy meat with a flavorful crust. Think of it as the ultimate blank canvas for your culinary creativity.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights because it’s quick and requires minimal effort. But don’t let the simplicity fool you; this chicken is delicious enough to serve at a dinner party.
I love serving this chicken sliced over a salad, tucked into tacos, or alongside roasted vegetables. It’s also fantastic with pasta or rice.
Seriously, the possibilities are endless!
Detailed Ingredients for Juicy Baked Chicken Breast
Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:
- Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each). I prefer to get chicken breasts that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. This helps the chicken brown and keeps it from sticking to the pan. You can also use avocado oil.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon. I like to use kosher salt, but regular table salt works fine too. Adjust to your taste, of course!
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground is best.
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon. This adds a little color and a subtle smoky flavor.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon. Gives it that savory, garlicky goodness.
- Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon. Adds another layer of flavor.
- Dried Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon. You can also use dried thyme or Italian seasoning. It is totally your preference!
If you don’t have any of these dried herb on hand, dont worry, you can skip it.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
- Preheat and Prep: First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven’s heating up, take your chicken breasts out of the fridge. Letting them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes helps them cook more evenly.
- Pat Dry: Grab some paper towels and pat the chicken breasts completely dry. This is really important for getting that nice, golden-brown crust. Moisture is the enemy of browning!
- Season Generously: Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl. Drizzle them with the olive oil, making sure they’re all coated. Then, in a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, really rubbing it in to make sure every bit is covered in flavor.
- Baking Time: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish or on a baking sheet. You don’t want them overlapping, or they won’t cook evenly. Pop them into the preheated oven.
- Cook to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The best way to check is with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into the center of one breast – the juices should run clear, and the meat should be opaque (no longer pink). Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the cooking time, as oven temperatures can vary.
- Rest and Serve: Once they’re cooked, take the chicken breasts out of the oven and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken breast.
Variations & Tips for the Best Baked Chicken
- Spice it Up: Feel free to experiment with different spices! Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, or some smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor.
- Herb Variations: Fresh herbs are great too! Chop up some fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley and add them to the seasoning mix.
- Make-Ahead: You can season the chicken breasts and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great time-saver!
- Storage: Leftover cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, I recommend warming the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, or in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F) until heated through. This helps prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it.
- Serving it up: Enjoy this chicken with rice, quinoa or a salad.
Key Details
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20-25 minutes
- Total time: 30-35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Equipment you’ll need: Baking dish or baking sheet, meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Juicy and flavorful oven-baked chicken breast, perfect for a quick, healthy, and delicious protein-packed meal. Simple enough for weeknights, yet impressive for guests.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Let chicken breasts sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels.
- Place chicken breasts in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil, ensuring they are coated.
- In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, rubbing it in.
- Arrange seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish or on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken breasts rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving.
