Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe Every Cook Needs

Succulent and tender oven baked chicken breast can turn an ordinary dinner into a memorable meal.

Crispy edges and juicy interior make this dish a weeknight champion.

Minimal ingredients combine to create maximum flavor in this straightforward recipe.

Perfectly seasoned protein becomes the star of your dining experience.

Salt, pepper, and a few strategic herbs unlock incredible taste potential.

Marinades work magic, infusing each bite with delightful complexity.

You will love how simple yet impressive this method can be.

Cooking like a pro is just moments away with these smart techniques.

Oven Chicken Breast: Storing Leftovers Easily

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Sprinkle a few drops of water over chicken to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.
• Cut chicken into smaller pieces before refrigerating to help it cool faster and reheat more evenly, ensuring juicy and tender meat.

Oven Baked Chicken Breast Matches

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complement the herb-seasoned chicken, cutting through the richness with their bright, zesty notes.
• Match with Fresh Garden Salad: A light, tangy mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the savory chicken, adding refreshing crunch and acidity.
• Serve with Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: Colorful roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers create a nutritious side that enhances the chicken's simple, robust flavors.
• Complete with Herbed Quinoa: Fluffy quinoa seasoned with fresh herbs like parsley and thyme provides a protein-packed, nutritious accompaniment that echoes the chicken's aromatic seasonings.

Baked Chicken Breast with Custom Flavors

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace paprika with dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Version: Omit salt and use salt-free herb blends like Mrs. Dash to reduce sodium content while maintaining robust taste.
• Dairy-Free Paleo Option: Swap olive oil with avocado oil and add ground almond meal for extra crunch and protein, perfect for paleo dieters.
• Gluten-Free Spicy Variation: Use gluten-free spice blend with cayenne pepper and smoked paprika to create a spicier, allergen-friendly chicken breast that packs heat without compromising dietary restrictions.

FAQs

• How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and juices should run clear.

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to thaw chicken completely before baking. Frozen chicken will require longer cooking time and may cook unevenly, potentially leading to dry or undercooked sections.

• What's the best way to keep chicken breasts moist?

Pounding the chicken to an even thickness helps it cook uniformly. Also, avoid overcooking and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to retain moisture and allow juices to redistribute.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this recipe?

You’ll just need a meat thermometer, baking sheet, parchment paper, and basic kitchen tools like measuring spoons and a meat mallet or rolling pin for pounding the chicken.

Oven Baked Chicken Breast Tastes Tender And Simple Every Time

• Foolproof Cooking: Even novice cooks can nail this recipe with simple seasonings and straightforward baking instructions, guaranteeing juicy and flavorful chicken every single time.
• Versatile Protein Option: This basic chicken breast technique works wonderfully for meal prep, salads, sandwiches, or as a protein base for multiple cuisines, giving you endless meal possibilities.
• Healthy and Lean: Packed with protein and prepared with minimal oil, this recipe offers a nutritious meal that supports fitness goals without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.

Oven Baked Chicken Breast Basics

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender meat that forms the base of the dish, best when boneless and skinless for even cooking.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic dry spice mix that adds deep flavor and light golden color to the chicken, choose fresh and high-quality spices for best results.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden crust and keeps chicken moist, extra virgin olive oil provides the best flavor and health benefits.

Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe Plan

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C) so it’s perfectly heated and ready for cooking.

Step 2: Flatten the Chicken

Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken breasts until they’re an even thickness.

This helps the chicken cook uniformly and stay tender.

Step 3: Season and Coat the Chicken

• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Ensure every inch of the chicken gets a delicious flavor coating.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Surface

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the chicken into the preheated oven and let it roast for 18-22 minutes.

The chicken is done when its internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C) – use a meat thermometer to check.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and delectable.

Slice and enjoy your perfectly cooked chicken breast.

How To Keep Oven Baked Chicken Breast Juicy And Tender

• Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to flatten chicken breasts evenly, ensuring uniform cooking and preventing dry edges.
• Create a flavor boost by letting seasoned chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking, allowing spices to penetrate the meat.
• Check doneness with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; 165°F guarantees juicy, safe-to-eat chicken without guesswork.
• Letting chicken rest after baking allows juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat that stays moist.
• Swap dried spices with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or try different seasoning blends to keep the recipe exciting and personalized.

Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Oven-Baked Chicken Breast delivers juicy, tender meat with perfectly crisp edges. Seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, this simple dish promises restaurant-quality flavor you’ll savor with every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Herbs and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Oil:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a toasty 400°F, ensuring an ideal cooking environment for succulent chicken.
2. Transform chicken breasts into uniform thickness by gently pummeling with a meat mallet, promoting consistent cooking.
3. Massage the poultry with fragrant olive oil, then lavishly dust with a flavor-enhancing blend of garlic powder, vibrant paprika, and essential salt and pepper.
4. Arrange the seasoned chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet, creating a neat culinary canvas.
5. Slide the tray into the preheated oven, allowing the heat to work its magic for approximately 20 minutes.
6. Verify doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F using a reliable meat thermometer.
7. After removing from the oven, allow the chicken to relax and redistribute its juices for a brief 5-minute interlude before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Pound chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness, avoiding overcooking that leads to tough meat.
• Experiment with different herb blends like rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning for varied flavor profiles.
• For a low-carb or gluten-free option, skip breadcrumbs and focus on simple seasoning with high-quality spices.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg