Let’s talk about a true kitchen hero: a simple, perfectly cooked Oven Baked Chicken Breast. It sounds basic, but how many times have you ended up with dry, bland, or rubbery chicken? Friend, those days are over. When done right, a baked chicken breast is a thing of beauty, juicy, tender, and incredibly versatile. Today, I’m sharing my foolproof method that guarantees succulent, flavorful results every single time.
This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a fundamental technique that will transform your weeknight dinners and become the protein-packed foundation for countless meals. Get ready to fall in love with chicken breast all over again.
WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE
The Ultimate Simple, Healthy Dinner
This easy oven baked chicken breast is the cornerstone of healthy, quick cooking. It requires just a few pantry staples and about 20 minutes of hands-off oven time. Furthermore, mastering this technique means you always have a lean, high-protein option ready to slice over salads, stuff into sandwiches, or serve alongside your favorite veggies and grains. It’s the ultimate meal prep champion.
Foolproof, Juicy Results Every Time
The secret here is all in the method. By using a simple brine or dry brine (just salt!) and a precise baking temperature, we ensure the chicken retains its natural juices. No more guessing or cutting into it to check. This juicy baked chicken breast method is reliable, simple, and delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen with zero stress.
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Oven Baked Chicken Breast
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Simple, juicy oven-baked chicken breasts seasoned to perfection quick, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- 3. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and oregano.
- 4. Rub seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
- 5. Place chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
- 6. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- 7. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.
Notes
- For extra juicy chicken, pound breasts to an even thickness before seasoning.
- Great for salads, bowls, wraps, or meal prep stays moist when reheated.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: baked chicken breast, juicy chicken, oven baked chicken, healthy chicken
HOW TO MAKE OVEN BAKED CHICKEN BREAST
Ingredients: For Simple, Flavorful Chicken
- 2-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or ¾ tsp table salt)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or oregano (optional)
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This is the single best tool to prevent overcooking. Invest in a good digital instant-read thermometer. Remove the chicken from the oven at 160-162°F; the temperature will carry over to 165°F as it rests.
- Even Thickness is Non-Negotiable: Pounding the chicken is the secret to avoiding a dry, overcooked thin end and a raw, thick end. Don’t skip it!
- High Heat for a Short Time: Baking at a high temperature (425°F) quickly sears the outside, locking in juices, and cooks the chicken fast before it has a chance to dry out.
Directions: Your Foolproof Step-by-Step Guide
Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This is the first critical step for golden browning.
Pound to Even Thickness (Key Step!): Place each breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag. Using a rolling pin, meat mallet, or even a heavy skillet, gently pound the thicker end of each breast until the entire piece is an even ½-inch to ¾-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking.
Season Generously: Drizzle the chicken with olive oil, rubbing to coat. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried herbs. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of each breast, pressing gently so it adheres.
Rest (Optional but Recommended): For the most flavorful and juicy chicken, let the seasoned breasts rest at room temperature for 15-30 minutes. This allows the salt to penetrate.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the chicken breasts on a parchment-lined or lightly oiled baking sheet or in a baking dish, ensuring they aren’t touching.
Cook: Bake for 15-18 minutes. The cook time depends on thickness, but the chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at the thickest part.
The Most Important Step – Rest!: Once out of the oven, transfer the chicken to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 5-10 full minutes. This allows the juices, which have rushed to the surface, to redistribute throughout the meat, guaranteeing juicy chicken.
NUTRITION AND HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
A Lean Protein Powerhouse
A plain oven baked chicken breast is one of the leanest sources of protein you can eat, making it perfect for supporting muscle health and keeping you full. This recipe uses heart-healthy olive oil and minimal added sodium, putting you in full control of your ingredients.
Adapting to Dietary Needs
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb, and keto-friendly. It’s one of the most adaptable proteins for nearly any dietary plan. For a Whole30 or paleo version, simply ensure your seasonings are compliant.
HOW TO SERVE OVEN BAKED CHICKEN BREAST
Your Weekly Dinner Canvas
This chicken is the perfect blank slate! Serve it as a main dish with classic sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad. Slice it and toss it into pasta, grain bowls, or fajitas. The possibilities are truly endless.
Sauce It Up!
Elevate your chicken with a simple sauce. While the chicken rests, you can quickly make a pan sauce in a skillet with a little chicken broth, lemon juice, and herbs, or simply drizzle with a little balsamic glaze, pesto, or tzatziki.
HOW TO STORE LEFTOVER BAKED CHICKEN
Refrigerating for Meals
Once completely cooled, store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for slicing cold onto salads or reheating gently.
Freezing for Later
Individually wrap cooled chicken breasts in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
TIPS TO MAKE THE BEST OVEN BAKED CHICKEN BREAST
Tips and Notes: Your Success Guide
Variation
For Lemon Herb Chicken, add the zest of one lemon to the seasoning mix and place lemon slices under the chicken while baking. For a Parmesan Crusted Chicken, after oiling, dredge the breasts in a mix of grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and the seasonings before baking.
Notes
If your chicken breasts are very large (8+ oz each), consider slicing them horizontally into two thinner cutlets before pounding. This makes portion control easier and reduces cook time.
FAQs
Why is my baked chicken breast always dry?
The three most common reasons are: 1) Overcooking (use a thermometer!), 2) Not pounding to even thickness, and 3) Not letting the chicken rest before slicing.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Bone-in, skin-on thighs are very forgiving. You may need to increase the bake time to 25-35 minutes, still cooking to 165°F internal temperature.
Do I have to pound the chicken?
While highly recommended for even cooking, you can skip it if you’re in a rush. Just be aware that you’ll need to adjust cooking time, checking the thinner parts much earlier to prevent them from drying out.
CONCLUSION
Mastering this Oven Baked Chicken Breast technique is one of the best gifts you can give yourself in the kitchen. It’s a simple, reliable process that yields consistently delicious and healthy results, empowering you to create countless easy meals. Say goodbye to dry, disappointing chicken forever. With this method in your back pocket, you’re always just 30 minutes away from a perfect protein. Now, go preheat that oven and get ready for the juiciest chicken of your life!