Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
If you’re ready to make juicy, flavorful chicken that never fails, oven baked chicken breast is your answer! This fuss-free classic takes just half an hour, keeps things healthy and satisfying, and is the gold standard for turning a few simple ingredients into a delicious, reliable main dish. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or serving a hungry crowd, you’ll fall in love with how easy and customizable this oven baked chicken breast is.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about essentials that work together perfectly. From pantry spices to a splash of olive oil, every ingredient matters: they each bring a little something special, making your chicken moist, seasoned, and totally irresistible.
- Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless breasts for quick cooking and maximum versatility.
- Olive Oil: Locks in moisture while helping the spices adhere beautifully and adds a touch of richness.
- Garlic Powder: Delivers that classic savory depth without overwhelming the chicken.
- Onion Powder: Rounds out the flavors and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Paprika: Provides a gentle warmth and a gorgeous pop of color.
- Dried Thyme (or Italian Seasoning): Adds an herbal note that makes each bite feel fresh and aromatic.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out flavor and keeping the chicken perfectly seasoned.
- Black Pepper: A little pepper gives the dish a zippy finish without overpowering the other spices.
How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Breast
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Chicken
Begin by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and preparing your baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper or give it a light oiling so the chicken lifts right off when it’s done. Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels—this helps the oil and spices stick, and prevents any extra moisture from steaming the chicken. If your chicken is a little uneven in thickness, give it a few gentle pounds with a rolling pin or meat mallet for even cooking!
Step 2: Mix Up the Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme (or Italian seasoning), salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until you have a vibrant, aromatic mixture. This blend is your secret weapon for making every bite of oven baked chicken breast special!
Step 3: Season the Chicken Breasts
Lay the chicken breasts out on your prepared baking sheet. Using a brush or your hands (don’t be shy!), evenly coat both sides of each breast with the oil and spice blend. Make sure every nook and cranny gets covered—this is where all the flavor comes from.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide your baking sheet into the oven and let the magic happen. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the thickest part of the chicken breast hits 165°F (74°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer. This high-heat bake ensures a golden crust outside and juicy tenderness inside. Try not to overbake—moisture is our friend here!
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once the oven baked chicken breast is out of the oven, let it rest on the baking sheet for five minutes. This pause lets the juices redistribute, so every slice is incredibly tender. Now, slice it up, serve it whole, or dice for salads—now you see just how versatile and delightful this chicken can be!
How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Breast
Garnishes
A simple garnish works wonders here! Try a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh finish. A squeeze of lemon just before serving heightens the brightness and juiciness of the oven baked chicken breast without any extra fuss.
Side Dishes
This recipe is the canvas for so many sides: think roasted veggies, a crisp green salad, creamy mashed potatoes, or steamed rice. Because oven baked chicken breast is so adaptable, you can pair it with just about anything for a meal that fits any mood or season.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get fancy, slice the chicken and fan it out on a platter, drizzling with a little extra olive oil or your favorite sauce. Or, chop it up for grain bowls, tuck it into wraps, or lay it over a colorful salad. Oven baked chicken breast is fantastic for meal prep and lunchboxes—super portable and pretty on the plate!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely before popping it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh and juicy for up to 4 days—perfect for sandwiches, salads, or snacking.
Freezing
Oven baked chicken breast freezes beautifully! Slice or keep the breasts whole, then wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Label it and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place chicken on a baking sheet and warm it in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave in short bursts, but cover the chicken with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Avoid overcooking to preserve its tenderness.
FAQs
How can I keep my oven baked chicken breast from drying out?
The secret is in the high-heat bake, marinating if you have time, and never overcooking. Using a meat thermometer to hit 165°F (74°C) ensures perfectly juicy chicken every single time!
Do I have to pound the chicken breasts before baking?
Pounding the chicken to an even thickness helps it cook uniformly and remain moist. If your chicken breasts are already pretty even, you can skip this step, but it’s a quick trick for the best texture.
Can I use different spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite herbs, like rosemary, basil, or smoked paprika, to make the oven baked chicken breast your own signature dish.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
It’s fantastic for meal prep! Just portion into containers with your sides and refrigerate. Oven baked chicken breast stays tender and tasty, making weekday lunches a breeze.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The surefire way is a digital thermometer: pierce the thickest part of the breast and look for a reading of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, the juices should run clear, and the chicken should be opaque all the way through.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an effortless, flavor-packed way to make dinner a win, give oven baked chicken breast a try! It’s become a staple in my kitchen and I’m sure it’ll earn its spot in yours, too. Happy cooking—and don’t forget to share your delicious results!
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Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make perfectly juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breast with this simple recipe. Tender chicken breasts seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices, baked to perfection, and ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or greased.
- Season Chicken: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub mixture over chicken.
- Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven, rest for 5 minutes, then slice or serve.
Notes
- Pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness promotes even cooking.
- For juicier results, marinate in olive oil and seasonings for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
