The Perfect Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe Every Time

Juicy and tender oven baked chicken breast can revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

Crispy skin and succulent meat await you with minimal effort.

Seasoning makes all the difference in creating a memorable meal.

Salt, herbs, and a touch of olive oil work magic on simple proteins.

Each bite promises incredible flavor without complicated techniques.

Home cooks crave straightforward, delicious recipes that impress without stress.

When you master this technique, dinner becomes something to anticipate with excitement.

Baked Chicken Breast Storage Guide

• Store leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags, preserving quality for up to 4 months.
• Warm chicken at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Heat chicken in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and rotating to ensure even warming, preventing rubbery texture.

Add-Ons for Baked Chicken Breast

• Pair Zesty Roasted Veggies: Complement the chicken's bold spices with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots tossed in similar herbs, creating a harmonious flavor profile that enhances the main dish.
• Uncork Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the chicken's spicy notes, its light acidity cutting through the richness and refreshing the palate.
• Create Fresh Mediterranean Salad: Toss mixed greens with cucumber, feta cheese, kalamata olives, and light lemon vinaigrette to provide a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, spiced chicken breasts.
• Serve Herbed Quinoa Pilaf: Prepare quinoa with fresh parsley, mint, and a touch of olive oil to add a nutritious, light grain side that complements the chicken's robust seasoning without overwhelming its flavors.

Baked Chicken Breast Simple Twists

• Herb-Crusted Variation: Replace paprika and cayenne with fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley for a Mediterranean-inspired herbal coating.
• Low-Sodium Option: Eliminate salt and use salt-free herb blends or Mrs. Dash seasoning to reduce sodium intake while maintaining flavor intensity.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Confirm all spices are certified gluten-free and use coconut oil instead of olive oil for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Keto Protein Boost: Add a light dusting of grated parmesan cheese before baking to increase fat content and create a crispy exterior for ketogenic dieters.

FAQs

• How do I know when 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 the juices should run clear.

• Can I use different herbs and spices in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can customize the seasoning blend with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning. Experiment with spices that complement your taste preferences.

• What if my chicken breasts are different sizes?

Thicker chicken breasts may require slightly longer cooking time. Adjust cooking time and always check the internal temperature to ensure even cooking. Thinner pieces might need less time to prevent drying out.

• How can I keep the chicken breast moist?

Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer, patting the chicken dry before seasoning, and letting it rest for 5 minutes after baking. The olive oil also helps retain moisture during the cooking process.

Oven Baked Chicken That’s Juicy and Simple

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up this foolproof chicken breast recipe in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families needing a delicious meal fast.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: Achieve perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time with simple oven-baking technique that requires minimal cooking skills and delivers consistent results.
• Health-Conscious Choice: Packed with lean protein and customizable spices, this recipe offers a nutritious meal option that's low in calories and high in flavor without complicated preparation.
• Versatile Meal Prep Star: Easily batch cook these chicken breasts to use in salads, sandwiches, wraps, or as a protein base for multiple meals throughout the week, saving time and effort.

What’s Included in a Juicy Baked Chicken Breast

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein source perfect for a healthy meal, boneless and skinless recommended for even cooking and easier preparation.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Oregano, Salt, Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Classic spice mix providing depth of flavor and mild heat, dried herbs preferred for consistent taste, adjust cayenne for spice level.

• Olive Oil: Helps create golden exterior and keeps chicken moist, extra virgin olive oil offers best flavor, helps spices adhere to chicken surface.
• Parchment Paper or Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup, non-stick surface crucial for clean removal of chicken.

Chicken Breast Oven Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C).

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spritz of cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and give them a good pat-down with paper towels.

We want them dry as a desert to get that perfect golden crust.

Step 3: Create Flavor Magic

• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper

Mix these spices in a small bowl, creating a flavor explosion waiting to happen.

Step 4: Dress the Chicken

Drizzle olive oil all over the chicken breasts, making sure every inch gets some love.

Then generously shower the spice mix on both sides, massaging it into the meat.

Step 5: Position for Perfection

Lay the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.

Make sure they’re not crowding each other – give them some personal space.

Step 6: Bake to Deliciousness

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 18-22 minutes.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Pull the chicken out of the oven and let it chill for 5 minutes.

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

Slice and enjoy your flavor-packed chicken!

Oven Tips for Juicy Chicken Breast

• Pat chicken breasts completely dry to ensure a crispy, golden exterior and prevent steaming in the oven.
• Rub olive oil before adding spices to help the seasonings stick and create a flavorful crust.
• Always use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, ensuring chicken is fully cooked without becoming dry.
• Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking to redistribute juices, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
• Experiment with different herb and spice combinations to customize the flavor profile of your chicken breast.

Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breast brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Succulent chicken emerges perfectly seasoned, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)

Cooking Oil:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and creating a non-stick surface on a baking sheet using parchment paper or a light oil coating.
2. Eliminate excess moisture from chicken breasts by thoroughly dabbing with clean paper towels.
3. Craft a flavor-packed seasoning blend combining garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and a hint of cayenne for subtle heat.
4. Massage chicken breasts with olive oil, ensuring complete surface coverage, then liberally distribute the spice mixture across both sides of the meat.
5. Arrange chicken breasts carefully on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each piece for uniform cooking.
6. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast for approximately 18-22 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it precisely reaches 165°F (74°C) using a reliable meat thermometer.
7. Allow the chicken to rest undisturbed for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Moisture is key for juicy chicken, so avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer to check doneness precisely.
• Customize the spice blend by swapping paprika for smoked paprika or adding dried thyme for extra depth of flavor.
• For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of traditional breadcrumbs if you want a crispy coating.
• Allow chicken to come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg