The Juiciest Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe You’ll Love

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

Seasoned professionals know the secret lies in careful preparation and precise cooking techniques.

Reliable ingredients make all the difference when crafting a memorable meal.

Simple spices like paprika, garlic powder, and herbs can elevate ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

Salt and pepper play crucial roles in developing deep, rich flavors that dance across your palate.

Cooking at the right temperature ensures a perfectly crisp exterior while maintaining succulent meat inside.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for moments when quick, delicious nutrition matters most.

What Makes Oven Baked Chicken Breast Stand Out

• Boost Nutrition Quickly: Packed with lean protein, this chicken breast recipe delivers essential nutrients to support muscle health and energy levels.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for beginners wanting to improve culinary confidence.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible seasoning options allow you to experiment with different herbs and spices, transforming the dish to match your taste preferences.
• Meal Prep Champion: Versatile recipe works great for preparing multiple servings in advance, ideal for weekly lunch planning or family meal strategies.

Ingredients Included in Oven Baked Chicken Breast

• Chicken Breast: A lean and versatile protein that serves as the centerpiece of this simple and delicious dish.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Thyme, Salt, Pepper: A classic combination of spices that adds depth, warmth, and flavor to the chicken breast.

• Olive Oil: Helps to coat the chicken and promote even browning and moisture.
• Parchment Paper: Provides a non-stick surface for easy cooking and cleanup.
• Fresh Parsley: A fresh, green herb that adds a bright garnish and subtle flavor to the finished dish.

How to Bake Chicken Breast Like a Pro

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C). This high heat will help create a perfectly golden and juicy chicken breast.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and gently pat them dry using paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and promotes crispy edges.

Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and massage it until every inch is coated.

Step 3: Create a Flavor Explosion

• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Sprinkle this magical mixture generously over both sides of the chicken, ensuring every bite will be bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Set Up for Baking

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or choose a baking dish. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared surface.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the chicken into the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. The chicken is done when its internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).

Use a meat thermometer to check for food safety.

Step 6: Let It Rest

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it chill for 5 minutes.

This crucial resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and extra freshness.

Slice and serve your mouthwatering chicken breast.

Tips to Achieve Oven Baked Chicken Breast Perfection

• Use fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
• Ensure chicken is completely dry before seasoning to help create a crispy exterior.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking and keep chicken juicy.
• Let chicken rest after baking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
• Experiment with different herb and spice combinations to personalize the seasoning blend for variety.

Flavor Enhancements That Work With Oven Baked Chicken

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace thyme with oregano and add dried basil. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top after baking for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken: Swap current spices with Cajun seasoning blend. Add cayenne pepper for extra heat and serve with a cool ranch dressing.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Keep original recipe unchanged. Use avocado oil instead of olive oil for higher fat content. Pair with roasted low-carb vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower.
• Gluten-Free Herb Chicken: Ensure all spices are certified gluten-free. Use fresh herbs like rosemary and sage for enhanced taste. Check seasoning labels to confirm allergen-free status.

Side Dishes That Elevate Oven Baked Chicken

• Protein Power Plate: Slice the juicy chicken and serve over a bed of quinoa or brown rice, adding roasted vegetables for a complete, nutritious meal that packs flavor and health benefits.
• Salad Sensation: Chop the baked chicken and toss into a crisp green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing and protein-rich lunch option.
• Mediterranean Mood: Slice chicken and stuff into warm pita bread with tzatziki sauce, fresh cucumber, and a sprinkle of feta cheese for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired wrap that bursts with tangy goodness.
• Quick Meal Prep: Slice and store chicken in meal prep containers with different sides like roasted sweet potatoes or steamed broccoli for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

Keeping Oven Baked Chicken Fresh and Tasty

• Refrigerate leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store chicken in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to retain moisture and prevent odors.
• Wrap individual chicken breasts in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in the container for extra protection and easier portioning.
• Freeze cooked chicken breasts for up to 4 months by placing them in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

• Why is it important to pat the chicken dry before seasoning?

Patting the chicken dry helps the seasoning stick better and ensures a crispy, golden-brown exterior by removing excess moisture that can prevent proper browning.

• How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked without a meat thermometer?

Check the internal temperature by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken. If the juices run clear and there’s no pink color, the chicken is likely cooked. However, a meat thermometer is the most accurate method.

• Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs with fresh herbs. Use about three times more fresh herbs compared to dried herbs to achieve the same flavor intensity.

Best Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Juicy oven baked chicken breast promises tender, flavorful protein perfection for family dinners. Home cooks can easily prepare this simple, healthy main dish with basic seasonings and minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Oils and Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 400F (200C), ensuring rack is positioned in the center.
2. Use paper towels to thoroughly dry chicken breasts, removing excess moisture for optimal seasoning adherence.
3. Gently massage olive oil across entire surface of chicken, creating a light protective coating.
4. Blend garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl to create a uniform seasoning blend.
5. Sprinkle seasoning mixture methodically over both sides of chicken breasts, pressing gently to help spices adhere.
6. Arrange seasoned chicken on parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring pieces do not touch for even heat circulation.
7. Roast in preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it precisely reaches 165F (74C).
8. Transfer chicken from oven and allow to rest undisturbed for 5 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute throughout meat.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately for maximum flavor and temperature.

Notes

• Moisture matters most when baking chicken breasts, so always pat the meat completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy exterior.
• Customize the spice blend by swapping herbs and adding your favorite seasonings like rosemary, cumin, or chili powder for exciting flavor variations.
• Use a meat thermometer to check doneness precisely, preventing dry chicken and ensuring food safety without overcooking.
• Let the chicken rest after baking to allow juices to redistribute, creating a more tender and succulent final dish that stays moist and flavorful.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 165 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg