Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crispy golden chicken breast from the oven can turn an ordinary meal into a delightful culinary adventure.

Succulent meat packed with herbs and spices promises a mouthwatering experience.

Simple ingredients make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tender interior and beautifully browned exterior.

Marinating techniques enhance the natural flavors and ensure juicy results every time.

Minimal prep work means you can have a restaurant-quality dish on the table in under an hour.

Seasoned with love and baked to perfection, this chicken breast will become your new go-to dinner solution.

Ingredients Needed for Oven Baked Chicken Breast

For the Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: A lean and versatile meat that provides excellent protein for a healthy meal.
For the Seasonings:
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a rich, aromatic flavor to enhance the chicken's taste.
  • Paprika: Provides a mild, sweet pepper flavor and beautiful reddish color.
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.
For the Cooking Preparation:
  • Olive Oil: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior and prevents the chicken from drying out.
  • Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cleanup and prevents the chicken from sticking to the baking sheet.

How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Breast

How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Breast

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 400F (200C). This high temperature helps create a perfectly golden and juicy chicken breast.

Step 2: Massage Chicken With Flavor

Gently rub the chicken breasts with a delightful blend of:
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Ensure every inch of the chicken is coated with these mouthwatering seasonings.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Surface

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

Step 4: Roast To Perfection

Slide the seasoned chicken into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken is ready when its internal temperature hits 165F (75C), guaranteeing it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.

Step 5: Let Chicken Relax

Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This brief pause helps redistribute the juices, ensuring each bite is tender and succulent.

Step 6: Slice And Serve

After resting, slice the chicken and serve immediately. Enjoy your perfectly cooked, flavor-packed chicken breast!

Expert Tips for Oven Baked Chicken Breast

  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy exterior and better spice adhesion.
  • Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness and prevent overcooking.
  • Pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness for even cooking and juicier results.
  • Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor complexity.
  • Experiment with different spice blends like Italian seasoning or Cajun mix for variety in taste profile.

Flavor Variations for Oven Baked Chicken Breast

  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Swap garlic powder with dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Add crumbled feta cheese on top after baking for a zesty Greek-inspired flavor.
  • Spicy Cajun Style: Replace paprika with Cajun seasoning blend. Sprinkle cayenne pepper for extra heat. Serve with a cool ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce.
  • Lemon Pepper Infusion: Brush chicken with fresh lemon juice before seasoning. Add cracked black pepper and lemon zest. Garnish with chopped parsley for brightness.
  • Honey Mustard Glaze: Mix honey and Dijon mustard. Brush chicken halfway through cooking. Create a sweet and tangy coating that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

Serving Ideas for Oven Baked Chicken Breast

  • Zesty Mediterranean Platter: Slice the golden chicken and arrange over a colorful bed of Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce for a fresh, tangy twist.
  • Quick Protein Power Bowl: Chop the chicken and toss into a quinoa bowl with roasted vegetables, a sprinkle of herbs, and a light lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for meal prep and nutrition-packed lunches.
  • Rustic Chicken Sandwich: Layer sliced chicken on crusty whole grain bread with creamy avocado, crisp lettuce, and a smear of garlic aioli. Wrap tightly for a satisfying grab-and-go meal that keeps you full.

Storing Oven Baked Chicken Breast Safely

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm refrigerated chicken in the oven at 350F (175C) for 10-15 minutes to preserve moisture and prevent drying out. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain texture.
  • Cut cooled chicken into slices or cubes and store in portioned containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick dinner additions throughout the week.

FAQs

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

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (75C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and juices running clear.

  • Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw them completely first and pat dry with paper towels. Frozen chicken will require slightly longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly and always check the internal temperature.

  • What if my chicken breasts are different sizes?

Thicker chicken breasts might need a few extra minutes of cooking. Use the meat thermometer to ensure each piece reaches the safe internal temperature of 165F (75C), regardless of size.

Reasons to Love Oven Baked Chicken Breast

  • Quick to Master: No advanced cooking skills needed, making this recipe perfect for beginners and home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
  • Flavor Explosion: Combines sweet honey with spicy Sriracha, creating a mouthwatering balance that tantalizes taste buds and keeps everyone coming back for more.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and simple cooking process mean less cleanup and more time enjoying your delicious meal with family or friends.
  • Versatile Meal: Easily adaptable to serve over rice, noodles, or with a side of roasted vegetables, making it a flexible option for different dining preferences.
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Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe


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4.7 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent oven baked chicken breast delivers juicy, tender meat with simple seasonings. Crisp exterior and flavorful profile make this classic dish a perfect weeknight dinner solution you can master with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) paprika
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to a sizzling 400F (200C), preparing a perfect environment for juicy chicken.
  2. Massage chicken breasts with olive oil, creating a silky surface for the seasoning blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to adhere.
  3. Arrange chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring even spacing for consistent cooking.
  4. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature precisely hits 165F (75C) using a meat thermometer.
  5. Remove from oven and allow chicken to rest undisturbed for 5 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness before slicing.

Notes

  • Check chicken thickness to ensure even cooking, using a meat mallet to pound breasts to uniform thickness before seasoning.
  • Try different herb blends like rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning to add variety and depth of flavor.
  • Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness and prevent overcooking, which can make chicken dry and tough.
  • For a gluten-free and low-carb option, replace traditional seasonings with alternative spice mixes that complement the chicken’s natural taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 165 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 0 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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