Craving chicken that's perfectly juicy on the inside, golden and flavorful on the outside? Look no furtherâ€"this Oven Baked Chicken Breast is here to rescue your weeknights!
It's an absolute classic: tender, succulent chicken seasoned to perfection, finished in the oven for effortless prep and zero guesswork. The flavors are bright, herby, and savory, while every bite stays delightfully moist thanks to my foolproof method.
Whether you want a hearty family dinner, healthy meal-prep protein, or a crowd-pleasing dish to serve with your favorite sides, this recipe always delivers. It's truly easyâ€"just season, bake, and enjoy homemade chicken breast that's better than any restaurant.
Inspired by my quest for the ultimate quick, delicious, and reliable chicken breast, this recipe is one you'll turn to again and again!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously juicy every timeâ€"no more dry chicken!
- Quick and simple, with pantry seasoning and minimal prep.
- Versatile: enjoy as a main, in salads, sandwiches, or wraps.
- Healthy, gluten-free, and perfect for meal prep.
Key Ingredients for Oven Baked Chicken Breast
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.Chicken Breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here, delivering lean protein and a tender bite. For best results, make sure to choose breasts of similar size and pound them to even thickness, which helps them cook uniformly and prevents dryness. You can substitute boneless, skinless thighs for a juicier, richer variationâ€"the cook time may need a few extra minutes. If using frozen chicken, thaw fully for even cooking.
Olive Oil
Olive oil not only locks in moisture but also helps the seasoning cling beautifully to the chicken, creating a flavorful crust. Use extra-virgin olive oil for the richest taste, but any mild vegetable oil works in a pinch. You could try melted butter for a creamier flavor, but it will add richness.
Smoked Paprika
Paprika adds gorgeous color and a smoky, savory note that sets this recipe apart. Use smoked or sweet paprika according to your taste. If you don’t have paprika, chili powder or a dash of cumin can be substituted for a twist.
Garlic Powder
This pantry staple gives the chicken its crave-worthy depth without any chopping. If you prefer fresh garlic, finely mince one large clove and mix it with the oil and seasonings, but garlic powder will coat more evenly.
Dried Italian Herbs
A blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme brings bright, Mediterranean flavor. You can mix your own or use a store-bought Italian seasoning blend. No Italian seasoning? Just stick to your favorite dried herbs, or try fresh chopped herbs for a burst of freshnessâ€"add those after baking!
Instructions for Oven Baked Chicken Breast
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.Preheat the Oven
Crank your oven up to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is the key to that beautiful, golden exterior and juicy interior. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Prep the Chicken Breasts
If your chicken breasts are thick on one end, cover them with plastic wrap and gently pound to even thicknessâ€"about ¾ inch is perfect. This ensures even cooking. Pat chicken dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick.
Mix and Rub the Seasoning
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Brush or rub this mixture generously over both sides of each chicken breast. Make sure every bit gets coated for maximum flavor. Arrange the chicken on your prepared baking sheet.
Bake to Juicy Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the thickest part of the chicken registers 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer. Cooking time can vary depending on breast size. Don’t overbakeâ€"juicy chicken is the goal!
Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps those juices redistribute for the ultimate tenderness. Slice and serve with lemon wedges and fresh parsley if you like an extra pop of flavor.
Recipe Variations
Add a Spicy Kick
Love heat? Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the seasoning mix. This adds a subtle warmth and extra depth to every bite.
Herb-Lemon Twist
Mix fresh chopped rosemary or thyme into the seasoning and zest half a lemon over the chicken before baking. The citrus and fresh herbs give a bright, zesty lift.
Cheesy Topping
Top each chicken breast with a slice of mozzarella or provolone cheese during the last 3 minutes of baking. Let it melt and bubble for a comforting, cheesy spin.
Gluten-Free and Paleo Option
The recipe is naturally gluten-free and paleo as written! Just double-check your spices to make sure there’s no hidden gluten in the blends you use.
Meal Prep-Friendly
Double the batch and slice the baked chicken for salads, grain bowls, or wraps throughout the week. The flavor stays fresh and delicious for days.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Oven Baked Chicken Breast with roasted vegetables, fluffy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal. For extra flavor, drizzle with the pan juices or a squeeze of fresh lemon. Add a side of garlic bread or herbed rice to round out the feast. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a stunning finish!
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place slices in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of broth or water, then cover loosely and warm gently in the microwave or oven until heated through. For longer storage, freeze cooked, cooled chicken breasts tightly wrapped for up to 2 monthsâ€"thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oven Baked Chicken Breast (FAQ)
Q: How do I keep my baked chicken breast from drying out?A: Pound the chicken to even thickness, bake at high heat, and don’t overcookâ€"remove it as soon as it hits 165°F. Letting it rest before slicing keeps it extra juicy.
Q: Can I bake chicken from frozen?A: It’s best to thaw chicken completely before baking for even cooking. Baking from frozen may lead to uneven texture and overdone edges.
Q: What other seasonings can I use?A: Feel free to experiment with taco seasoning, Cajun spice, lemon pepper, or your favorite spice blends to match the meal or your mood!
Ready to fall in love with chicken breast again? This recipe is simple, healthy, and guaranteed to make your weeknight dinners a breeze. Give it a try, then let me know your thoughts in the comments and don’t forget to rate the recipe if you love it!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges and chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
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2Pound chicken breasts to an even ¾-inch thickness and pat dry.
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3In a small bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
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4Rub the seasoning mixture all over both sides of each chicken breast.
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5Arrange chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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6Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with lemon wedges and parsley, if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
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