Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
If you’re searching for an easy, wholesome meal that never fails to impress, Oven Baked Chicken Breast is your new weeknight hero. Imagine perfectly seasoned, golden-skinned chicken that’s juicy with every bite, effortlessly taking center stage on your dinner table. You’ll love how quick and versatile this dish is — whether it’s taking the starring role on a weeknight or boosting your meal prep rotation. With a handful of pantry spices and a few minutes of prep, you’ll be serving up Oven Baked Chicken Breast that’s anything but ordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Oven Baked Chicken Breast recipe lies in its simplicity — each ingredient brings something special to the table, from bold flavor to a succulent texture. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a quick tip for each to ensure your chicken turns out flawless every time:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts form the heart of the dish, offering lean protein that stays juicy when baked properly.
- Olive Oil: This adds rich flavor and helps keep the chicken moist as it bakes.
- Garlic Powder: Provides an aromatic kick without the need to mince fresh garlic.
- Onion Powder: Adds a mellow sweetness that deepens the overall flavor profile.
- Paprika: Brings a hint of smokiness and gives the chicken its gorgeous color.
- Dried Thyme (or Italian Seasoning): Lends an herby note that brightens every bite; swap in Italian seasoning for a more Mediterranean flair.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors — don’t skimp, but season to taste!
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle, peppery heat that balances the spices beautifully.
How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Breast
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken Breasts
Before anything else, set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to let it preheat — high heat means a nicely browned, juicy chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease it. If your chicken breasts are especially thick on one end, pound them to an even thickness with a mallet or rolling pin; this quick trick helps everything cook at the same rate, so you’ll never bite into a dry or undercooked spot.
Step 2: Mix Up the Seasoning
Grab a small bowl and whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme (or Italian seasoning), salt, and black pepper. This is your flavor powerhouse. Rubbing the oil-based blend all over the chicken not only delivers big taste in every bite but also helps lock in the juices while the Oven Baked Chicken Breast cooks. Be generous and make sure both sides are well coated!
Step 3: Bake to Juicy Perfection
Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on your prepared baking sheet, then slide them into your preheated oven. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part (this is your key to avoiding overcooked chicken!). Let them rest for five minutes before serving; this simple pause helps all those delicious juices settle back into the meat for fork-tender results.
How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Breast
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or even a sprinkle of chives can truly make Oven Baked Chicken Breast pop with color and flavor. For an extra burst, try a squeeze of lemon over the sliced chicken — it brightens up the entire dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish loves company! Pair your Oven Baked Chicken Breast with fluffy mashed potatoes, vibrant steamed vegetables, or a crisp green salad to turn it into a complete meal. Roasted sweet potatoes or quinoa are also fantastic, healthy partners.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to take things up a notch, slice the chicken breasts and fan them out over a bed of rice pilaf or serve them atop a hearty grain bowl. You can also dice up leftovers and use them for wraps, salads, or even a savory chicken sandwich the next day — versatility at its best!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To save any leftover Oven Baked Chicken Breast, let the pieces cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to four days. Slice or dice before storing for easy grab-and-go salads, sandwiches, or wraps.
Freezing
Want to meal prep ahead? Cool the cooked chicken breasts thoroughly, then wrap each tightly in plastic wrap or place in freezer-safe bags. They’ll stay fresh for about three months, ready for a quick, protein-packed meal whenever you need it.
Reheating
For the juiciest results, gently reheat Oven Baked Chicken Breast in a 300°F (150°C) oven, covered with foil to trap moisture, until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, microwave in short bursts, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
FAQs
How do I keep Oven Baked Chicken Breast from drying out?
The secret is even thickness and not overbaking. Pounding the chicken and using a quick, hot bake prevents dryness, while letting it rest after baking keeps every piece juicy.
Can I use different seasonings or marinades?
Absolutely! This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Try swapping in smoked paprika, cumin, or your favorite spice blend — or marinate the chicken for up to two hours to infuse deeper flavors.
Is this recipe healthy for meal prep?
Definitely! Oven Baked Chicken Breast is naturally lean, gluten-free, and low-carb, making it perfect for balanced lunches or dinners all week long. Add your choice of veggie or grain sides for variety.
Do I need to cover the chicken while baking?
No need — baking uncovered at a high temperature allows the chicken to brown nicely and develop those tempting, slightly crisp edges. Just keep an eye on the clock so it stays tender inside.
What’s the best way to slice Oven Baked Chicken Breast?
For tender results, let the chicken rest, then slice it against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers, ensuring every bite is mouthwateringly tender and easy to eat.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope Oven Baked Chicken Breast becomes a mainstay in your kitchen like it has in mine. It’s quick, reliable, and full of flavor — ideal for busy nights or easy lunches. Give this recipe a try, and let the aroma of perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken make dinnertime extra special!
Print
Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious and juicy oven-baked chicken breasts with this easy recipe. Seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, these chicken breasts are perfect for a quick and healthy dinner.
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
- ÂĽ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Season Chicken: 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: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.
Notes
- Pounding chicken breasts to even thickness ensures even cooking.
- For juicier results, marinate chicken 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
