Name: Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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There’s just something magical about a perfectly cooked Oven Baked Chicken Breast: juicy, flavorful, and golden on the outside, tender and mouthwatering on the inside. This recipe has been my go-to for busy weeknights and meal prepping alike. Not only is it reliable and simple, but it also gives you chicken that’s never dry and always bursting with flavor thanks to a blend of pantry spices. Serve it straight from the oven or slice it up for salads and sandwiches—the versatility truly makes this dish a must-have in your dinner rotation.

Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Oven Baked Chicken Breast recipe earns its place at the table. Each spice and seasoning layers on more flavor, while the olive oil ensures juiciness and helps that glorious golden color develop in the oven. You don’t need a long list—just the right few.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless for maximum tenderness and fast cooking; pounding them to an even thickness is the secret to perfect doneness.
Olive Oil: Adds moisture and richness, helping the seasonings adhere and locking in flavor.
Garlic Powder: Delivers a deep, almost sweet garlic flavor without overpowering the chicken.
Paprika: This gives your chicken its appetizing color and a subtle smokiness.
Onion Powder: Boosts savory notes, balancing the other spices perfectly.
Dried Thyme: Lifts the flavor profile with just the right amount of earthiness and freshness.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together and ensuring every bite is seasoned just right.
Black Pepper: Adds a mild kick and helps emphasize the savory side of the dish.
Fresh Parsley (optional): For a fresh, bright burst of flavor and a pop of color when serving.

How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Breast

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Chicken

Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C), which is the sweet spot for a beautifully juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breast with a golden crust. While the oven is warming, pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This small step is key to achieving that lovely caramelization. Place the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound it out to an even thickness; uniform pieces mean everything bakes at the same pace, so you never end up with dry edges or raw centers.

Step 2: Season Thoroughly

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together into a fragrant paste. Rub this seasoning blend generously over both sides of each chicken breast. Don’t be shy here—the more thorough you are, the more flavorful your final Oven Baked Chicken Breast will be! The oil not only keeps things moist but also helps the spices cling beautifully.

Step 3: Arrange and Bake

Lay the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish or spread them out on a foil-lined baking sheet. Make sure there’s a little space between each piece so the heat can circulate and the chicken roasts, rather than steams. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes. The aroma in your kitchen will be the first sign you’re about to enjoy something special!

Step 4: Rest Before Serving

When the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), it’s ready to come out. Resist the urge to slice right away—let it rest, tented loosely with foil, for about 5 minutes. This makes a world of difference, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensuring every Oven Baked Chicken Breast is tender and succulent from edge to center.

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy

Transfer the chicken to plates or a serving platter, then sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a splash of color and extra flavor. Now, whether you serve it as-is or slice it for another recipe, you’ve got the kind of chicken breast everyone raves about.

How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Breast

Garnishes

A finishing touch can elevate your Oven Baked Chicken Breast from everyday fare to a restaurant-worthy meal. Try a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for herby brightness, a scattering of lemon zest for sunshiney citrus notes, or even a light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil to add richness and sheen. For a spicier kick, a dash of chili flakes is fantastic!

Side Dishes

This chicken plays well with just about anything on your dinner table. For a fresh, light meal, pair it with a simple green salad or roasted seasonal veggies. Buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or quinoa make excellent, comforting partners. The versatility of Oven Baked Chicken Breast means it’ll happily sit beside your favorite pasta salad, grilled corn, or even garlic bread.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t feel limited to plating whole chicken breasts! Slice them thin for a gorgeous protein topper on Caesar salads or grain bowls, or layer into wraps and sandwiches for a satisfying lunch. Oven Baked Chicken Breast also shines sliced in tacos or diced and tossed into creamy pastas for an elegant twist. The possibilities are pretty much endless.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Oven Baked Chicken Breast keeps beautifully in the fridge. Once completely cooled, store slices or whole breasts in an airtight container for up to four days. Keeping them tightly sealed helps prevent dryness and maintains the flavors, making weeknight meals and salads a breeze.

Freezing

If you want to batch-cook or save chicken breasts for later, this recipe freezes like a dream. Simply let cooked pieces cool, then wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and taste.

Reheating

To keep your chicken juicy when reheating, use a gentle method. Warm slices or whole breasts in the oven at 300°F, covered with foil, until heated through—about 10–15 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, covered with a damp paper towel. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to restore moisture.

FAQs

How do I keep Oven Baked Chicken Breast from drying out?

The best way to ensure juicy chicken breasts is to use even thickness (thanks to pounding), bake at high heat (425°F), and avoid overcooking. Letting the chicken rest after baking is equally important—it lets those flavorful juices settle back into the meat.

Can I use bone-in or skin-on chicken breasts instead?

Absolutely! Just be aware that bone-in, skin-on pieces will take a bit longer to cook—up to 10 minutes more, depending on size. The skin will add extra crispness, and you may want to increase your seasoning to coat the extra surface.

Is it necessary to brine the chicken?

Brining isn’t required, but if you have time, a quick soak in salt water for 30 minutes truly amps up the juiciness and flavor of your Oven Baked Chicken Breast. Even a brief brine can make a good chicken breast great.

Can I adjust the spices in this recipe?

Of course! Feel free to mix and match the spice blend. Swap in dried oregano or basil for thyme, add a pinch of cayenne for heat, or brighten things up with lemon zest. This recipe is endlessly adaptable to your taste preferences.

What if my chicken breasts are smaller or larger than average?

If your chicken breasts are on the smaller side, start checking for doneness around 15 minutes. Larger breasts may need up to 25 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer—165°F is your guarantee of safe and succulent chicken.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve made this Oven Baked Chicken Breast recipe, you’ll see just how easy it is to whip up a main dish that’s as juicy as it is crave-worthy. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping lunches for the week, this kitchen staple never disappoints. Give it a try and watch it become a weeknight favorite in your household!

Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.5 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This delicious oven-baked chicken breast recipe is a foolproof way to achieve tender, juicy chicken every time. With a flavorful seasoning blend and simple cooking method, this dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

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Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and pound them to an even thickness.
Season Chicken: Mix olive oil with spices and rub over chicken.
Bake: Place chicken in a baking dish and bake for 18-20 minutes.
Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest before slicing and garnish with parsley.