Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe – So Tender Every Time

Crispy and juicy chicken breast with an oven-baked technique promises a delightful meal that will make you hungry instantly.

Seasoned herbs and a perfect golden crust await your culinary adventure.

Salt and pepper form the foundation of this simple yet mouthwatering dish.

Mediterranean-inspired spices can elevate the flavor profile with minimal effort.

Each bite delivers tender meat that melts in your mouth, creating a memorable dining experience.

Cooking skills matter less than following these straightforward steps carefully.

You’ll impress everyone at the table with this effortless and delicious chicken recipe that takes less than an hour to prepare.

Oven Baked Chicken Breast That’s Juicy

• Boost Flavor Fast: Quickly transform plain chicken into a mouthwatering meal with a simple blend of spices that pack a punch of deliciousness.
• Master Healthy Cooking: Learn an incredibly simple technique to prepare protein-packed chicken without added fats, perfect for anyone watching their diet or wanting nutritious meals.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Using parchment paper means zero messy baking dishes, making this recipe a dream for busy home cooks who hate scrubbing pans.
• Versatile Meal Prep Star: Perfectly cooked chicken breasts can be sliced and added to salads, sandwiches, wraps, or enjoyed straight from the oven, making meal planning a breeze.

Ingredients for Oven Baked Chicken Breast

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the primary protein source for this recipe.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices that enhances the flavor and creates a delicious, well-seasoned coating for the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Helps to keep the chicken moist and promotes even browning of the exterior.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents the chicken from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup easier.

How to Oven Bake Chicken Breast Perfectly

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400F (200C) and get ready for some seriously delicious chicken.

Step 2: Flatten The Protein

Grab a meat mallet or rolling pin and gently pound those chicken breasts until they’re an even thickness.

This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay super juicy.

Step 3: Oil The Chicken

Drizzle olive oil over each side of the chicken breasts, making sure every inch gets a nice slick coating.

Step 4: Create Flavor Explosion

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

Sprinkle this magical seasoning blend generously over both sides of the chicken.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Surface

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

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the chicken into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when a meat thermometer reads 165F (74C) in the thickest part.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Let the chicken take a quick 5-minute break before slicing.

This helps lock in all those delicious juices.

Slice and serve hot!

Tips for Tender Oven Baked Chicken Breast

• Pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness for consistent cooking and preventing dry edges.
• Generously coat chicken with olive oil before sprinkling seasonings to help spices adhere and create a delicious crust.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165F for safe, juicy chicken every time.
• Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes after baking, which helps redistribute juices and keeps meat tender.
• Avoid overcooking by monitoring cooking time and checking internal temperature early to maintain moisture.

Variations on Oven Baked Chicken Breast

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace basic seasonings with dried oregano, basil, thyme, and lemon zest for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken: Swap standard spices with Cajun seasoning blend, adding cayenne pepper for extra heat and bold Louisianan taste.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use fresh herbs like rosemary and sage instead of salt, replacing sodium with natural herb-based seasonings for heart-healthy preparation.
• Gluten-Free Herb Chicken: Confirm all spices are certified gluten-free, ensuring safe consumption for individuals with gluten sensitivities while maintaining original cooking method.

Serving Oven Baked Chicken Breast Ideas

• Quick Weeknight Dinner Companion: Serve alongside steamed rice or quinoa for a complete protein-packed meal that feels comforting and satisfying.
• Mediterranean Twist Platter: Slice the chicken and arrange over a fresh Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil for a light, zesty experience.
• Hearty Sandwich Transformation: Shred the cooled chicken and create delicious sandwiches with crisp lettuce, tangy mustard, and sliced avocado on whole grain bread for a lunch upgrade.
• Family-Style Meal Builder: Pair with roasted seasonal vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus to add color, nutrition, and variety to the plate for everyone to enjoy.

Storing Oven Baked Chicken Breast Safely

• Place cooled chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and preserve flavor.
• Wrap individual chicken breasts in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Spread chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw them completely first and pat dry with paper towels to ensure even cooking and prevent excess moisture.

• How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked without a meat thermometer?

Check the chicken’s color – it should be white throughout with no pink areas, and juices should run clear when you cut into the thickest part.

• What if my chicken breasts are different sizes?

Pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.

• Can I substitute the spices with something else?

You can use Italian seasoning, herbs de Provence, or cajun seasoning for different flavor profiles while maintaining a similar dry rub technique.

Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Succulent oven baked chicken breast delivers Mediterranean-inspired comfort with simple, elegant ingredients. Juicy, herb-infused meat promises a delightful meal that welcomes you to savor each perfectly seasoned bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Liquid:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Calibrate the oven temperature to a sizzling 400F (200C), ensuring an ideal cooking environment for succulent chicken.
2. Transform chicken breasts into uniform thickness by gently pounding with a meat mallet, promoting even cooking and tender texture.
3. Massage each chicken surface with a light coating of olive oil, creating a protective moisture barrier and enhancing flavor absorption.
4. Craft a robust seasoning blend by combining garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, then generously dust the chicken with this aromatic mixture.
5. Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts strategically on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing space between pieces for optimal heat circulation.
6. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature precisely hits 165F (74C) – the safety threshold for perfectly cooked poultry.
7. After removing from the oven, allow the chicken to rest undisturbed for 5 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Achieve uniform cooking by pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness, ensuring no dry or undercooked spots.
• Prevent sticking and enhance flavor by generously coating chicken with olive oil before adding seasonings.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken without risking dryness or potential foodborne illness.
• Transform this basic recipe into a versatile dish by experimenting with different herb and spice combinations like Italian seasoning, herbs de Provence, or southwest-style blends.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 165
• Sodium: 1164 mg
• Fat: 7
• Saturated Fat: 1
• Unsaturated Fat: 6
• Protein: 31
• Cholesterol: 85