Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe: Simple, Juicy, and Perfectly Cooked

Baking chicken breasts in the oven is one of the easiest and healthiest ways to prepare this lean protein. If you’re tired of dry, bland chicken, you’re in the right place! Oven Baked Chicken Breast is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe will help you achieve perfectly cooked chicken breasts every time.

With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a flavorful, juicy chicken breast that’s perfect for pairing with vegetables, salads, or grains. Let’s dive into how you can make the best oven-baked chicken breasts that are always tender and delicious.

Why Oven Baked Chicken Breasts Are So Special

Oven baking chicken breasts allows you to cook them evenly, ensuring that they stay juicy and tender. The method is also very hands-off, meaning you can pop the chicken in the oven and focus on preparing your sides or other parts of your meal. Unlike stovetop cooking, where the chicken can dry out from overcooking or uneven heat, baking ensures consistent results with less risk of drying out the meat.

The key to juicy, flavorful oven-baked chicken breasts is proper seasoning and the right cooking technique. When done right, baked chicken breasts are moist, tender, and delicious without being greasy.

Key Ingredients for Oven Baked Chicken Breast

Making Oven Baked Chicken Breast requires just a few basic ingredients, but with the right seasonings, you’ll end up with a juicy, flavorful chicken breast. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients for Oven Baked Chicken Breast (Serves 4)

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Breast

Making Oven Baked Chicken Breast is quick and easy. Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken breasts every time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Oven Baked Chicken Breast

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat ensures that the chicken cooks quickly and evenly, resulting in a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.

2. Prepare the Chicken Breasts:

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Drying the chicken helps the seasoning stick and ensures a crispy exterior.

3. Season the Chicken:

Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken breasts, making sure they’re evenly coated. Then, sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper evenly over both sides of the chicken. Rub the seasoning into the chicken with your hands to ensure it’s well-coated.

4. Bake the Chicken:

Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a rimmed baking sheet or in a baking dish. If you have a rack, you can use it to elevate the chicken, which helps the heat circulate evenly around the meat. Bake for 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink.

5. Let the Chicken Rest:

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Slice the chicken breasts against the grain and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple salad.

Serving Suggestions for Oven Baked Chicken Breast

Oven Baked Chicken Breast is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of sides. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside:

What to Serve with Oven Baked Chicken Breast

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts make for a perfect, healthy side dish to complement the chicken.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or sweet potato mash pairs wonderfully with the tender chicken for a comforting meal.
• Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance to the richness of the chicken.
• Rice or Quinoa: Serve the chicken on a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a filling, satisfying meal.
• Pasta: Pair the chicken with a simple pasta dish, like garlic butter pasta or a light pesto pasta, for an Italian-inspired meal.

Wine Pairing for Oven Baked Chicken Breast

A light white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with oven-baked chicken. These wines are crisp and refreshing, which complements the savory flavors of the chicken. If you prefer red wine, a light Pinot Noir works well with this dish.

Tips for Perfect Oven Baked Chicken Breast

• Don’t Overcook: The most common mistake when baking chicken breasts is overcooking. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Overcooking can cause the chicken to become dry.
• Use Bone-In Chicken for More Flavor: If you prefer bone-in chicken, this recipe can also be adapted for bone-in, skin-on breasts. Just be aware that bone-in chicken may take a few extra minutes to cook.
• Pound the Chicken: If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, consider pounding them to an even thickness before baking. This ensures they cook evenly and avoid dry spots.
• Add a Marinade: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for 30 minutes to a few hours before baking.
• Rest the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest after baking is key to keeping it juicy. Don’t skip this step!

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FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! You can use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. If using bone-in thighs, you may need to adjust the cooking time to 35-40 minutes.

2. Can I bake the chicken at a lower temperature?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at a lower temperature (like 350°F or 180°C), but it will take longer to cook. Be sure to check the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.

3. Can I bake frozen chicken breasts?

It’s best to thaw chicken breasts before baking for even cooking. If you’re in a pinch, you can bake chicken breasts from frozen, but it will take about 50-60 minutes to cook through. Be sure to check the internal temperature before serving.

4. How do I store leftover oven-baked chicken breast?

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

5. Can I add spices or seasonings to the chicken?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste. You can add Italian seasoning, paprika, lemon zest, or even a little cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

6. How do I know when the chicken is done?

The best way to check if the chicken is done is by using a meat thermometer. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The juices should also run clear.

7. Can I make these chicken breasts ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes before serving.

8. Can I add cheese on top of the chicken?

Yes! If you want to add a cheesy topping, you can sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking. Let it melt for a gooey finish.

9. Why is my chicken dry?

Overcooking is the most common cause of dry chicken. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked but not overdone. Letting the chicken rest after baking also helps retain moisture.

10. Can I cook the chicken on a sheet pan with vegetables?

Yes! You can place vegetables (like potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers) on the same sheet pan with the chicken. Just make sure to chop the vegetables into even sizes, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.