Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick, dependable, and brimming with bold flavor, this Oven Baked Chicken Breast is about to become your new go-to recipe. Perfectly seasoned with a blend of fragrant spices and just the right touch of olive oil, it’s everything you want in a weeknight dinner: tender, juicy, and foolproof. I love that you can whip this up with just a few pantry staples and end up with chicken that’s anything but boring — this is truly the ultimate way to bring oven baked chicken breast to life!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of oven baked chicken breast lies in its simplicity — each ingredient has a clear purpose, whether it’s adding moisture, lending flavor, or giving your chicken its appetizing golden hue. Here’s what you’ll need for unforgettable results:
- Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick, even cooking and lean protein.
- Olive Oil: This helps the seasoning stick and keeps the chicken moist during baking.
- Garlic Powder: Brings in savory depth and a gentle aromatic kick without the fuss of chopping fresh garlic.
- Onion Powder: Adds mild sweetness and rounds out the seasoning blend beautifully.
- Paprika: Gives your chicken subtle smokiness and that picture-perfect golden color.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the chicken with Mediterranean flair.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing flavor and tenderizing the meat.
- Black Pepper: Adds a bit of gentle heat and harmonizes all the other spices.
How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Breast
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This higher temperature helps lock in juiciness and gives the chicken a quick, even roast. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light coat of oil so cleanup is effortless and the chicken lifts right off.
Step 2: Dry and Arrange Chicken
Pat each chicken breast dry with paper towels — it may sound minor, but this step is a secret weapon for crisp edges and better browning. Set the chicken breasts on your prepared baking sheet, arranging them with a little space in between so they can roast, not steam.
Step 3: Mix the Seasonings
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until you have a fragrant, brick-red paste. This spices mixture is magic for oven baked chicken breast — it creates a deliciously flavorful crust and keeps the meat moist.
Step 4: Season Generously
Rub the seasoning blend over both sides of each chicken breast, making sure every nook is coated. Don’t be shy — this step not only packs flavor into every bite, but also locks in the juices.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven and roast the chicken for 18 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the breasts. Your goal: an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Trust your thermometer — it guarantees perfectly cooked oven baked chicken breast every time.
Step 6: Rest, Slice, and Serve
Once baked, let the chicken rest for a full 5 minutes before slicing. Resting is crucial; it lets the juices redistribute so every bite is as moist as the last. Slice, serve, and get ready to savor something truly special.
How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Breast
Garnishes
Dress up your oven baked chicken breast by scattering on a handful of freshly chopped herbs — parsley, basil, or chives add freshness and vibrant color. For a zesty finish, a squeeze of lemon over the top wakes up all those savory flavors and adds a sunny brightness to your plate.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs well with just about everything! Pile it next to creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, herby rice, or a crisp green salad. For a low-carb twist, try it with cauliflower mash or sautéed asparagus — the possibilities are endless, and every side brings out a different note in your flavorful oven baked chicken breast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your friends or family, slice the chicken breasts and fan them out over a platter with touches of color — roasted bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or steamed green beans look stunning. Or, dice the chicken for use in meal-prep salads, wraps, and grain bowls throughout the week. There’s really no wrong way to show off this kitchen superstar.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, pack your leftover oven baked chicken breast into airtight containers and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay juicy and flavorful for up to 4 days, making lunches and snacks so much easier during busy weeks.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, these chicken breasts freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in parchment or plastic wrap, then seal in a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months — perfect for last-minute dinners when you need a hearty protein on hand.
Reheating
To keep the chicken moist when reheating, gently warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C), covered with foil for about 10-15 minutes. Or pop slices in a covered pan with a splash of broth or water to retain the tenderness. Microwaving on low also works for quick lunches, though oven reheating brings the best texture.
FAQs
How can I ensure my oven baked chicken breast stays juicy and tender?
Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness, drying them before seasoning, and letting them rest after baking are the keys to juicy, never-dry results. Using a meat thermometer for perfect doneness is another game-changer.
Can I use other seasonings or spices?
Absolutely! The spice blend is super flexible. Try adding cayenne for heat, swapping Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, or mixing in lemon zest for a bit of zing. Oven baked chicken breast loves a creative spin with herbs and spices.
What’s the best way to slice chicken breasts for serving?
Let the chicken rest, then slice it across the grain into even pieces. This breaks up tougher muscle fibers and ensures every bite is wonderfully tender.
Can I prep the chicken breast ahead of time?
Definitely. You can rub the seasoning on up to a day ahead and refrigerate the chicken breasts, covered, until ready to bake. This extra marinating time actually enhances the flavor and makes dinnertime even easier.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Everything in this oven baked chicken breast recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s safe to enjoy if you’re avoiding gluten or cooking for someone with a gluten sensitivity.
Final Thoughts
If ever there was a dinner to put on repeat, this Oven Baked Chicken Breast is it. Simple, stress-free, and spectacularly flavorful, it’s a recipe I come back to again and again — and I know you will, too! Give it a try and see how deliciously easy weeknight cooking can be.
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Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful recipe for oven-baked chicken breasts that are juicy and tender. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Mix seasoning: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Season the chicken: Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and serve: Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve.
Notes
- For extra juiciness, pound the chicken breasts to even thickness before seasoning.
- Letting the chicken rest after baking helps retain its juices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
