If you’ve been searching for that perfectly juicy and flavorful chicken dinner that feels both simple and special, this Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe is an absolute game changer. Trust me, this recipe takes basic ingredients and transforms them into a mouthwatering meal with tender, succulent chicken breasts coated in a beautiful blend of herbs and spices. The high baking temperature locks in moisture while creating a subtly crisp exterior, making it a go-to dish for weeknights or when you want to impress with minimal fuss. You’re going to love how easy it is to master, and how versatile it becomes for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting just the right balance of flavors starts with simple, quality ingredients that each play a vital role in crafting the perfect Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe. These pantry staples come together to create that irresistible aroma and taste.
- Chicken breasts: The star of the dish, preferably boneless and skinless for quick cooking and even seasoning.
- Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the spices stick evenly, also contributing a lovely, subtle richness.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with savory depth without overpowering the natural flavor.
- Paprika: Offers a warm, smoky hint and enhances the chicken’s color beautifully.
- Onion powder: Brings a mild, sweet aroma that complements garlic perfectly.
- Thyme: Adds an earthy, herbal note that lifts the dish and gives it a fresh personality.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the natural chicken flavors.
- Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and balances the seasoning for a well-rounded taste.
How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 425°F. This high temperature is key to cooking the chicken quickly while locking in juices, making the inside tender and the outside perfectly golden.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness is optional but highly recommended—it ensures they cook uniformly and remain juicy throughout. No more dry edges or undercooked centers!
Step 3: Season Generously
Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil to keep them moist and help the spice blend adhere. Then, sprinkle on garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Make sure every inch gets a good coating for a full-flavored bite in every mouthful.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for 18 to 22 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end—the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F when done, indicating juicy, safe-to-eat perfection.
Step 5: Rest Before Slicing
Taking a few minutes to let the chicken rest once out of the oven allows the juices to redistribute evenly, preventing dryness and ensuring each slice stays moist and flavorful.
How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or chopped thyme sprinkled on top add a pop of color and an herbal brightness that complements the spices baked into the chicken. A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving also brightens the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Think roasted vegetables, fluffy rice, or a crisp green salad. Even buttery mashed potatoes or quinoa can turn the meal into a comforting feast everyone will adore.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the chicken thinly and serve it over a bed of mixed greens for a light lunch, or cube it for a hearty pasta salad or grain bowl. You can even shred leftovers to top tacos or stir into a creamy sauce for something entirely new.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps preserve their moisture and flavor, making them perfect for quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
If you have extra chicken, wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen chicken breasts stay good for up to 3 months, ready to thaw out when you need an easy protein option.
Reheating
To reheat without drying out the chicken, warm it gently in the oven at 300°F covered with foil, or use a microwave with a damp paper towel over the top. This helps retain moisture and keeps the chicken tender and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe?
Bone-in chicken breasts can be used but will require a longer cooking time. The bones add flavor but slightly change the texture and timing, so make sure to check the internal temperature carefully.
What if I don’t have all the spices listed?
The spice blend is flexible! You can omit or substitute spices like thyme with rosemary or oregano, and adjust paprika based on your preference. Olive oil and salt are the most essential for moisture and seasoning.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to ensure your chicken is done is using a meat thermometer—165°F internal temperature guarantees safe, juicy chicken. If you don’t have one, slice into the thickest part to check that juices run clear and there’s no pink meat.
Can I marinate the chicken before baking?
Absolutely! Marinating the breasts for 30 minutes to a few hours can add even more flavor and tenderness. Just adjust salt levels accordingly if your marinade contains salty ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe is fantastic for meal prep. Cook in advance, store as directed, and you’ll have a versatile protein ready to go for lunches or busy dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes that feels effortless but delivers incredible flavor every single time. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, it’s a perfect way to enjoy juicy, delicious chicken without a lot of fuss. Once you taste it, I’m sure it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation, just like it has in mine!
Print
Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and healthy recipe for oven-baked chicken breasts, seasoned with olive oil and a blend of garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Perfectly cooked to be juicy and flavorful, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure a hot environment for baking the chicken breasts evenly and quickly.
- Prepare Chicken: Optionally, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking and to prevent dryness.
- Season Chicken: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts, then evenly sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper on both sides, rubbing the spices in for full flavor coating.
- Bake: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet or in a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and moist chicken.
Notes
- For best results, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Chicken breasts can vary in size, so adjust baking time accordingly.
- You can add fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for extra flavor.
- Resting the chicken before slicing is essential to retain moisture.
- Serve with your favorite side dishes such as roasted vegetables or salad.
