Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

Looking for a healthy, easy, and absolutely delicious way to cook chicken? This Oven Baked Chicken Breast recipe is your answer! It's the perfect solution for juicy, tender chicken breasts that are seasoned to perfection. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a quick dinner, this recipe will become your go-to. Best of all, it’s simple to make and delivers consistently great results every time. Read on to discover how to make the best oven-baked chicken breasts that are moist, flavorful, and never dry.

this Recipe

What is Oven Baked Chicken Breast?

Oven Baked Chicken Breast is a simple yet flavorful way to cook chicken that results in perfectly juicy meat every time. The chicken breasts are seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, then baked in the oven at the perfect temperature to retain moisture and develop a beautiful golden crust. Baking chicken breasts in the oven is a healthy and convenient cooking method, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping ahead of time.

Ingredients List for Oven Baked Chicken Breast

Let’s start by gathering the ingredients you’ll need to make these perfectly seasoned and juicy chicken breasts.

Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
• 2 tablespoon olive oil (or melted butter for a richer flavor)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (for color and flavor)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for an added smoky flavor)
• Lemon slices (optional, for serving)
• Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is versatile and can easily be customized to suit your preferences or what you have available in your pantry. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:

• Spice Variations: You can switch up the seasoning based on your taste. For example, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat, or use lemon pepper seasoning for a citrusy twist.
• Marinade: If you have a bit more time, you can marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for 30 minutes to add extra moisture and flavor.
• Butter Instead of Oil: For a richer flavor, substitute melted butter for the olive oil when coating the chicken.
• Herb Options: Experiment with fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil for different flavor profiles.
• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They’ll require a slightly longer cooking time due to their higher fat content.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide on how to bake juicy, tender chicken breasts that are perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection every time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the ideal temperature to cook the chicken breasts evenly while locking in moisture and creating a golden-brown crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

If your chicken breasts are thick and uneven, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness (about ¾ inch thick). This ensures that the chicken will cook evenly without drying out.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and rub it all over to coat. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing it into the meat to ensure it sticks.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet. Make sure there is space between each breast for even cooking. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken should read 165°F (75°C) when it’s fully cooked.

Step 5: Let the Chicken Rest

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and cover it loosely with foil. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

After resting, slice the chicken breasts and garnish with fresh parsley, thyme, or a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve hot alongside your favorite side dishes.

How to Cook Oven Baked Chicken Breast: A Step-by-Step Guide

To summarize:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
3. Season the chicken with a blend of olive oil and spices.
4. Bake the chicken for 18-22 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Rest the chicken for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon juice, and serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Although baking chicken breasts is simple, there are a few common mistakes that can lead to dry or flavorless chicken. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Not pounding the chicken: If the chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, the thinner parts will overcook before the thicker parts are fully cooked, leading to dry chicken. Always pound the breasts to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
• Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, and remove the chicken from the oven when it reaches 165°F (75°C). Don’t rely solely on visual cues!
• Skipping the resting time: Resting the chicken is crucial for retaining moisture. Cutting into the chicken right away will cause the juices to run out, leaving you with dry meat.
• Not seasoning enough: Don’t skimp on the seasoning! Chicken breasts can be bland if not seasoned properly. Make sure to coat them thoroughly with spices for maximum flavor.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Now that your Oven Baked Chicken Breasts are perfectly cooked, it’s time to think about how to serve and present them. Whether you’re serving a family dinner or hosting guests, these tips will help you elevate the dish.

How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Breast

• With Vegetables: Pair the chicken with roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans for a balanced meal.
• With Grains: Serve the chicken alongside quinoa, brown rice, or couscous for a hearty meal. The grains can soak up any juices from the chicken, making every bite flavorful.
• With Salad: For a lighter option, slice the chicken breasts and serve them over a fresh salad with a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette or your favorite dressing.
• With Pasta: Serve the chicken on top of pasta with a light cream sauce or pesto for an Italian-inspired meal.

Presentation Ideas for Oven Baked Chicken Breast

• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil for a pop of color.
• Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the chicken right before serving to brighten up the flavors.
• Arrange the chicken breasts on a platter with lemon slices or roasted vegetables for a visually appealing dish.
• Slice the chicken before serving and fan the slices out on the plate for an elegant presentation.

Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead Option: You can season the chicken breasts and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and saves time when you're ready to cook.
• Leftovers: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, making sure not to overcook it.
• Freezing Tip: You can freeze cooked chicken breasts for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I keep chicken breasts from drying out in the oven?
A: The key to preventing dry chicken breasts is to bake at the right temperature (400°F), not overcook them, and allow the chicken to rest after baking. Also, pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook more evenly.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: Yes, but make sure to thaw the chicken breasts completely in the refrigerator before baking. Baking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
A: The chicken breasts are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.

Q: Can I add sauce to this recipe?
A: Yes! You can add a sauce

such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or marinara sauce after baking, or serve it on the side for dipping.

Q: How long should I bake chicken breasts?
A: Bake chicken breasts at 400°F for 18-22 minutes, depending on their size and thickness. Thinner breasts will cook faster, so keep an eye on them.

Conclusion

This Oven Baked Chicken Breast recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking for a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make meal. With the perfect balance of seasoning and a cooking technique that ensures juicy, tender chicken every time, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it with veggies, grains, or salad, this dish is versatile enough to fit any meal plan. Give it a try, and enjoy perfectly baked chicken breasts tonight!

Print