Description
Oven Baked Chicken Breast is a simple, healthy, and delicious meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe guarantees juicy, tender chicken with crispy edges. Perfect for any occasion, this method will change the way you cook chicken for good.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or bone-in, if you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for extra flavor)
- Optional Garnishes and Sides:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (to serve)
- Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice (for sides)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat ensures a crispy outside and juicy inside.
- Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This step helps the seasoning stick and ensures a crispy exterior.
- Season the Chicken: Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil, then rub the chicken all over with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. If you’re using fresh herbs, sprinkle them over the chicken as well.
- Arrange the Chicken on a Baking Sheet: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Make sure there’s some space between each breast to allow for even cooking. If you’re using bone-in chicken, place the skin-side up.
- Bake the Chicken: For boneless, skinless breasts, bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If you’re using bone-in chicken, bake for 35-45 minutes.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.
- Serve and Garnish: Slice the chicken if you prefer and garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon. Serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
Notes
- For a baked chicken breast that’s always moist and flavorful, try our Easy Rotisserie Chicken Casserole Recipes for another effortless dish.
- Don’t overcook the chicken—use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked just right.
- Cover the chicken with foil while baking to trap moisture in, especially during the first phase of cooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Oven Baked Chicken Breast, Baked Chicken Recipe, Juicy Chicken Breasts, Crispy Chicken Breasts, Chicken Breast Recipe