Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crispy and succulent oven baked chicken breast promises a delightful meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Juicy meat emerges from your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Seasoning plays a crucial role in creating an irresistible dish that feels like a culinary adventure.

Tender chicken transforms simple ingredients into something magical and memorable.

Marinating techniques can elevate this classic protein from ordinary to extraordinary.

Salt, herbs, and a touch of olive oil work together to create a mouthwatering experience.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when comfort and convenience matter most.

Oven Baked Chicken Breast: Simple And Healthy

• Unlock Quick Cooking: This chicken breast recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals without complicated techniques.
• Customize Your Flavor Profile: The versatile seasoning blend allows personalization, letting you adjust spices to match your taste preferences or complement different side dishes.
• Guaranteed Healthy Protein Option: Baking chicken breasts preserves nutritional value while creating a lean, tender protein that supports wellness goals without sacrificing taste or texture.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Using common pantry spices and a single chicken cut means you can prepare this dish with ingredients already in your kitchen, reducing shopping stress and saving money.

Ingredients Needed For Oven Baked Chicken Breast

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender cuts of white meat that serve as the primary protein in this recipe.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Thyme, Salt, Pepper: A harmonious mix of spices that adds depth, warmth, and enhanced flavor to the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Helps to keep the chicken moist and promotes even browning of the exterior.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, citrusy tang that tenderizes the meat and adds a fresh flavor dimension.

Step-By-Step Oven Baked Chicken Breast Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 400F (200C). This ensures the perfect cooking environment for your chicken.

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Combine these ingredients to create a mouthwatering seasoning mix that will make your chicken irresistible.

Step 3: Massage the Chicken

Gently coat the chicken breasts with olive oil, giving them a luxurious shine.

Sprinkle the spice mixture generously over both sides of the chicken, making sure every inch is covered with flavor.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the seasoned chicken to a greased baking dish.

If you want an extra zing, drizzle some fresh lemon juice over the top. This will add a bright, citrusy note to your dish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Let the chicken bake for 20-25 minutes.

The key is to cook until the internal temperature reaches 165F. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and succulent.

Slice and serve your deliciously seasoned chicken breast.

Tips For Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breast Every Time

• Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Pat chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a crispy exterior.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate internal temperature and avoid overcooking.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary, oregano, or Italian seasoning for varied flavor profiles.
• Marinate chicken in buttermilk or yogurt for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance tenderness and moisture.

Variations To Explore With Oven Baked Chicken Breast

• Herb-Crusted Chicken: Replace paprika and thyme with rosemary, oregano, and basil for an Italian-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Swap seasonings with chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a bold, zesty kick.
• Low-Sodium Option: Eliminate salt completely and use fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and chives to enhance natural chicken flavors without added sodium.
• Gluten-Free Wellness Approach: Ensure all spices are certified gluten-free and use avocado oil instead of olive oil for those with specific dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions For Oven Baked Chicken Breast

• Family Dinner Centerpiece: Slice the golden-brown chicken breasts and arrange them on a large platter with fresh herbs, creating a mouthwatering main course that draws everyone to the table.
• Protein-Packed Salad Topper: Chop the baked chicken into bite-sized pieces and scatter over a bed of mixed greens, adding crunch with toasted almonds and a zesty vinaigrette.
• Meal Prep Champion: Cool the chicken completely, then slice and store in airtight containers for quick lunches, perfect for adding protein to grain bowls, wraps, or quick sandwiches throughout the week.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Platter: Serve the chicken alongside warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, cucumber salad, and olives for a vibrant, flavor-packed Mediterranean-style meal that transforms a simple chicken breast into an exciting dining experience.

Storing Oven Baked Chicken Breast The Right Way

• Store leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in the container to maintain moisture.
• Freeze cooked chicken breasts for up to 3 months by placing them in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
• Reheat refrigerated chicken by placing in a preheated 350F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals until heated through, checking temperature to ensure it reaches 165F.

FAQs

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs. Use about 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh herbs, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

• How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

To keep the chicken moist, avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to help retain its juices.

• What type of chicken breast works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly. Choose chicken breasts of similar size and thickness to ensure even cooking.

• Can I prepare the seasoning mix in advance?

Absolutely! You can mix the dry seasonings ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to a month, making meal prep quicker and easier.

Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent oven baked chicken breast delivers juicy, tender meat with perfect golden-brown edges. Simple seasonings and precise cooking techniques ensure a delicious protein centerpiece for countless meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Herbs and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Liquid and Oil:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to a sizzling 400F (200C), ensuring an even heating environment for optimal chicken roasting.
2. Combine a blend of aromatic seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper in a compact mixing vessel.
3. Massage the chicken breasts with a light coating of olive oil, creating a glossy surface for the spice mixture to adhere.
4. Generously distribute the seasoning blend across both surfaces of the chicken, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
5. Transfer the seasoned chicken to a lightly greased baking dish, positioning for even heat distribution.
6. Optional: Sprinkle fresh lemon juice over the chicken to enhance brightness and tenderness.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature precisely reaches 165F using a meat thermometer.
8. Allow the chicken to rest undisturbed for 5 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum succulence.
9. Slice against the grain and serve immediately, presenting a perfectly seasoned and moist chicken breast.

Notes

• Ensure chicken breasts are even thickness by gently pounding them with a meat mallet to promote uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Customize the spice blend by experimenting with different herbs like rosemary, oregano, or za’atar for unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
• Use a meat thermometer to accurately check internal temperature, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy, tender chicken every single time.
• For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, replace regular salt with himalayan pink salt and use high-quality olive oil to boost nutritional value while keeping the dish lean and protein-packed.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 165 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg