Juicy, Golden Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe Everyone Loves

Succulent and tender chicken breasts can be a game-changer for weeknight dinners with this oven baked chicken breast recipe.

The secret lies in simple seasonings and precise cooking techniques.

Herbs and spices dance across the surface, promising a burst of flavor in every bite.

The key is maintaining moisture while achieving a perfectly golden exterior.

Lean protein meets maximum taste in this straightforward approach to cooking chicken.

Tips for Perfectly Juicy Chicken

• Pat chicken breasts completely dry to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming.
• Massage spice mixture thoroughly into every inch of chicken for maximum flavor penetration.
• Use meat thermometer to check internal temperature exactly at 165°F for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
• Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes after baking to redistribute juices and maintain tender texture.
• Line baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and preventing chicken from sticking.

Variations for Baked Chicken Breast

• Herb-Infused Chicken: Replace paprika with dried thyme, rosemary, and basil for a fragrant Mediterranean-style chicken breast.
• Spicy Kick Chicken: Swap regular paprika with smoked paprika and add cayenne pepper for a bold, spicy flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Option: Eliminate salt and use herb blends like Mrs. Dash for a heart-healthy alternative that doesn't compromise taste.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of traditional seasoning to create a low-carb coating that adds extra crunch.

Plating Baked Chicken Breast Meals

• Family Feast Plate: Serve alongside fluffy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a balanced, colorful dinner that everyone will love.
• Mediterranean Twist: Top sliced chicken with crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and a drizzle of lemon juice for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Salad Topper: Slice chicken and place over a crisp mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing lunch option.
• Meal Prep Champion: Cut chicken into strips and store in airtight containers with roasted vegetables for easy, protein-packed work or school lunches throughout the week.

Storage for Chicken Breasts

• Transfer cooled chicken to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual chicken breasts in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Freeze within 2 hours of cooking to maintain best quality.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.

FAQs

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and juices running clear.

• Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Yes, you can substitute 2-3 minced fresh garlic cloves for garlic powder. Fresh garlic will add a more intense flavor to the chicken.

• What if my chicken breasts are different sizes?

Thicker chicken breasts might need a few extra minutes of cooking time. Adjust cooking time based on the thickness and use a meat thermometer to ensure proper doneness.

• Is it necessary to let the chicken rest after cooking?

Yes, letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes helps redistribute the juices, making the meat more tender and preventing it from drying out when you slice it.

Oven-Baked Chicken Breast, Always Juicy

• Whip Up Quickly: Super simple recipe with minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, perfect for beginners or busy home cooks wanting a delicious meal fast.
• Versatile Protein Powerhouse: Customize seasoning mix to match any cuisine or dietary preference, making this chicken breast adaptable for multiple meal styles from salads to sandwiches.
• Healthy Meal Solution: Low-fat cooking method using lean protein and minimal oil ensures a nutritious dinner that supports fitness and wellness goals without compromising on flavor.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Single baking sheet with parchment paper means less washing up, giving you more time to enjoy your meal and less time scrubbing dishes.

Ingredients for Baked Chicken Breasts

• Chicken Breast: A lean and versatile meat that provides a healthy protein source for the recipe.

• Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A classic combination of spices that adds depth of flavor and enhances the natural taste of the chicken.

• Parchment Paper: A non-stick surface that helps prevent the chicken from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup easier.

Oven Baked Chicken Breast Steps

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Turn your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to create the perfect cooking environment for juicy chicken breasts.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken Surface

Use clean paper towels to gently dry each chicken breast, removing excess moisture to help seasonings stick perfectly.

Step 3: Create Flavor Blend

• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk these ingredients into a delicious coating that will transform your chicken.

Step 4: Massage Seasoning

Generously rub the spice mixture over every inch of the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the flavor blend.

Step 5: Set Up Baking Station

Lay out a baking sheet and cover it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 6: Roast To Perfection

Slide the seasoned chicken into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

The chicken is ready when its internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit, guaranteeing safe and delicious meat.

Step 7: Allow Chicken To Rest

Remove chicken from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes.

This crucial resting period allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.

Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Succulent Oven-Baked Chicken Breast delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen. Perfectly seasoned and juicy, this simple recipe promises a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 ounces or 170–227 grams each)

Herbs and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme

Liquids and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.5 lemon (juice)

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or cilantro

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a precise 400°F, creating an ideal roasting environment for succulent chicken breasts.
2. Thoroughly eliminate moisture from chicken surfaces using clean paper towels, ensuring optimal seasoning adherence.
3. Craft a flavor-packed spice blend by combining olive oil with aromatic garlic powder, zesty onion powder, vibrant paprika, and essential salt and pepper.
4. Massage the seasoning mixture comprehensively across each chicken breast, guaranteeing complete flavor coverage.
5. Arrange seasoned chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet, positioning pieces with slight separation to promote even heat circulation.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it precisely hits 165°F, indicating safe and perfect doneness.
7. Allow chicken to rest quietly for 5 minutes post-cooking, enabling natural juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness before slicing.

Notes

• Check chicken thickness to ensure even cooking, using a meat mallet to pound breasts to uniform 1/2-inch thickness.
• Marinate chicken in buttermilk or yogurt for 30 minutes before seasoning to enhance tenderness and moisture.
• Use a digital meat thermometer for precise doneness, avoiding overcooking which can make chicken dry and tough.
• Customize seasoning blend by adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor complexity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 338 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 1167 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 103 mg