Oven-Baked Chicken Breast Recipe Juiciest Ever

Savoring a perfectly tender chicken breast with golden, crispy skin can revolutionize weeknight dinners.

My kitchen experiments have uncovered simple tricks that make oven baked chicken breast incredibly juicy and flavorful.

Salt and herbs play magical roles in creating mouthwatering results.

Professional chefs know that temperature control matters more than complicated techniques.

Minimal ingredients often produce the most delectable meals when prepared thoughtfully.

Selecting quality chicken and understanding basic cooking principles help you achieve restaurant-worthy outcomes.

You can confidently master this straightforward recipe that promises delicious, succulent chicken every single time.

Oven Baked Chicken Breast That’s Never Dry

• Perfect for busy families needing a fast, delicious dinner solution in under 30 minutes with minimal kitchen effort.
• Oven baking eliminates complex cooking techniques, making this recipe incredibly beginner-friendly and nearly impossible to mess up for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Delivers lean protein with simple, clean ingredients and customizable seasonings that transform basic chicken into a nutritious, flavorful meal without excess calories.
• Easy to batch cook, store, and reheat for multiple meals, providing convenient protein options for lunch, dinner, or healthy weekly meal planning strategies.

What You’ll Need to Make Oven Baked Chicken Breast

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the star of the dish, choose fresh or thawed chicken for best results, boneless and skinless preferred for even cooking.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Dried Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Classic spice mix that adds depth and warmth to the chicken, use fresh and high-quality spices for maximum flavor.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden crust and prevents chicken from drying, choose extra virgin for best taste.
• Lemon: Provides bright citrus notes and helps tenderize the meat, fresh lemon is recommended.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds color and fresh herbal garnish, optional but enhances presentation.

• Parchment Paper or Foil: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up easier, non-stick option recommended.
• Meat Thermometer: Essential for ensuring food safety and perfect doneness, helps check internal temperature accurately.

Simple Steps to Bake Chicken Breast to Perfection

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 400F (200C). This blazing temperature guarantees a gorgeous golden exterior while keeping the inside super succulent.

Step 2: Prep The Poultry

Grab chicken breasts and blot completely dry using paper towels. Massage olive oil all over the meat, ensuring total coverage.

Step 3: Sprinkle Magic Seasonings

• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Dried thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Dust the seasonings generously across both sides of chicken. Squeeze fresh lemon juice for a tangy kick.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Arrange chicken on a lined baking sheet. Slide into the hot oven and roast for 20-30 minutes. Check doneness with a meat thermometer- you want an internal temperature of 165F (75C).

Step 5: Let The Chicken Chill

Pull chicken from oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This crucial pause lets juices redistribute, ensuring mega-moist meat.

Step 6: Slice And Serve

Cut chicken against the grain. Plate with roasted vegetables, crisp salad, or fluffy rice. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color and extra zing.

Tips for Keeping Chicken Breast Moist in the Oven

• Moisture Magic: Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to help spices adhere and create a delightfully crispy exterior.
• Temperature Triumph: Always use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches exactly 165F for perfectly safe and juicy chicken.
• Seasoning Symphony: Mix spices beforehand to ensure even distribution and maximum flavor across the entire chicken breast.
• Resting Ritual: Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes after baking, which helps redistribute juices and keeps meat exceptionally tender and succulent.
• Flavor Boost: Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary, oregano, or za'atar to transform the basic recipe into a gourmet experience.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Chicken Breast Properly

• Seal leftover chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken whole or sliced to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Wrap chicken tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Reheat chicken in short 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each burst. Drizzle a little broth or water to keep the meat tender and prevent rubbery texture.

Best Pairings for Oven Baked Chicken Dinners

• Complement the herb-seasoned chicken with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, enhancing the dish's bright and citrusy undertones.
• Roast bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil and herbs to match the chicken's flavor profile and add colorful nutrition.
• Whip smooth potatoes with roasted garlic, butter, and a touch of cream to provide a rich, comforting side that balances the lean chicken.
• Toss quinoa with chopped parsley, mint, lemon zest, and a light vinaigrette to bring a refreshing and protein-packed accompaniment to the baked chicken.

Ways to Change Up Oven Baked Chicken Flavor

• Herb Crusted Chicken: Replace basic seasonings with a mixture of fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Add grated parmesan cheese for extra richness and crispy texture.
• Low Carb Protein Option: Use almond flour instead of traditional seasonings. Combine with garlic powder, salt, and dried oregano for a keto-friendly coating that keeps chicken moist and flavorful.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken: Mix chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper for a bold, zesty seasoning blend. Top with fresh cilantro after baking for added freshness and heat.
• Mediterranean Inspired Chicken: Coat chicken with olive oil, lemon zest, dried oregano, and crumbled feta cheese. Sprinkle with chopped kalamata olives after baking for an authentic Mediterranean profile.

Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Oven-Baked Chicken Breast delivers restaurant-quality flavor straight from your kitchen. Juicy meat seasoned with herbs and spices promises a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ lbs / 700g)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Liquid:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges

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Instructions

1. Ignite the oven to a sizzling 400F (200C), creating the perfect environment for a golden-crusted, succulent chicken breast.
2. Meticulously blot the chicken breasts with paper towels, eliminating excess moisture to promote optimal seasoning adherence and crisp exterior.
3. Massage olive oil across the entire surface of the chicken, ensuring a uniform, glistening coating that will help spices cling and enhance overall flavor profile.
4. Craft a flavor-packed seasoning blend by combining garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Generously dust both sides of the chicken, then splash with a vibrant squeeze of fresh lemon juice to introduce a bright, citrusy note.
5. Arrange the seasoned chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet, positioning each breast with strategic precision to promote even cooking.
6. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, allowing the chicken to roast for 20-30 minutes. Monitor closely, using a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches the safe 165F (75C) mark.
7. Extract the chicken from the oven and permit a crucial 5-minute resting period. This interval allows internal juices to redistribute, guaranteeing maximum tenderness and moisture.
8. Slice the chicken against the grain, revealing a perfectly cooked interior. Plate alongside roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or fluffy rice, and garnish with fresh parsley for a final touch of elegance.

Notes

• Customize seasoning blends by swapping dried herbs like rosemary, oregano, or basil for a unique flavor profile that matches your taste preferences.
• Check chicken thickness before cooking to ensure even baking; pound breasts to uniform thickness using a meat mallet for consistent cooking results.
• Prevent dryness by using a meat thermometer instead of relying solely on cooking time, as oven temperatures and chicken breast sizes vary significantly.
• Transform this recipe into a gluten-free, low-carb, or keto-friendly option by carefully selecting seasonings without added fillers or sugars.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg