If you’ve been hunting for a simple yet incredibly flavorful way to elevate your weeknight dinners, this Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe is a game changer. Juicy, tender, and deliciously seasoned, this dish strikes the perfect balance between effortless prep and impressive taste, making it the ultimate go-to anytime you want a healthy protein-packed meal that feels just a little special. With just a handful of pantry staples and less than half an hour, you’ll be savoring mouthwatering chicken breasts baked to perfection, every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient works harmoniously to boost flavor, tenderize the meat, and add a pop of color—all while keeping things refreshingly straightforward.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing lean protein and a blank canvas for the seasonings.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps lock in moisture and creates a gorgeous golden crust when baked.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, aromatic base flavor that complements chicken beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a subtle smoky sweetness and a visually appealing reddish hue.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Introduces a fragrant, herbal note that enhances the overall complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Provides an earthy, slightly minty flavor that pairs well with poultry.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavor elements together perfectly.
How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your baking environment
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is just right to cook the chicken quickly while keeping it juicy. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a light coating of cooking spray—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Even out the chicken breasts
Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts on a cutting board and give them a gentle pounding with a meat mallet until they’re of even thickness. This little trick ensures the chicken cooks uniformly, so you won’t have any dry edges or undercooked centers.
Step 3: Rub with olive oil
Coat each chicken breast with olive oil on all sides. This isn’t just about flavor; the oil creates a protective layer that helps seal in moisture while also encouraging a perfectly golden surface as it bakes.
Step 4: Season like a pro
Mix garlic powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl. Sprinkle this seasoned blend evenly over the chicken, rubbing it in gently to ensure every bite bursts with balanced flavor. This seasoning mix is the heart of this Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe, transforming simple chicken into something truly special.
Step 5: Bake to perfection
Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on your prepared baking sheet. Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. The key here is to cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), guaranteeing safety and optimal juiciness.
Step 6: Rest before slicing
Once out of the oven, give the chicken a 5-minute rest. This pause lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful instead of dry and crumbly.
How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add a bright, lively touch that complements the warm, savory seasoning. A wedge of lemon squeezed over the top right before eating can also lift the flavors with a refreshing zest.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider roasted vegetables for a cozy, wholesome plate or a crisp garden salad to keep things light. Fluffy mashed potatoes or fragrant rice pilaf can round out the meal for extra comfort and substance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing your chicken and layering it on top of a hearty grain bowl with avocado and fresh veggies, or shred it for a quick and easy chicken taco filling. Even a classic chicken sandwich gets a delicious upgrade with this perfectly baked chicken breast as the centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or adding extra protein to salads.
Freezing
If you want to keep these flavorful chicken breasts longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 2 months without losing much quality.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This slow reheating helps maintain moisture better than microwaving, so the chicken remains tender.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe?
While bone-in breasts can be used, they generally require a longer cooking time. For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensure even cooking and a quicker bake.
What if I don’t have paprika or dried herbs?
No worries! You can substitute paprika with a dash of chili powder or smoked paprika for extra smokiness. Fresh herbs can replace dried ones, just use about three times the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How do I know when the chicken is done without a thermometer?
Look for firm, opaque meat and clear juices running when pierced with a fork. However, investing in a meat thermometer takes the guesswork out and guarantees perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Can I marinate the chicken before baking?
Absolutely! Marinating adds extra depth of flavor and can really tenderize the meat. Just keep the marinade simple and avoid too much acid, as it can start “cooking” the chicken if left too long.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! Cook your chicken breasts ahead of time, slice or shred them, and portion into containers with your favorite sides. It’s a convenient way to eat healthy throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, nourishing, and effortlessly delicious. It’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again, whether it’s for a busy weeknight or when guests come over. Give it a try, and you might just discover your next favorite chicken recipe to keep in your culinary rotation!
Print
Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Oven Baked Chicken Breast recipe is a simple and healthy way to prepare juicy, flavorful chicken breasts. Seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and thyme, the chicken is baked until tender and perfectly cooked, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or meal prep option.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Pound the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness, which ensures even cooking throughout.
- Apply olive oil: Rub each chicken breast with olive oil on all sides to keep the meat moist and help the seasoning adhere.
- Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning blend evenly over the chicken breasts, rubbing it in well for full flavor.
- Bake the chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), indicating the chicken is fully cooked.
- Rest before serving: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps retain the juices, ensuring tender and juicy meat.
Notes
- For best results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and avoid overcooking.
- If you prefer, marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil and spices for 30 minutes before baking for enhanced flavor.
- You can swap dried herbs with fresh herbs if available—just use about three times the amount of fresh herbs.
- Serve this chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
