Juicy Baked Chicken Breasts
Our oven baked chicken recipe ensures you’ll never have to eat bland, dry, boring chicken breasts again, thanks to a homemade seasoning blend and simple techniques! Enjoy it on its own, add it to salads and grain bowls, or slice it up for a variety of recipes.
Learn how to boil a whole chicken, too!
Is there anything worse than overcooked chicken? It can be tricky to bake chicken in the oven without causing it to dry out, but we’ve finally perfected the technique! With this simple recipe, we’ll show you how to bake chicken that’s juicy and flavorful in less than 30 minutes. It’s a game-changer for meal prep.
How to Make the Best Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the complete ingredient list and instructions!
- Create the seasoning blend. Whisk all the seasonings in a small bowl, and set it aside.
2. Season the chicken. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish, and drizzle olive oil on top. Dredge the chicken in the oil, coating all sides. Then, sprinkle half the seasoning mixture on each side of the chicken breasts, and add a small pat of butter on top of each breast.
3. Bake. Transfer the baking dish to a warm oven, and bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Serve. Let the baked chicken breasts rest for at least ten minutes. Then, slice, and enjoy with a generous drizzle of the pan drippings. Trust us. They add so much flavor!
Seasoning Options
We create a quick homemade blend by combining garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. However, you can use any blend you like best! Our easy burger seasoning, homemade Italian seasoning, homemade ranch seasoning, or even DIY taco seasoning make great options.
Tips and Tricks for Juicy Chicken
- Use boneless skinless chicken breast. Bone-in chicken requires a different baking time and doesn’t lend well to pounding.
- Pound the chicken breasts. If your chicken breasts are super thick, use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to pound them out until each piece is roughly ½ inch thick. This promotes quick, even cooking and helps the poultry stay juicy.
- Avoid overbaking. The exact cook time will vary based on your oven and the size and thickness of your chicken. So, keep a close eye on the oven, and adjust as needed. You’ll know your oven baked chicken breast recipe is ready as soon as the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when measured in the thickest part with a meat thermometer.
- Rest the chicken. Don’t skip this! Letting the chicken rest for at least ten minutes before serving allows the natural juices to redistribute, keeping it tender and juicy.
Side Dish Options
We often make this baked chicken breast recipe to serve as a main course. It pairs well with everything, but some of our favorite sides include high-protein mac and cheese, roasted corn salsa, and easy Mexican rice.
Ways to Use
Looking for more ways to put your chicken to use? Add the cooked chicken to a grilled chicken salad, one-pot southwest quinoa salad, or a loaded veggie salad. Or, use it in grain bowls, tacos, chicken quesadillas, nachos, and casseroles. Truly, the options are endless!
More Easy Chicken Recipes
Juicy Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 large chicken breasts (2 – 2 1/2 lbs)
- 1 Tablespoon light olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 Tablespoons butter, cut into 4 pieces
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 F.
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper until combined. Set aside.1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Place the chicken breasts in a 9×13 pan and pour the olive oil over them. With your hands or tongs, dredge the chicken breasts in the oil coating all sides.4 large chicken breasts (2 – 2 1/2 lbs), 1 Tablespoon light olive oil
- Sprinkle half of the spice rub over one side of the chicken breasts then flip them over and sprinkle the other side with the remaining spices. Place one piece (1 Tablespoon) of butter on top of each chicken breast.4 Tablespoons butter, cut into 4 pieces
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the breasts reach 165F (see notes). Once the chicken breasts are removed from the oven, allow them to rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Slice and serve with a generous drizzle of the pan drippings (they add so much flavor!). Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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This baked chicken breast recipe is SO flavorful and the meat is SUPER tender and juicy. Oh, and those buttery pan drippings….next level!