Hey y’all! If you’re on a mission to find the juiciest and most flavorful Oven Baked Chicken Breast recipe, you’ve landed in the right spot. This foolproof method delivers tender, delicious chicken that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, salads, sandwiches, or entertaining guests. So grab your apron—let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Super juicy and never dry thanks to a simple seasoning and high-heat technique.
- Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- No fancy ingredients required—just pantry staples and chicken breasts!
- Healthy, lean protein that fits into almost any diet style.
- Easily customizable with your favorite spices or marinades.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano or basil)
Directions
1. Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Flatten the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even 1-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
3. Season
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and dried Italian herbs. Rub seasonings all over to coat well.
4. Bake
Transfer the seasoned chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra juiciness, do not skip the resting step before slicing.
- If your chicken breasts are very thick, adjust baking time and check temperature.
- Pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and maximum tenderness.
Variations
- Cajun-Style: Swap Italian herbs and smoked paprika for 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning.
- Lemon-Herb: Add zest of 1 lemon to the seasoning mix and squeeze fresh lemon juice before serving.
- Honey Mustard: Brush breasts with 2 tablespoons honey-mustard sauce before baking.
Required Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or foil
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Digital thermometer
Storage Instructions
- Store Baked Chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to retain moisture.
- Freeze (sliced or whole) for up to 3 months—thaw overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
- Slice and serve over a garden salad or Caesar salad.
- Pair with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes for a classic dinner.
- Use in wraps, grain bowls, or chopped in chicken salad sandwiches.
Pro Tips
- Always pound chicken to even thickness for best results and even cooking.
- Use a digital thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.
- Letting the chicken rest after baking locks in the juices and keeps it super moist.
FAQ
1. How do I keep Oven Baked chicken breast juicy?
Pound the breasts to even thickness, bake at high heat, and let them rest before slicing.
2. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
For best results, thaw chicken completely before baking to ensure even cooking and optimal texture.
3. What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
You can substitute regular paprika or leave it out for a more classic flavor—it’s still delicious!
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano or basil)
Instructions
-
1Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
-
2Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even 1-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
-
3Drizzle the olive oil evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and dried Italian herbs. Rub seasonings all over to coat well.
-
4Transfer the seasoned chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
-
5Remove the chicken from the oven, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
230 caloriescal
Protein:
34gg
Fat:
10gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
1gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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