Perfectly Baked Chicken Breasts

Unlock the secret to consistently tender, irresistibly juicy, and perfectly flavored chicken breasts with this foolproof oven-baked recipe. Say goodbye to dry, bland chicken; this method guarantees succulent results every single time, making it an instant classic in your kitchen!

Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen seeking a straightforward meal or an experienced cook looking for a simple yet delicious weeknight dinner solution, these oven-baked chicken breasts are designed to impress. They’re incredibly simple to prepare, yet yield a moist and flavorful dish that will quickly become a cherished part of your regular meal rotation.

Craving more delightful chicken dishes that are both easy and incredibly tasty? Don’t miss out on my Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese for a comforting classic with a kick, or my creamy, savory Creamy Mushroom Chicken. These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, satisfying meal.

Why This Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe Will Become Your Favorite

There are countless reasons to adore this oven-baked chicken breast recipe. It’s not just a meal; it’s a culinary triumph waiting to happen in your kitchen, offering both incredible flavor and practical benefits:

• Unbeatable Tenderness & Juiciness: This recipe is specifically designed to prevent dry chicken. Our unique approach ensures each breast remains incredibly moist and tender, bursting with flavor from the inside out.
• Healthy & Budget-Friendly Protein: Chicken breasts are an excellent source of lean protein, making this a healthy choice for any diet. Plus, they’re often on sale, making this a economical meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition.
• Effortlessly Customizable: The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. While our recommended seasoning blend is fantastic, you can easily adapt the spices and herbs to suit your personal palate. Experiment with different flavor profiles to keep meals exciting!
• Incredibly Easy & Hands-Off: Once prepped, the oven does most of the work, freeing up your time to prepare delicious side dishes or simply relax. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want a home-cooked meal without a lot of fuss.
• Foolproof Results Every Time: Say goodbye to guesswork! With clear, simple steps and crucial tips for success, even beginner cooks can achieve restaurant-quality chicken breasts with confidence.
• Ideal for Meal Prep: Cook a larger batch and enjoy perfectly cooked chicken throughout the week. It’s fantastic for salads, sandwiches, or quick additions to other meals.

Gather Your Ingredients for Flavorful Perfection

Crafting these succulent oven-baked chicken breasts starts with a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create a truly memorable dish:

• Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Medium-sized breasts are ideal for even cooking.
• Paprika: Use sweet or smoked paprika to add a warm, earthy flavor and beautiful color. Smoked paprika will impart a deeper, richer taste.
• Onion Powder: Provides a subtle, savory depth without the texture of fresh onion.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
• Garlic Powder: A foundational spice, offering a concentrated garlic flavor that complements chicken beautifully.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a pungent kick and aroma.
• Ginger Powder: A touch of ginger adds a unique, warm, and slightly zesty note that elevates the overall flavor profile.
• Dry Cilantro: Offers a fresh, citrusy, and herbaceous flavor that pairs wonderfully with chicken and lemon.
• Olive Oil: Used for marinating and searing, helping to tenderize the chicken and achieve a golden crust.
• Lemons: You’ll need one for juicing into the marinade, and another to slice into rounds for the bottom of the baking dish. Lemon brightens the chicken’s flavor and adds moisture.
• Chicken Broth: This creates a flavorful, steamy environment in the baking dish, ensuring the chicken stays incredibly moist.
• Garlic Cloves: Whole or crushed garlic placed in the baking dish will infuse the chicken with aromatic goodness.
• Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, or fresh parsley sprigs placed in the baking dish add a fresh, vibrant aroma and flavor to the chicken as it bakes.

Essential Kitchen Tools

To prepare these delicious oven-baked chicken breasts, you’ll need a few common kitchen tools:

• Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin: For pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
• Large Mixing Bowl: For marinating the chicken.
• Measuring Spoons & Cups: For precise ingredient measurements.
• Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For slicing lemons and preparing fresh herbs.
• Oven-Safe Skillet or Baking Dish: A cast-iron skillet is excellent for both searing and baking, but any sturdy baking dish will work.
• Instant-Read Thermometer: Crucial for ensuring the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature without overcooking.
• Aluminum Foil: For tenting the chicken during resting.
• Tongs: For handling chicken during searing.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Oven Baked Chicken Breasts

Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfectly tender and juicy oven-baked chicken every time:

• 1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to a robust 425°F (220°C). A high initial temperature helps to sear the chicken quickly and seal in the juices.
• 2. Prepare the Chicken Breasts for Even Cooking: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or a rolling pin, pound them gently to an even thickness, ideally about ¾ to 1 inch. This crucial step ensures that the chicken cooks uniformly, preventing thinner edges from drying out while the thicker parts finish cooking.
• 3. Marinate for Maximum Flavor: In a spacious bowl, combine your pounded chicken breasts with the aromatic blend of paprika (sweet or smoked), onion powder, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, ginger powder, dry cilantro, and olive oil. Squeeze in the juice of one fresh lemon. Using your hands, thoroughly rub the seasoning mixture over every surface of the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. For the best flavor infusion, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15-30 minutes at room temperature. If time allows, you can refrigerate it for up to an hour for even deeper flavor penetration.

• 4. Sear for a Golden Crust: Heat a cast-iron skillet or an oven-safe pan over medium-high heat until it’s sizzling hot. Add the marinated chicken breasts to the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Pan sear each side for 2-3 minutes, just until they develop a beautiful golden-brown and slightly crusty exterior. This searing step, known as the Maillard reaction, adds incredible depth of flavor and helps lock in moisture. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
• 5. Assemble for Baking: In a clean baking dish (or the same oven-safe skillet if you used it for searing), arrange the slices of one whole lemon, whole or crushed garlic cloves, and fresh herb sprigs (like rosemary or thyme) on the bottom. Pour in the chicken broth. This aromatic liquid base will create a steamy, flavorful environment for the chicken to bake in, contributing significantly to its juiciness. Carefully place the seared chicken breasts on top of this flavorful bed.
• 6. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking dish with the chicken to your preheated 425°F (220°C) oven. Bake for approximately 18-22 minutes. The exact baking time will vary depending on the size and initial thickness of your chicken breasts.

• 7. Verify Doneness: To ensure your chicken is safely cooked and perfectly juicy, always use an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the largest chicken breast. The internal temperature should register 165°F (74°C). If it hasn’t reached this temperature, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.
• 8. Rest and Serve: Once the chicken has reached the target internal temperature, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period is absolutely critical; it allows the muscle fibers to relax and redistribute the flavorful juices throughout the meat, preventing them from running out when you slice it. After resting, slice the chicken against the grain, garnish with some freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Tips for Achieving the Juiciest Oven Baked Chicken Breasts

Mastering perfectly juicy chicken breasts is easier than you think with these expert tips:

• Pound to Even Thickness: This is arguably the most crucial tip. Chicken breasts often vary in thickness, leading to uneven cooking. Pounding them to a uniform ¾ to 1 inch ensures they cook at the same rate, preventing thinner parts from drying out while thicker parts are still cooking.
• Bring to Room Temperature: Before you sear and bake, allow your chicken breasts to sit out of the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. Cooking cold chicken can lead to uneven cooking and tougher meat.
• Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the chicken breasts on the stovetop before baking creates a beautiful golden crust and locks in moisture and flavor. This step significantly enhances the final taste and texture.
• High Heat, Quick Cook: Baking at 425°F (220°C) allows the chicken to cook quickly and efficiently, minimizing the time it spends in the oven and retaining its natural juices.
• Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: This is your best friend for perfectly cooked chicken. The only way to truly know if chicken is done without overcooking is by checking its internal temperature, which should be 165°F (74°C).
• Rest Your Chicken: After baking, tent the chicken with foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and moist. Slicing immediately after cooking will cause all those delicious juices to escape.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing, make sure there’s enough space between the chicken breasts in the skillet. Overcrowding can lower the pan’s temperature and steam the chicken instead of searing it, preventing that coveted golden crust.

Exciting Recipe Variations

This recipe is a fantastic canvas for culinary creativity. Here are some ideas to customize your oven-baked chicken breasts:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a generous sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the seasoning blend for a fiery twist.
• Herb Extravaganza: Get creative with fresh or dried herbs! Try adding dried basil, oregano, thyme, or a blend of Italian herbs to the marinade. Fresh rosemary sprigs or sage leaves tucked around the chicken in the baking dish also work wonders.
• Sweet & Savory: For a delightful contrast, incorporate a teaspoon of brown sugar or a drizzle of honey into your spice rub. This creates a beautifully caramelized exterior.
• Citrus Boost: Beyond lemon, consider adding orange or lime zest and juice to the marinade for a different citrusy bright flavor.
• Mediterranean Flair: Add sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of feta cheese to the baking dish alongside the chicken for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Creamy Sauce Finish: After the chicken rests, you can create a quick pan sauce using the flavorful drippings from the baking dish. Whisk in a splash of cream or cornstarch slurry for a luscious finish.

Delicious Serving Suggestions

These versatile oven-baked chicken breasts pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, making them perfect for any meal:

• Classic Comfort: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus or green beans for a comforting and complete meal.
• Light & Fresh: Pair with a vibrant garden salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or a fresh quinoa salad for a healthy and refreshing option.
• Hearty Sides: Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes make a hearty and flavorful accompaniment.
• Grain Bowls: Slice the chicken and add it to grain bowls with brown rice, farro, or couscous, along with your favorite roasted vegetables and a drizzle of dressing.
• Pasta Perfection: Cube or shred the cooked chicken and toss it with your favorite pasta and a light sauce for a quick and easy weeknight pasta dish.
• Sandwiches & Wraps: Leftover sliced chicken is fantastic in sandwiches, wraps, or pitas with fresh greens and a touch of mayonnaise or hummus.
• Soups & Stews: Shred the chicken and add it to chicken noodle soup, creamy chicken and vegetable stews, or even a spicy tortilla soup.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

This recipe is excellent for meal prep, ensuring you have delicious, healthy protein ready when you need it:

Storing Cooked Oven Baked Chicken Breasts: Once cooled completely, store your cooked chicken breasts whole or sliced in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This helps retain moisture and flavor.

Freezing for Later: You can easily freeze cooked chicken breasts. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Tips for Moist Chicken: To prevent your delicious chicken from drying out during reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the container before microwaving. Cover tightly to create steam, which helps keep the chicken tender. Alternatively, reheat gently in a skillet with a lid over low heat, or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until just warmed through.

The Health Benefits of Chicken Breast

Beyond its delicious taste and versatility, chicken breast is a nutritional powerhouse, making it a fantastic choice for a healthy diet:

• High in Lean Protein: Chicken breast is one of the best sources of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair, satiety, and overall body function.
• Low in Fat: When consumed without the skin, chicken breast is remarkably low in saturated fat, contributing to heart health.
• Rich in Essential Nutrients: It’s packed with important vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins (B3, B6, B12) crucial for energy metabolism, and minerals like selenium (an antioxidant) and phosphorus (important for bones and teeth).
• Supports Weight Management: The high protein content helps you feel full longer, which can aid in weight loss and maintenance by reducing overall calorie intake.
• Boosts Immunity: Nutrients found in chicken, such as zinc, play a role in supporting a healthy immune system.
• Versatile for Healthy Cooking: Its mild flavor makes it adaptable to countless healthy cooking methods and cuisines, easily incorporated into diverse dietary plans.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oven Baked Chicken Breasts

More Irresistible Chicken Recipes You’ll Adore

If you loved this simple yet spectacular oven-baked chicken breast recipe, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic chicken dishes from my kitchen:

• Creamy Cajun Chicken: A rich and flavorful dish with a delightful kick.
• Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Crispy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying.
• Easy General Tso’s Chicken: Your favorite takeout, made healthier and easier at home.

I genuinely hope you enjoy all the delicious recipes I share, and this Oven Baked Chicken Breasts recipe is no exception. Please give it a try, savor every bite, and consider rating it and sharing it with your loved ones!

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Oven Baked Chicken Breasts

This foolproof recipe delivers incredibly tender and juicy oven-baked chicken breasts every time. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a healthy addition to your meal prep!

• Author: Mariam Ezzeddine
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Servings: 2 servings

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Ingredients

• 2 medium chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
• 1 tsp. paprika (sweet or smoked for depth)
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• ¾ tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• ¾ tsp. black pepper
• ¾ tsp. ginger powder
• 1 tsp. dry cilantro (or fresh for brighter flavor)
• 2 tbsps. olive oil
• 1 whole lemon, juiced (for marinating)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 whole lemon, sliced into rounds (for the baking dish)
• 6 cloves garlic, whole or crushed (for the baking dish)
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley, for the baking dish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare Chicken: Place chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of about ¾ to 1 inch. This ensures even cooking.
3. Marinate: In a medium bowl, combine the pounded chicken breasts with paprika, onion powder, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, ginger powder, dry cilantro, olive oil, and the juice of one lemon. Rub the seasoning generously over both sides of the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. For best results, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15-30 minutes at room temperature, or up to an hour if time permits.
4. Sear for Color: Heat a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the marinated chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step locks in flavor and moisture. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. Assemble for Baking: In a baking dish (or use the same oven-safe skillet), arrange the lemon slices, whole or crushed garlic cloves, and fresh herbs at the bottom. Pour in the chicken broth. This aromatic base will infuse the chicken with incredible flavor and help keep it moist.
6. Bake: Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the lemon, garlic, and herb mixture in the baking dish. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes.
7. Check Doneness: The baking time can vary based on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts. Always use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
8. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in exceptionally tender and juicy chicken. Slice, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

• If you have time, marinating the chicken for 1 hour before baking can significantly enhance its flavor.
• Always bring your chicken breasts to room temperature (about 15-20 minutes out of the fridge) before searing and baking. Cooking with cold breasts can lead to uneven cooking.
• No two breasts are exactly alike in thickness! Pounding them out to an even thickness (around ¾ to 1 inch) is essential for uniform baking and prevents parts from drying out.
• The internal temperature of fully cooked chicken should be 165°F (74°C). Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 446 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Protein: 51g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 145mg
• Sodium: 1004mg
• Potassium: 1084mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g
• Vitamin A: 1293IU
• Vitamin C: 7mg
• Calcium: 58mg
• Iron: 3mg