Perfect Oven Baked Chicken Breast: Juicy, Tender, and Easy

Oven-baked chicken breast is a meal that every home cook should have in their repertoire. It’s simple to prepare, healthy, and incredibly versatile, making it perfect for everything from a weeknight dinner to meal prep for the week ahead. This method ensures a juicy, tender chicken with a crispy, golden exterior – exactly what you need for a satisfying meal. Let’s dive into how you can make this dish your own and why you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation.

Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh lemon juice (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat will help to get that golden, crispy crust on the chicken while keeping the inside juicy and tender. It’s a foolproof method to cook chicken breast to perfection.

Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Drying them off ensures the seasoning will stick better and helps to create that crispy outside texture. Once dry, drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and rub it evenly on all sides. This will help the seasoning adhere and add a little richness to the chicken.

Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. These simple ingredients create a delicious seasoning mix that brings out the best in the chicken. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken. If you’re looking for a fresh pop of flavor, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top. The citrus will add a touch of brightness to balance the savory notes from the spices.

Bake the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. This makes cleanup a breeze. Pop the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts. The most accurate way to check if the chicken is done is by using a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Don’t have a thermometer? You can also slice into the thickest part of the chicken to make sure the juices run clear.

Rest the Chicken
Once your chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial! Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that your chicken stays moist and tender. Trust me, don’t skip this step!

Serve and Enjoy
After the chicken has rested, slice it against the grain for the best texture. Serve it with your favorite sides – roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or even some rice. For an extra pop of color and flavor, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. The bright green parsley will add a nice contrast to the golden chicken and enhance the flavor with its freshness.

Why You’ll Love Oven Baked Chicken Breast

Quick and Easy
This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something healthy but don’t have a lot of time to cook. With just a little prep work, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s great for when you’re craving something flavorful but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Healthy and Flavorful
Oven baking is a healthier cooking method because it requires minimal oil. You get all the flavor from the seasoning, without the extra fat from frying. Plus, the chicken remains juicy, so there’s no need to worry about dry, bland meat.

Versatile
The seasoning mix for this recipe is simple, but you can easily customize it to suit your tastes. Add a pinch of cayenne for heat, or swap the thyme for rosemary for a different flavor profile. The options are endless, and the chicken will always turn out delicious.

Meal Prep Friendly
If you’re meal prepping for the week, oven-baked chicken breast is a great choice. Bake a few chicken breasts at once, and you’ll have leftovers that you can use for salads, wraps, sandwiches, or even tacos. This recipe makes meal prep a breeze!

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Tips for Perfect Oven Baked Chicken Breast

Even Cooking
Chicken breasts come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes they aren’t evenly thick. If you have one side that’s much thicker than the other, it can cook unevenly. To fix this, use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and avoids any dry spots.

Don’t Overcook
The most common mistake when baking chicken breast is overcooking it. Chicken breasts can dry out quickly if you leave them in the oven for too long. Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have one, cutting into the chicken and checking the juices will work too – they should be clear, not pink.

Add Moisture
If you’re worried about your chicken drying out, you can add a pat of butter on top of each breast before baking. This little extra step will add moisture and richness to the chicken. Alternatively, you can cover the chicken with foil while baking to keep the moisture locked in.

Serving Suggestions for Oven Baked Chicken Breast

Pair with Your Favorite Sides
Oven-baked chicken breast is incredibly versatile when it comes to pairing it with sides. Serve it with roasted vegetables for a healthy, hearty meal. A crisp salad or mashed potatoes would also be a perfect accompaniment. For something lighter, quinoa or steamed rice will work wonderfully.

Slice or Shred for Different Dishes
After baking, you can slice the chicken into strips to use in salads, sandwiches, or wraps. It also works great for tacos, quesadillas, or even pasta dishes. The possibilities are endless, and the chicken remains tender even when reheated.

Top with Fresh Garnishes
Add a finishing touch to your chicken with fresh garnishes. A sprinkle of parsley or cilantro adds freshness, while a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the flavors. If you want to go all out, drizzle the chicken with a balsamic glaze or sprinkle some parmesan cheese over the top for an extra indulgent touch.

Storage Tips for Oven Baked Chicken Breast

Refrigerating Leftovers
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Before refrigerating, let the chicken cool down to room temperature to avoid condensation inside the container, which could make the chicken soggy.

Freezing Leftovers
If you have a lot of leftovers or want to prepare ahead for future meals, oven-baked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight and reheat it thoroughly.

Reheating Leftovers
To reheat leftover chicken, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the chicken for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave the chicken in 30-second intervals, covered, to prevent it from drying out. If you’re reheating from frozen, make sure to thaw it first for even heating.

Conclusion

Oven-baked chicken breast is a quick, easy, and healthy recipe that everyone will love. It’s simple enough for beginners, but flavorful and versatile enough for even the most experienced cooks. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or prepping meals for the week ahead, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. With just a few basic ingredients and the right cooking technique, you can enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know when my chicken is fully cooked?
   The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken and make sure the juices are clear, not pink.
2. Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?
   Yes, you can! Bone-in chicken breasts will need a little longer to cook – about 35 to 40 minutes. Just be sure to check the internal temperature to make sure they’re fully cooked.
3. Can I marinate the chicken before baking?
   Absolutely! Marinating the chicken for a few hours or overnight will infuse it with extra flavor. You can use a simple marinade with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your favorite herbs.
4. Can I bake multiple chicken breasts at once?
   Yes, you can bake several chicken breasts at the same time. Just make sure they’re spaced evenly on the baking sheet for proper air circulation. If baking more than two breasts, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Enjoy your perfectly baked chicken breasts – they’re bound to become a favorite in your kitchen!