Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crafting the perfect oven baked chicken breast feels like unlocking a culinary secret that will surprise your taste buds.

Juicy meat starts with smart preparation and simple techniques.

Seasoning becomes the magic that elevates ordinary protein into something extraordinary.

Salt and herbs whisper complexity into each tender slice.

Professional chefs understand that temperature control matters more than complicated steps.

Marinating transforms bland ingredients into memorable meals that spark conversation around the dinner table.

Crisp, golden exteriors paired with moist interiors create a delightful experience you’ll want to repeat again and again.

Storage Advice for Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual chicken breasts in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture.

FAQs About Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, thaw chicken completely before cooking. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and ensure even seasoning and browning.

• What if I don't have all the specific seasonings?

Use a pre-mixed chicken seasoning blend or create your own with herbs and spices you have on hand. The key is balanced flavor combinations.

• How do I know my chicken is cooked properly?

Always use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature. Chicken must reach 165°F at the thickest part to be safe for consumption. Clear juices and white meat indicate doneness.

• Can I make this recipe healthier?

Use less butter, choose low-sodium seasonings, and opt for skinless chicken breasts. You can also replace brown sugar with a small amount of honey for natural sweetness.

Why Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe Is a Healthy Choice

• Simplify Kitchen Prep: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this chicken recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, from kitchen newbies to seasoned chefs.
• Boost Flavor Instantly: Combining brown sugar with savory spices creates a mouthwatering blend that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: This recipe delivers delicious results in under an hour, making it ideal for busy families needing fast, nutritious dinner solutions that everyone will love.
• Versatile Protein Option: Perfectly seasoned chicken breasts can be served alongside multiple side dishes, packed for lunch, or used in salads, sandwiches, and meal prep plans.

Ingredients for Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

• Chicken Breast: A lean and tender cut of meat that provides a healthy protein source for the recipe.

• Light Brown Sugar, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper: A flavorful mix of spices that adds depth and complexity to the chicken's taste profile.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Ingredients that help keep the chicken moist and add richness to the final dish.
• Plastic Wrap, Rolling Pin or Meat Mallet: Tools used to prepare the chicken for even cooking.

• Casserole Dish: A baking vessel that helps cook the chicken evenly and contains any drippings.

How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Breasts

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grab a casserole dish and lightly coat it with cooking spray. Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and gently flatten them using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This technique helps the chicken cook evenly and keeps it tender throughout.

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion

• Light brown sugar
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage the seasoning blend all over both sides of the chicken, ensuring every inch gets coated with delicious spices.

Step 3: Bake and Finish

Transfer the seasoned chicken to the prepared dish. Add a small pat of butter on top of each breast to boost moisture and richness. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Check that the internal temperature hits 165°F using a meat thermometer. For an extra golden crust, switch to broil and cook for 1-3 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown.

Pro Tips for Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

• Ensure Even Thickness: Pound chicken breasts to uniform 0.5-0.75 inches for consistent cooking and juicy results.
• Maximize Flavor Absorption: Rub seasoning mix gently into chicken to help spices penetrate deeper and create more intense taste.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use meat thermometer to confirm 165°F for food safety and perfectly cooked chicken.
• Boost Moisture: Add small butter slice on top before baking to prevent dryness and enhance richness.
• Quick Golden Finish: Broil briefly for 1-3 minutes to achieve attractive brown color without overcooking meat.

Variation Ideas for Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

• Herb-Crusted Chicken: Replace Italian seasoning with fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage for an aromatic herb-infused version.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken: Swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper to create a bold, zesty flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Eliminate brown sugar and use a sugar-free alternative like erythritol, keeping all other seasonings the same for a keto-friendly meal.
• Mediterranean Inspired: Add crumbled feta cheese and dried oregano on top during the last few minutes of baking for a Mediterranean-style chicken breast.

Pairing Suggestions for Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Crisp Chardonnay complements the chicken's rich seasoning, cutting through the buttery notes with its bright acidity and subtle oak undertones.
• Herbal Herb Companion: Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs scattered around the chicken during baking enhance the Italian seasoning's depth, creating an aromatic and flavorful experience.
• Zesty Side Kick: Roasted lemon wedges serve as a tangy accompaniment, brightening the dish's savory profile and adding a citrusy contrast to the tender, seasoned chicken.
• Textural Crunch Addition: Toasted almond slivers sprinkled over the chicken provide a delightful nutty crunch that elevates the dish's overall texture and adds a subtle earthy dimension.

Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Oven-Baked Chicken Breast elevates weeknight dinners with Mediterranean-inspired herbs and garlic. Crispy exterior and juicy interior make this simple dish a delightful meal for families craving wholesome, flavorful protein.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a light coating of oil to prevent sticking.
2. Position chicken breasts between plastic wrap sheets and gently flatten to an even 0.5-0.75 inch thickness using a meat mallet, ensuring uniform cooking and preventing dry areas.
3. Drizzle olive oil over each chicken breast, creating a light protective layer for seasoning adherence.
4. Combine brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl to create a robust spice blend.
5. Generously sprinkle the spice mixture across both sides of the chicken breasts, massaging the seasonings into the meat to maximize flavor penetration.
6. Arrange seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared casserole dish, placing a small butter slice atop each piece to enhance moisture and richness.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
8. Optional: Activate the broiler for 1-3 minutes to achieve a golden-brown exterior, creating an appetizing caramelized finish.

Notes

• Check chicken thickness carefully to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness and food safety, avoiding overcooking which toughens meat.
• Experiment with different herb and spice combinations to customize flavor profile without changing core technique.
• Allow chicken to rest 5-10 minutes after cooking to retain moisture and distribute internal juices evenly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 23 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg