Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

There’s something so perfectly comforting about a simple, oven-baked chicken breast. It’s the kind of recipe you can turn to on those busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t want to fuss over the stove for hours. This oven-baked chicken breast recipe has become my go-to because it’s quick, easy, and consistently yields tender, juicy chicken every time. Plus, the flavor is just irresistible, thanks to a flavorful mix of spices and a little secret ingredient (more on that in a second!).

Now, if you’ve ever baked chicken breasts before and found yourself underwhelmed by dry, bland results, don’t worry—this recipe changes everything. The secret? A quick trick to flatten the chicken and a simple, but game-changing spice blend. Let me tell you, this method takes chicken from “meh” to mouthwatering!

Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

A personal story of my “aha!” moment with baked chicken

I still remember the day I cracked the code on oven-baked chicken. It was one of those weeknights where I had too much on my plate (not literally, yet!). Work deadlines, kids’ homework—it was one of those days. I had chicken breasts in the fridge and needed a fast dinner that everyone would eat without complaint (a tall order, right?).

I remembered a tip I had seen about pounding the chicken to an even thickness. At the time, it seemed like an extra step I didn’t have the energy for, but I figured, why not? I grabbed my trusty rolling pin, gave the chicken a few good whacks, and into the oven it went with a simple seasoning mix. When I pulled it out 20 minutes later, the chicken was juicy, tender, and perfectly cooked through. No dry edges, no bland bites—just flavorful, moist chicken. And let me tell you, the kids actually asked for seconds! That’s when I knew I had struck gold.

A little background on baked chicken breast

Chicken breast is a staple in most kitchens because it’s versatile, lean, and easy to cook. But despite its popularity, it can be tricky to get just right. Historically, chicken breasts weren’t always the star of the show—thighs and drumsticks used to take center stage due to their higher fat content, making them easier to cook without drying out. But over the years, chicken breasts have gained popularity, especially among those looking for a leaner option.

The beauty of this baked chicken recipe lies in its simplicity. By using a handful of pantry staples—garlic and onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning—you get an incredibly flavorful dish with minimal effort. And let’s not forget the butter on top. It may seem like a small addition, but that little dab of butter is key to getting a deliciously golden finish on the chicken while keeping it moist.

Let’s talk ingredients: the good, the better, and the “oops I’m out of that”

Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of this dish. They’re lean and take on flavor easily. If you’re out of chicken breast, feel free to swap it with chicken thighs for a slightly juicier result. Or, if you’ve got bone-in breasts, just adjust the cook time to account for the bones.

Olive oil: This helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and gives it a nice, crisp exterior. You can sub in avocado oil or even melted coconut oil if you prefer.

Brown sugar: This is the little secret ingredient I mentioned earlier. It adds just a touch of sweetness that balances the savory spices and helps with caramelization. Don’t have brown sugar? You can use honey or maple syrup instead for a similar effect.

Garlic & onion powder: These pantry staples bring depth and a savory punch to the chicken. If you’re fresh out, minced fresh garlic and onion can work in a pinch, but keep in mind that fresh ingredients may burn more easily at high temperatures.

Paprika: Adds a warm, smoky flavor and beautiful color. If you like a bit of heat, smoked paprika or even cayenne pepper are great alternatives.

Italian seasoning: This blend of dried herbs (typically basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary) is a quick way to add a burst of flavor. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, feel free to mix and match individual herbs from your spice rack.

Butter: Placing a slice of butter on each chicken breast ensures a golden, slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. If you’re avoiding dairy, try using ghee or a plant-based butter alternative.

Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

Kitchen gear: What you need (and what you can totally skip)

You don’t need a fancy setup to make this dish, but there are a few tools that make the process smoother:

  • A rolling pin or meat mallet: You’ll want something to pound the chicken flat. If you don’t have either, a sturdy bottle (like a wine bottle) will work in a pinch!
  • A 9×13 inch casserole dish: This size ensures the chicken has enough room to cook evenly without steaming itself.
  • Meat thermometer: Trust me, this is the one tool you’ll want to invest in if you don’t have one. It takes the guesswork out of knowing when your chicken is done. You’re aiming for 165°F in the thickest part.

Step-by-step: My foolproof method (and a few hard-learned lessons)

Step 1: Preheat and prep the pan Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with a little olive oil or non-stick spray. You don’t need much—just enough to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Flatten the chicken Here’s where that rolling pin comes in handy. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound it to an even thickness, about 0.5 – 0.75 inches thick. Flattening the chicken ensures it cooks evenly, so you don’t end up with dry, overcooked edges and a raw middle (been there, done that!).

Step 3: Season generously Mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Drizzle olive oil over both sides of the chicken, then sprinkle the spice mixture all over, rubbing it in lightly to make sure every nook and cranny is coated.

Step 4: Add butter and bake Place the chicken breasts in your prepared casserole dish and top each one with a small piece of butter. This helps keep the chicken moist and adds richness to the flavor. Pop the dish into your oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Step 5: Finish under the broiler This step is optional, but if you love a bit of crispy, golden color on your chicken, turn on the broiler for the last 1-3 minutes. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

Variations and tweaks: Making it your own

  • Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to double-check your spice blends to ensure no hidden gluten ingredients.
  • Low-carb/keto: Skip the brown sugar, or use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or erythritol to keep this recipe keto-friendly.
  • Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the spice mix for a kick.
  • Herby twist: Swap the Italian seasoning for fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a fresh, fragrant touch.
  • Seasonal vegetables: Add sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes to the casserole dish for a one-pan meal. The veggies will roast beautifully alongside the chicken.

Serving and presentation: Keeping it simple and stunning

For a lovely presentation, slice the chicken breasts and fan them out on a platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, to brighten the dish. I like to serve this with a simple side of roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for balance. Mashed potatoes or rice also pair wonderfully if you’re in the mood for something heartier.

Drink pairings: A glass to complement the flavors

This chicken is versatile enough to pair with a variety of drinks. A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, works beautifully to balance the savory flavors. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a refreshing lemon-infused iced tea or sparkling water with a squeeze of lime is a great choice.

Leftovers and storage: Keeping it fresh

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I recommend using the oven or stovetop to prevent it from drying out—just heat it gently in a covered pan with a splash of broth or water. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Adjusting for different serving sizes

This recipe makes enough for about four servings, but it’s easy to scale up or down. If you’re cooking for a crowd, simply double or triple the ingredients. Keep in mind, the bake time might increase slightly if you’re cooking more chicken, so just keep an eye on that internal temperature.

Troubleshooting: A few tips for success

If you find that your chicken is drying out, make sure it’s not too thin before baking, and always use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Also, don’t skip the resting time—it allows the juices to redistribute, making for a juicier bite.

Conclusion: Give this recipe a try and make it your own!

There’s something so satisfying about a perfectly baked chicken breast. It’s quick, easy, and endlessly adaptable to whatever flavors you’re craving. Whether you’re looking for a fast weeknight meal or a healthy, crowd-pleasing dinner, this oven-baked chicken breast recipe is a must-try. And the best part? You can tweak it to suit your tastes—spicy, sweet, herby, or savory—the possibilities are endless. So go ahead, give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your dinner rotation!

Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

FAQs

1. How can I tell when the chicken is done without a meat thermometer?
Look for juices that run clear when you cut into the chicken. If the meat is no longer pink in the middle, it’s done.

2. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, just make sure to fully thaw them before baking for even cooking.

3. Why is my chicken dry?
Overcooking is usually the culprit. Check your chicken early and often, and always aim for 165°F.

4. Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?
Absolutely, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Add an extra 10-15 minutes, and again, aim for 165°F internally.

5. What can I serve with this chicken?
This chicken pairs well with almost anything! Try roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

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Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

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This juicy oven-baked chicken breast recipe is flavorful, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in just 20 minutes!

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds chicken breast boneless and skinless
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon butter diced

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and prep the pan Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with a little olive oil or non-stick spray. You don’t need much—just enough to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Flatten the chicken Here’s where that rolling pin comes in handy. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound it to an even thickness, about 0.5 – 0.75 inches thick. Flattening the chicken ensures it cooks evenly, so you don’t end up with dry, overcooked edges and a raw middle (been there, done that!).

Step 3: Season generously Mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Drizzle olive oil over both sides of the chicken, then sprinkle the spice mixture all over, rubbing it in lightly to make sure every nook and cranny is coated.

Step 4: Add butter and bake Place the chicken breasts in your prepared casserole dish and top each one with a small piece of butter. This helps keep the chicken moist and adds richness to the flavor. Pop the dish into your oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Step 5: Finish under the broiler This step is optional, but if you love a bit of crispy, golden color on your chicken, turn on the broiler for the last 1-3 minutes. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Notes

Serving and presentation: Keeping it simple and stunning

For a lovely presentation, slice the chicken breasts and fan them out on a platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, to brighten the dish. I like to serve this with a simple side of roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for balance. Mashed potatoes or rice also pair wonderfully if you’re in the mood for something heartier.

  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch

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