Juicy and flavorful, this oven-baked chicken breast recipe is a simple yet delicious way to prepare chicken. Perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or serving alongside your favorite sides, this recipe ensures tender, moist chicken every time.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Rub olive oil evenly over the chicken breasts, then sprinkle the seasoning mix generously on both sides.
- Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Variations
- Herbed Chicken: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the seasoning for a fragrant twist.
- Lemon-Garlic Chicken: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before baking and add a sprinkle of lemon zest to the seasoning.
- Spicy Chicken: Increase the cayenne pepper for an extra kick or add chili powder to the seasoning mix.
FAQs
How can I keep the chicken from drying out?
Patting the chicken dry and coating it with oil helps lock in moisture. Resting the chicken after baking ensures juices redistribute evenly.
Can I marinate the chicken beforehand?
Absolutely! Marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours using your favorite mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and spices to enhance flavor.
Can I freeze baked chicken breasts?
Yes, let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months.
Oven Baked Chicken Breast
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Juicy and flavorful, this oven-baked chicken breast recipe is a simple yet delicious way to prepare chicken. Perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or serving alongside your favorite sides, this recipe ensures tender, moist chicken every time.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Rub olive oil evenly over the chicken breasts, then sprinkle the seasoning mix generously on both sides.
- Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- For extra juiciness, you can brine the chicken in salted water for 15–30 minutes before seasoning.
- Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg