Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe
This baked chicken breast recipe is simple, reliable, and perfect for everyday meals. The chicken stays juicy inside with a lightly seasoned, golden outside. No complicated steps, no special ingredients, just an easy oven-baked method that works every time.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or thyme optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a tray with baking paper.
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts between plastic wrap or parchment paper. Gently pound them so they are an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly and stay tender.
- Season: Place the chicken in the baking dish. Brush both sides with olive oil or melted butter. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and herbs. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 18–22 minutes, depending on thickness. The chicken is done when the center is no longer pink and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest before serving: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This keeps the meat juicy.
- Serve: Serve warm with rice, salad, roasted vegetables, or potatoes.
Notes
Tips for Juicy Chicken
- Always pound the chicken to an even thickness
- Do not overbake—check early if breasts are small
- Let the chicken rest before slicing
- Spicy: Add chili powder or cayenne pepper
- Lemon Herb: Add lemon juice and extra herbs
- Garlic Butter: Use butter and fresh minced garlic
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months