In the world of quick and healthy weeknight dinners, this 30-minute baked chicken breast recipe is the undisputed champion. Forget dry, rubbery chicken for good. We’re about to unlock the simple secrets to a perfectly juicy, incredibly flavorful, and astonishingly easy meal that will have you feeling like a culinary genius. This is the only guide you’ll ever need for tender, delicious chicken, every single time.
This recipe is designed for the enthusiastic home cook who needs a reliable, go-to meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying. It’s perfect for meal prep, a quick family dinner, or slicing over a salad for a healthy lunch. Let’s get cooking!
Why This Recipe Guarantees Perfect Results
Many recipes overcomplicate things, but the beauty of a perfect baked chicken breast lies in its simplicity. This method works because it uses a high oven temperature to create a beautiful sear on the outside, locking in the juices. A simple but potent seasoning blend creates a savory crust, and a crucial resting period ensures every bite is moist and tender. It’s a foolproof technique for even the most novice cook.
Follow these steps, and you’ll master the art of the 30-minute baked chicken breast.
Golden perfection! This is what your chicken will look like right out of the oven.
Key Ingredients for Success
You don’t need a pantry full of exotic ingredients. The magic here comes from a few simple, high-quality staples.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Look for breasts that are similar in size and thickness for even cooking. About 6-8 ounces each is ideal.
Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil to help the seasonings adhere and to keep the chicken moist.
Seasoning Blend: A simple mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper is all you need for a classic, savory flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Achieving a juicy baked chicken breast is easy when you follow these simple steps. Precision is key, so preheat your oven and have your tools ready!
Preheat and Prepare: First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it heats up, pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for getting a good sear.
Season Generously: Place the dry chicken breasts in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. In a small bowl, whisk together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mix all over the chicken, making sure every surface is covered.
Bake to Perfection: Arrange the seasoned chicken in a single layer in a baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer. This is the most reliable way to check for doneness.
Rest Before Serving: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, guaranteeing a moist and tender result.
A generous coating of our simple seasoning blend is the first step to incredible flavor.
Pro Tips for the Juiciest 30-Minute Baked Chicken Breast
Want to elevate your chicken game? Here are some pro tips from our kitchen.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the chicken breasts some space in the baking dish. Overcrowding will cause them to steam instead of bake, resulting in a less desirable texture.
Use a Meat Thermometer: The single best way to avoid dry chicken is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Cooking time can vary based on the thickness of the chicken, so temperature is the only true indicator of doneness.
Pound to Even Thickness: If your chicken breasts are very uneven in thickness, gently pound the thicker end with a meat mallet or rolling pin to create a more uniform thickness. This promotes even cooking. For another great chicken recipe, check out our popular Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken.
Delicious Seasoning Variations
While the classic seasoning is fantastic, feel free to get creative! Here are a few variations to try:
Italian Herb: Mix dried oregano, basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes with your salt and garlic powder.
Spicy Southwest: Combine chili powder, cumin, and a touch of cayenne pepper for a smoky kick.
Lemon Herb: Use dried thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, and black pepper for a fresh, zesty flavor.
If you’re looking for another quick and savory dinner idea, our oven-baked chicken thighs are a must-try.
What to Serve With Baked Chicken Breast
This versatile chicken pairs well with almost anything. For a complete and satisfying meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, quinoa, or fluffy rice. It’s also fantastic sliced over a hearty soup, like this comforting creamy tortellini soup, for a protein boost.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Proper storage is key to enjoying your leftovers. Store cooked chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, you can gently warm slices in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat. For best results, add a splash of broth or water to keep the chicken from drying out during reheating.
The best temperature for baking chicken breast is 425°F (220°C). The high heat helps to sear the outside quickly, locking in the juices and keeping the chicken moist and tender inside.
At 425°F (220°C), an average-sized (6-8 oz) chicken breast will take about 20-25 minutes to cook through. However, always use a meat thermometer to confirm it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
While a thermometer is the most accurate method, you can check for doneness by piercing the thickest part of the chicken with a knife. If the juices run clear, it is cooked. If there is any pinkness, it needs more time.
There are three secrets: use a high temperature (425°F), don’t overcook it (use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F), and let it rest for 5-10 minutes after baking before you slice into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
It is not recommended to bake chicken from frozen as it will cook unevenly. For the best results and food safety, you should thaw your chicken breasts completely in the refrigerator before following this recipe.
Your Go-To Quick Dinner
This 30-minute baked chicken breast recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a solution for busy weeknights and a building block for healthy eating. We know you’ll love its simplicity and delicious results. If you try it, let us know how it went in the comments below and don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest!
The secret to juicy chicken is here! Our 30-minute baked chicken breast is a weeknight game-changer.
The ultimate guide to making perfectly juicy, flavorful, and quick 30-minute baked chicken breast. A foolproof recipe for a healthy and delicious weeknight dinner.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels.
Place the dry chicken breasts in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat evenly.
In a small bowl, whisk together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture all over the chicken, ensuring all sides are well-coated.
Arrange the chicken in a single layer in a baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 284kcalProtein: 45gFat: 10gFiber: 1g
Notes
Don't skip the rest! Resting the chicken is essential for it to retain its juices. Use a thermometer! It is the only way to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken that is not dry. Even thickness is key. Pound chicken breasts to a more uniform thickness for even cooking.
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
