Say goodbye to dry, bland chicken for good. This is the ultimate guide to making perfectly juicy, flavorful, and tender Oven-Baked Chicken Breast every single time. It’s a simple, reliable method that will make this dish a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.
We’ve all been there: you follow a recipe, but your chicken comes out tough and chewy. This foolproof recipe focuses on the two things that matter most: the right seasoning and the perfect internal temperature. Get ready to master a foundational recipe you’ll use for years.
Why This Is the Only Oven-Baked Chicken Breast Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Forget complicated marinades or brines. This recipe is built on a simple, effective technique that delivers incredible results with minimal effort. It’s designed for the enthusiastic home cook who wants delicious, healthy meals without the fuss.
It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight, yet delicious enough to serve to guests. Plus, this versatile chicken is perfect for meal prep, salads, sandwiches, and more.
The Secret to Juicy Chicken: Key Ingredients
The magic isn’t in a long list of fancy ingredients. It’s about using a few high-quality staples to create a savory crust that seals in all the natural juices.
Choosing Your Chicken
For the best results, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are roughly the same size and thickness. This ensures they cook evenly. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick on one end, it helps to pound them to a more uniform thickness.
The Perfect Seasoning Blend
This savory and smoky spice mix is the key to incredible flavor. It creates a beautiful crust on the chicken as it bakes.
Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings adhere and promotes browning.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a beautiful color and a subtle smoky flavor.
Garlic Powder: Provides a savory, aromatic base.
Onion Powder: Adds a complementary savory note.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
Resting the chicken for 5-10 minutes is the key to a tender, juicy result.
How to Make the Perfect Oven-Baked Chicken Breast (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps for a flawless result. The entire process is straightforward and designed for success, even for beginners.
Preheat and Prepare: First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with a paper towel. This is a crucial step for getting a nice sear.
Season Generously: Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and rub it all over. In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over all sides of the chicken breasts.
Bake to Perfection: Place the seasoned chicken in a baking dish or on a sheet pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken.
Rest is Best: This is the most important step! Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist breast.
The Most Important Step: Temperature, Not Time
The single best way to guarantee your Oven-Baked Chicken Breast is never dry is to use a meat thermometer. Ovens vary, and chicken breasts differ in size and thickness. A thermometer removes all the guesswork.
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast. You are looking for a final internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Pull the chicken from the oven when it reaches 162-163°F, as it will continue to cook slightly as it rests.
The simple seasoning blend creates a delicious crust that seals in the juices.
Tips and Tricks for Recipe Success
Here are a few extra tips to help you get the best possible results.
Pound it Out: For very large chicken breasts, pounding the thicker end to match the thinner end ensures it cooks evenly.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Use a baking dish or pan large enough to hold the chicken without the pieces touching. This allows hot air to circulate for better browning.
Let It Rest: We can’t say it enough. Resting the chicken is non-negotiable for juicy results. Cutting into it too soon will cause all the delicious juices to run out onto your cutting board.
Seasoning Variations to Try
While our signature blend is a winner, this recipe is a fantastic canvas for other flavors. Try one of these simple variations!
Italian Herb: Swap the paprika for 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Lemon Herb: Add the zest of one lemon and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme to the spice mix for a bright, fresh flavor.
Spicy Southwest: Replace the smoked paprika with an equal amount of chili powder and add 1/2 teaspoon of cumin.
What to Serve with Baked Chicken
This versatile chicken pairs well with almost anything. For a classic dinner, serve it with roasted vegetables and potatoes. It’s also perfect alongside simple carbs that can soak up the delicious juices. We highly recommend serving it with our favorite garlic butter breadsticks for a truly comforting meal.
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave in 30-second bursts or in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Leftovers are perfect for slicing cold onto salads or for use in sandwiches and wraps.
At 400°F (200°C), average-sized (about 6 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts typically take 20-25 minutes to cook through. However, the most reliable method is to cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
The secret to juicy chicken is twofold: don’t overcook it, and let it rest. Use a meat thermometer to pull the chicken from the oven once it hits 165°F. Then, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
No, you do not need to cover the chicken with foil for this recipe. Baking it uncovered at a high temperature helps create a delicious, savory crust on the outside while the inside stays moist and tender.
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts, but you will need to increase the cooking time. Start checking the temperature after 30 minutes and continue cooking until it reaches 165°F (74°C).
While a thermometer is highly recommended for accuracy, you can check for doneness by piercing the thickest part of the chicken with a knife. If the juices run clear, it is likely cooked. If they are pink, it needs more time. The chicken should also be firm to the touch.
We’d Love to Hear From You!
We hope you love this simple and delicious Oven-Baked Chicken Breast recipe. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out! For more incredible recipes, be sure to follow us on Pinterest.
This is the only recipe you'll need for perfectly juicy chicken every time!
Oven-Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
FL Recipes
Oven-Baked Chicken Breast: The Ultimate Foolproof Recipe
This foolproof recipe delivers perfectly juicy and flavorful oven-baked chicken breast every time. It's a simple, reliable method for a healthy and delicious weeknight dinner, ready in under 30 minutes.
4boneless, skinless chicken breastsabout 6 oz each
1tablespoonolive oil
1teaspoonsmoked paprika
1teaspoongarlic powder
1/2teaspoononion powder
1/2teaspoonsaltor to taste
1/4teaspoonblack pepperfreshly ground
Equipment
1 Baking Dish or Sheet Pan
1 Meat Thermometer Highly recommended for best results.
Method
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
Place chicken in a bowl or on a plate. Drizzle with olive oil and rub to coat all sides. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken.
Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.
Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer it to a clean cutting board. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This is crucial for keeping the chicken juicy.
Nutrition
Calories: 210kcalProtein: 36gFat: 8gFiber: 1g
Notes
Even Thickness: For best results, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning. Meat Thermometer: Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly without drying it out. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Keyword baked chicken,healthy chicken recipe,juicy chicken breast
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 »
