Baked chicken breast is one of the most versatile, healthy, and easy-to-cook meals you can prepare for weeknights or special dinners.
With the right combination of seasoning, baking time, and a few smart tricks, you can turn simple chicken breasts into a juicy, golden-baked masterpiece.
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This Chicken Breast Recipes Baked guide will walk you through everything: from choosing the best chicken, perfecting the seasoning blend, to mastering the baking method for consistently tender results.
Whether you’re looking for a protein-packed dinner, a meal-prep option for the week, or a family favorite, this recipe is your go-to.
It’s customizable with different herbs and spices, pairs beautifully with sides like roasted vegetables, garlic rice, or a simple salad, and is ready in less than 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Breast Recipes Baked
- Healthy & Lean: Chicken breast is a lean source of protein, ideal for those on a balanced diet.
- Quick Cooking: With just 18 minutes in the oven, dinner is served in no time.
- Juicy Every Time: Following this method ensures your chicken stays moist instead of drying out.
- Easy Customization: Change up the herbs or add a touch of lemon zest for a fresh twist.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Great for batch cooking—slice it for salads, wraps, or grain bowls throughout the week.
Ingredients
To make this Chicken Breast Recipes Baked meal delicious and foolproof, you’ll need:
- 4 chicken breasts (150 – 180g / 5 – 6 oz each)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
For the seasoning mix:
- 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or thyme, or any preferred herb blend)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
These steps have been reworked for clarity and uniqueness while preserving the original essence:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). For fan-forced ovens, reduce to 200°C. This high temperature allows the chicken to cook quickly, sealing in the juices and creating a lightly caramelized surface.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
If the chicken breasts are thick, place them between two sheets of baking paper and gently pound them with a rolling pin or meat mallet until each breast is about 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) thick at the thickest part.
This ensures even cooking and a tender bite. If using very large breasts (8 oz or more), consider cutting them horizontally into thinner pieces.
Step 3: Create the Seasoning Blend
Combine the brown sugar, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mix well until you have a uniform seasoning rub.
The brown sugar not only adds sweetness but also helps with caramelization during baking.
Step 4: Season the Chicken
Line a baking tray with foil and place a piece of parchment paper on top (for easy cleanup). Place the chicken breasts smooth-side down. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of olive oil over the exposed side and rub it in evenly.
Sprinkle half of the seasoning mix over this side, making sure every surface is coated.
Flip the chicken over, drizzle the remaining olive oil, and rub in the rest of the seasoning mix. Massage the seasoning gently to cover all surfaces, ensuring maximum flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the tray to the preheated oven. Bake for 18 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) when tested with a meat thermometer. The surface should look golden and slightly crisp.
For larger breasts or bone-in cuts, you may need an additional 3–5 minutes of baking. Avoid overcooking, as this can dry out the meat.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Remove the chicken from the oven and immediately transfer it to a clean plate. Let it rest for 3–5 minutes before slicing or serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every bite succulent.
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness. Serve alongside Garlic Butter Rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh garden salad.
you can aalso read : Coconut Lime Chicken
Recipe Notes & Tips-Chicken Breast Recipes Baked
- Chicken Size Matters: If you’re using larger breasts (250g/8oz+), cut them horizontally to create thinner fillets before baking.
- Substitute with Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be baked using this recipe. Adjust the cooking time to 25–30 minutes depending on their size.
- Meal Prep: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. They reheat well or can be eaten cold in salads.
- Freezing: Cooked chicken breasts can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to maintain juiciness.
Chicken Breast Recipes Baked – The Perfect Juicy and Flavorful Dinner
Discover how to make the juiciest and most flavorful baked chicken breasts with this simple yet foolproof recipe. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, these chicken breasts are seasoned with a sweet and smoky rub, baked to perfection, and guaranteed to stay moist and tender. Try this recipe tonight and elevate your chicken dinner game – your family will thank you!
- Total Time: 30min
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts (150–180g / 5–6 oz each)
2 tsp olive oil
For the Seasoning Rub:
1 ½ tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried oregano (or thyme)
¼ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This ensures better seasoning adhesion and caramelization.
Season: Drizzle chicken with olive oil and rub evenly on all sides. Mix the seasoning ingredients in a small bowl, then coat each breast thoroughly.
Bake: Place the seasoned chicken on the tray. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices locked in.
Serve: Pair with roasted veggies, salads, or rice for a wholesome meal.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 20min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
FAQs About Chicken Breast Recipes Baked
1. How do I keep chicken breast from drying out in the oven?
The key is to bake it at a high temperature (425°F/220°C) for a short time and to pound the chicken to an even thickness. Letting it rest after baking also prevents moisture loss.
2. Can I marinate the chicken instead of using a dry rub?
Yes! A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs works wonderfully. However, this dry rub method with brown sugar and paprika provides great flavor and caramelization without extra steps.
3. Do I need to cover the chicken while baking?
No, keeping the chicken uncovered allows it to develop a golden crust. Covering it would trap steam, which can prevent browning.
4. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but they should be fully thawed before seasoning and baking to ensure even cooking.
5. What sides go best with baked chicken breast?
Popular options include garlic butter rice, creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, fresh salads, or even quinoa bowls.
6. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but the baking time will increase by 10–15 minutes. Always use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
The best Chicken Breast Recipes Baked
Baking chicken breasts doesn’t have to result in dry, bland meat. With the right seasoning blend and a simple oven-baking technique, you can achieve juicy, flavorful chicken every time. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even a healthy lunch. Serve it with your favorite sides, or slice it for wraps, salads, and grain bowls — a versatile dish you’ll return to again and again!
Nutrition Impact of Chicken Breast Recipes Baked
This baked chicken breast recipe is a powerhouse of lean protein, making it an excellent choice for muscle recovery, weight management, and overall health.
- High Protein: Each serving delivers over 30g of lean protein, essential for maintaining muscle mass and keeping you full longer.
- Low in Fat: With just 6g of fat, it’s a heart-healthy option when compared to fried chicken dishes.
- Low Carb: Containing only 5g of carbs, this recipe is perfect for low-carb or keto-friendly meal plans.
- Rich in Micronutrients: Chicken breasts provide B vitamins (B6, B12) and minerals like selenium and phosphorus, which support metabolism and immune health.