Succulent Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe Everyone Loves

Tender and succulent chicken breasts shine in this mouthwatering oven baked chicken breast recipe that promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Home cooks often struggle to keep chicken from drying out during cooking, but this method guarantees perfectly juicy results every single time.

The secret lies in a simple yet powerful marinade that infuses each bite with incredible taste.

Seasoning plays a crucial role in elevating this protein from ordinary to extraordinary.

A few smart techniques ensure the chicken remains moist and delectable throughout the cooking process.

Subtle herbs and carefully controlled oven temperature work together to create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor a chicken breast so delicious, it might just become your new go-to weeknight dinner solution.

How to Bake Chicken Breasts That Stay Juicy

• Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400F for perfectly golden chicken that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Prep Your Protein

Grab those chicken breasts and give them a good pat down with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil, massaging it all over like you’re giving the chicken a spa treatment.

• Sprinkle The

Mix your favorite dried herbs and spices. Dust the chicken generously, creating a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for your secret.

• Bake To Perfection

Slide the seasoned chicken onto a baking sheet. Pop it in the hot oven and let the happen. Cook until the internal temperature hits 165F – this is your golden ticket to juicy, mouth-watering chicken.

• Let It Chill

Pull the chicken out and let it rest for a quick 5 minutes. This allows all those delicious juices to settle in, ensuring each bite is incredibly tender.

• Serve It Up

Slice against the grain and plate with your favorite sidekicks. Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for that restaurant-quality finish that’ll make everyone think you’re a culinary genius.

Tips for Oven Baked Chicken with Bold Seasoning

• Bake several chicken breasts at once and store in the fridge for quick protein additions to salads, sandwiches, and grain bowls throughout the week.
• Replace traditional spices with low-sodium alternatives or use fresh herbs like rosemary and oregano for a lighter, more vibrant flavor profile.
• Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning to guarantee uniform cooking and prevent dry edges or undercooked centers.
• For gluten-free diets, verify all seasonings are certified gluten-free. Keto dieters can increase healthy fat content by adding butter or avocado oil during seasoning. Paleo followers can use coconut oil instead of olive oil and stick to fresh herb seasonings.
• Always use a meat thermometer to confirm 165F internal temperature – this prevents overcooking while ensuring food safety and maximum juiciness.

Serve Chicken Breasts with Sides or Salads

• Perfect Plate Partners: Colorful roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots complement the chicken's savory flavor.
• Mediterranean Meal: Serve alongside quinoa pilaf with fresh herbs, creating a protein-packed and nutritious dinner that feels like a Mediterranean feast.
• Salad Sidekick: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the chicken's rich, hearty taste and add a refreshing element to the meal.
• Protein Power Combo: Transform the chicken into a protein-rich lunch bowl with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light yogurt dressing for added nutrition and variety.

Store Baked Chicken for Meals All Week

• Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to lock in moisture and prevent flavor transfer with other foods.
• Slice chicken breasts before refrigerating to make grab-and-go lunch options. Pack with salads, grain bowls, or wrap ingredients for speedy meal assembly.
• Wrap individual chicken breasts in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen chicken stays delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm chicken gently in microwave with a damp paper towel covering the meat. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain juiciness. Always check internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs with the same seasoning and cooking method. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs might take a few extra minutes to reach the proper internal temperature.

• How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (75C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and prevents undercooking or overcooking.

• What if I don't have all the specific seasonings?

You can create a simple seasoning blend with salt, pepper, and any dried herbs you have on hand. The key is to add flavor that complements the chicken’s natural taste.

• Is it necessary to let the chicken rest after cooking?

Absolutely! Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making the chicken more tender and preventing it from becoming dry when you slice it.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 190 kcal

Servings: 4

Oven Baked Chicken Breast Ingredient Essentials

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and versatile protein that becomes juicy and tender when properly seasoned and baked; choose fresh, uniform-sized cuts for even cooking.

• Garlic Powder: Adds deep, aromatic flavor without raw garlic harshness; look for pure, finely ground variety.
• Paprika: Provides warm, slightly sweet color and subtle smoky undertone; opt for fresh, vibrant red paprika.
• Dried Thyme: Introduces earthy, herbaceous notes; ensure herbs are fragrant and not stale.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and helps tenderize chicken; use kosher or sea salt for best results.
• Black Pepper: Delivers mild heat and complexity; freshly ground offers more robust taste.

• Olive Oil: Helps chicken stay moist and promotes beautiful golden-brown exterior; choose extra virgin for best flavor.
• Lemon: Brightens dish with zesty freshness; select firm, heavy lemons with smooth skin.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright color and herbaceous finish; pick crisp, deeply green leaves.

Tools That Help You Bake Chicken Breast Just Right

• Baking Sheet: Essential for evenly cooking and catching drips from the chicken.
• Parchment Paper or Foil: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Meat Thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature to ensure it's fully cooked.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for mixing and combining seasonings.
• Paper Towels: Needed to pat chicken dry before seasoning.
• Cutting Board: Used for slicing chicken after cooking.
• Sharp Knife: Required for slicing chicken against the grain.

Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent oven baked chicken breast delivers tender, juicy protein perfect for weeknight dinners. Herbed seasonings and precise cooking techniques ensure a flavorful meal you’ll savor with satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (about 1 ½ lbs / 700g)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Parsley, fresh, chopped (optional)
• Lemon wedges (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring optimal seasoning absorption and crisp exterior.
2. Seasoning Technique: Drizzle olive oil evenly over chicken, then generously sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Squeeze fresh lemon juice to add a vibrant citrus dimension.
3. Oven Configuration: Preheat oven to 400F (200C), creating an ideal roasting environment for perfectly cooked chicken breasts.
4. Roasting Process: Position seasoned chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring spacing for uniform heat distribution. Roast for 20-30 minutes, periodically checking internal temperature with a meat thermometer until it reaches 165F (75C).
5. Resting and Serving: Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute. Slice against the grain and plate with accompanying sides like roasted vegetables, salad, or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Moisture Control: Pat chicken breasts thoroughly dry to ensure crispy exterior and better seasoning absorption.
• Seasoning Strategy: Apply spices generously and evenly, massaging into meat for deeper flavor penetration.
• Temperature Precision: Use meat thermometer to guarantee safe 165F internal temperature, preventing dry or undercooked chicken.
• Resting Technique: Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices and maintain maximum tenderness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 278
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 49g
• Cholesterol: 140mg