Name: Oven Chicken Breast – Juicy and Easy Baked Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 to 8 ounces each); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for brushing before baking)

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Try Yummy Oven Chicken Breast

Oven chicken breast is one of the most dependable and delicious dishes you can make at home. It’s the kind of recipe that every home cook should master because it proves that a simple piece of chicken can taste just as good as a meal from a restaurant. The oven method allows the chicken to cook evenly, sealing in moisture and flavor without needing much oil or constant attention. When baked correctly, the result is a perfectly tender and juicy chicken breast that’s golden on the outside and succulent on the inside.

More Chicken Breast Recipes

The taste of oven chicken breast is clean, mildly savory, and adaptable. It has a naturally rich flavor that pairs well with nearly any seasoning blend or sauce you like. You can keep it classic with salt, pepper, and garlic powder or elevate it with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or paprika. It’s a dish that fits beautifully into every kind of menu, from casual weekday dinners to meal-prepped lunches and even elegant dinners served with sides and wine.

Many people love cooking chicken breast in the oven because it’s easy, consistent, and forgiving. Unlike pan frying or grilling, you don’t have to monitor it constantly. Once it’s seasoned and placed in the oven, the heat does the work. And because boneless, skinless chicken breast is lean, it’s also a go-to choice for those who want a healthy meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Whether you’re making Easy Oven Chicken Breast Recipes or experimenting with your own marinades, this recipe will quickly become your favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Every cook needs a reliable go-to recipe for oven chicken breast, and this one is designed to be foolproof. You’ll love how it combines technique, flavor, and simplicity to deliver consistent results every time.

The chicken stays incredibly moist thanks to a balance of oven temperature and rest time.
The ingredients are simple, using everyday pantry items.
It’s a perfect base recipe that you can modify for different cuisines or flavors.
You can cook multiple breasts at once, making it ideal for meal prep or family dinners.
It fits into healthy eating plans without tasting bland or boring.
It works with so many side dishes, from mashed potatoes and roasted veggies to salads and pasta.

Even if you’ve struggled with dry chicken before, this recipe will change that forever. It’s an easy way to learn How To Cook Chicken In The Oven while building your confidence in the kitchen.

Preparation and Cooking Time, also Serving

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 to 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 to 40 minutes
Servings: 4

This recipe serves four people generously. Each portion gives you a satisfying serving of protein with enough room to pair it with sides like roasted vegetables, garlic rice, or steamed greens.

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 to 8 ounces each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for brushing before baking)

Substitution Notes

You can use avocado oil or canola oil in place of olive oil.
Add a sprinkle of cayenne or chili flakes for a touch of spice.
Use dried basil, oregano, or parsley if you want more herbal notes.
For dairy-free versions, skip butter and use a bit more olive oil.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Removing surface moisture helps the seasoning stick and promotes even browning. If your chicken breasts are thick, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them gently to an even thickness. This ensures that they cook uniformly, preventing dry edges.

Step 2: Season Generously

Place the chicken breasts on a plate or tray. Drizzle olive oil over them and rub it in evenly. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and thyme. Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly on both sides of each chicken breast and gently press it in so it adheres. Coating the chicken thoroughly helps create a flavorful crust during baking.

Step 3: Arrange for Baking

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a tray with parchment paper. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. If you’re using butter, brush a thin layer on top of each breast to enhance color and moisture.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the chicken for about 20 to 25 minutes, depending on thickness. The ideal internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. Cooking chicken breast in the oven at this temperature allows it to cook quickly while retaining juiciness. If you want a slightly caramelized surface, broil it for 2 minutes at the end.

Step 5: Rest Before Serving

Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This step allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, keeping it moist. Slice it diagonally for an appealing presentation and to expose the juicy interior.

How to Serve

Oven chicken breast is versatile enough to pair with almost any side. Here are some simple serving ideas to inspire you.

Serve with roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or green beans for a balanced dinner.
Add a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter rice for a comfort-style meal.
Slice and layer it over fresh garden salad with a vinaigrette for a lighter option.
Pair it with pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs for a simple Italian-inspired dish.
Drizzle with lemon butter sauce or creamy mushroom sauce for a more elegant meal.

When plating, place the sliced chicken at an angle to showcase its juiciness. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs for color and a touch of olive oil for sheen. The simplicity of the presentation allows the natural beauty of the chicken to stand out.

Additional Tips

Always preheat your oven for even cooking.
Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking this is the key to juicy chicken.
If your chicken breasts are very thick, butterfly them or pound to even thickness before baking.
Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before baking to deepen the flavor.
Letting the chicken rest after baking keeps it from losing moisture when sliced.
Avoid covering the dish with foil while baking, as it can trap steam and make the exterior less crisp.

These tips guarantee that your Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Recipe will turn out perfectly every time, whether you’re making it plain or adding marinades.

Recipe Variations

Lemon Herb Chicken: Add lemon zest, garlic, and Italian seasoning before baking for a bright Mediterranean flavor.
Honey Mustard Chicken: Combine honey, Dijon mustard, and a splash of soy sauce for a sweet and tangy glaze.
Spicy Cajun Chicken: Use Cajun seasoning or a mix of chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper for heat.

You can also use this same method for Easy Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Recipes Oven style, switching out seasonings to suit your taste or the cuisine you’re serving.

Freezing and Storage

Store leftover oven chicken breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, wrap each chicken breast in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry the meat out.

These methods make it easy to prepare Boneless Chicken Dinner Ideas in advance, saving time during busy weeks.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving (based on one 6 oz chicken breast):

Calories: 260
Protein: 38g
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 460mg

This makes oven chicken breast an excellent option for those following balanced or high-protein diets while keeping meals flavorful and satisfying.

Final Words

Cooking a perfect oven chicken breast doesn’t require complicated techniques or expensive tools. It’s about balance the right temperature, seasoning, and resting time. Once you master this method, you can create endless variations with confidence. You’ll quickly see why this is one of the most popular Skinless Chicken Recipes among home cooks and chefs alike.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers consistently juicy, flavorful chicken every time. It’s simple enough for beginners yet precise enough to satisfy experienced cooks who value quality and consistency. Make it once, and it will become one of your most trusted Easy Oven Chicken Breast Recipes.

Cooking chicken breast in the oven is a technique that highlights the importance of care and patience in the kitchen. Each time you prepare it, you’ll refine your timing and gain confidence. The more you make it, the more you’ll appreciate how something so simple can taste so refined.

Now that you’ve learned how to create the perfect Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast In Oven, try pairing it with your favorite sides or sauces and make it a regular part of your weekly menu. Every cook deserves a dependable chicken recipe and this one will never let you down.

FAQ’s

Bake at 425°F (220°C) for the best balance of browning and moisture retention.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

No, leaving it uncovered helps create a light crust and better texture.

Yes, but thaw them completely before cooking for even results.

Overcooking or not resting it before slicing can cause dryness. Always check temperature and rest before cutting.

Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, garlic rice, or a light salad complement it well.

Yes, but add about 10 extra minutes of cooking time.