There’s nothing quite like a perfectly cooked chicken dinner. This oven baked chicken breast recipe delivers just that: tender, juicy, and full of flavor. It’s truly a weeknight lifesaver!
I find myself making this on busy evenings. My family always cheers when it’s on the menu. Plus, leftovers are fantastic for quick lunches.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is a true kitchen hero! It’s the one I turn to again and again.
- So quick: Perfect for those crazy weeknights.
- Packs flavor: Even picky eaters ask for seconds.
- Always tender: The oven baked chicken breast stays juicy.
- Super versatile: It pairs well with almost anything.
- Less fuss: Cleanup is a breeze, honestly!
It really takes the stress out of dinner. You will love making this again and again.
Oven Baked Chicken Breast Ingredients
Okay, let’s talk ingredients! The magic of this oven baked chicken breast really comes from simple, pantry-friendly items. You’ll find these create an amazing flavor profile.
Core Ingredients for Juicy Chicken
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless is best here. It cooks up so quickly.
- Olive Oil: This helps everything stick. It locks in moisture too.
- Butter: A little bit of butter adds richness. It makes the chicken incredibly juicy.
Seasoning Essentials
- Light Brown Sugar: Don’t skip this! It adds a lovely caramelization.
- Garlic Powder: A must-have for just about any savory dish.
- Onion Powder: Works with garlic powder for a great base.
- Ground Paprika: Gives a beautiful color and mild flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend brings warm, herby notes.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Basic, but oh-so-important for taste.
Substitutions and Tips
Feeling creative? No problem! You can totally make this recipe your own.
- Butter Swap: If you’re out of butter, more olive oil works.
- Sugar Options: Regular granulated sugar can sub for brown sugar. You can skip it, but it adds so much.
- Herb Play: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary are wonderful. Just chop them finely.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne for some heat. Smoked paprika is also fantastic.
Remember, exact measurements are in the recipe card. Don’t worry, it’s all laid out for you!
How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Breast
Making this delicious oven baked chicken breast is super easy. I’ll walk you through each step. You’ll have a fantastic meal ready in no time!
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
First, get your oven ready. Preheat it to a cozy 400°F. Then, grab a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Give it a light greasing. This keeps your delicious chicken from sticking. Easy peasy to start!
Step 2: Flatten the Chicken Breasts
This next part is important. Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap. Now, grab a rolling pin or a mallet. Pound that chicken gently. Aim for about 0.5 to 0.75 inches thick. This helps everything cook evenly. It also makes for tender bites!
After flattening, rub olive oil all over the chicken. Don’t be shy here. It helps the seasoning stick. It also adds a layer of moisture. This makes for juicy results.
Step 3: Seasoning Your Chicken to Perfection
Time for the flavor magic! In a small bowl, mix all your seasonings. Remember, no butter yet. Stir them well. Now, sprinkle this wonderful blend over the oiled chicken. Gently rub it in with your hands. Make sure every piece is covered. This ensures amazing taste. You’re building a flavorful crust!
Step 4: Baking Your Oven Baked Chicken Breast
Carefully place your seasoned chicken into the prepared dish. Pop a small slice of butter on top of each breast. This adds more juiciness. It also helps with browning. Slide the dish into your preheated oven. Bake it for about 18-20 minutes. It needs to reach 165°F inside. Using a meat thermometer is key here. It guarantees perfectly cooked oven baked chicken breast. No dry chicken for us!
Step 5: The Broiler Finish
Almost done! Turn on your broiler. Let the chicken get a lovely golden-brown crust. This only takes 1 to 3 minutes. Watch it closely, though. It browns quickly! Once it’s golden, pull it out. Serve your amazing oven baked chicken breast right away. Enjoy every single bite!
How to Store Oven Baked Chicken Breast
Once you’ve made your delicious oven baked chicken breast, you might have some leftovers. Storing them correctly keeps them fresh! Let the chicken cool completely first. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes it perfect for meal prep!
If you want to keep your oven baked chicken breast even longer, you can freeze it. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay good for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven. This helps keep it moist.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip flattening the chicken. It cooks evenly.
- Always use a meat thermometer. This ensures perfect doneness.
- Don’t overcook your oven baked chicken breast. Dry chicken is no fun.
- Let chicken rest a few minutes. Juices redistribute for tenderness.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste. Make it truly yours.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch casserole dish: Any oven-safe baking dish works.
- Rolling pin or meat mallet: A heavy pan bottom can substitute.
- Small bowl: For mixing your fantastic seasonings.
- Meat thermometer: My absolute favorite tool!
- Plastic wrap: Keeps things clean while flattening.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with steamed green beans.
- Serve alongside fluffy mashed potatoes.
- A fresh garden salad makes a light side.
- Rice pilaf adds a lovely touch.
- Sweet corn on the cob is always a hit.
- Consider a chilled glass of white wine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the Oven Baked Chicken Breast ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the chicken up to a day in advance. Flatten and season it as directed. Then, store it in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake. This really makes dinner quick!
What if I don’t have a meat thermometer for my Oven Baked Chicken Breast?
While a meat thermometer is best, you can still tell if your chicken is done. Cut into the thickest part. If the juices run clear and the meat is opaque throughout, it’s cooked. Just try not to overcook it.
Can I use different seasonings for this Oven Baked Chicken Breast recipe?
Of course! The seasoning blend I suggest is a favorite. But feel free to experiment. Cajun spices, lemon-herb mixes, or smoky barbecue rubs are all great. Make your oven baked chicken breast truly your own!
How long does Oven Baked Chicken Breast last in the refrigerator?
Cooked oven baked chicken breast stays fresh for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container. This makes it perfect for meal prepping. Enjoy it in salads or sandwiches!
Print
Oven Baked Chicken Breast
- Total Time: 28-33 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This recipe provides a simple and delicious way to prepare oven-baked chicken breast, seasoned with a blend of spices and finished with a touch of butter for juiciness. The recipe emphasizes flattening the chicken for even cooking and suggests using a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breast boneless and skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter diced
Instructions
- Prep: Heat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Flatten: Place chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap. Using a rolling pin or the flat side of a mallet, pound chicken to about 0.5 – 0.75 inch thickness. Rub olive oil all over flattened chicken breasts.
- Season: Combine all remaining ingredients EXCEPT for butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle all over chicken, then lightly rub it in.
- Bake: Place seasoned chicken in prepared casserole dish. Top each chicken breast with a slice of butter. Bake at 400°F until internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 18-20 minutes. Finish chicken under broiler for 1-3 minutes, until nicely browned. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Chicken: If you choose to use any other cut than specified, the baking time will be different from the recipe.
- Butter: Feel free to replace with olive oil or skip altogether at the expense of some juiciness and flavor.
- Brown sugar: Feel free to use regular sugar if you don’t have any brown sugar on hand. You can skip it if you absolutely want to, but it does really make quite a difference to the taste of the chicken.
- Seasonings: The seasoning is my favorite the way I wrote it down in the recipe. But you’re absolutely free to skip anything you don’t like, or experiment with your own ideas.
- Recipe tips: I highly recommend you don’t skip the flattening, it makes a big difference to the end result.
- Do not overbake the chicken. I highly recommend a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F, it’s the most accurate way to cook any kind of meat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-23 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
