Finding a reliable recipe for a juicy Baked Chicken Breast changes everything in a busy kitchen. As a mom of three, I know that dinner time often feels like a race against the clock, but I refuse to sacrifice flavor or nutrition. This Baked Chicken Breast delivers a tender, succulent texture and a savory spice rub that the whole family will enjoy.
You will love how the outside gets slightly golden while the inside stays incredibly moist and flavorful. It is the ultimate solution for a quick weeknight meal or a healthy meal prep session. This simple method ensures you never have to settle for dry, rubbery meat again.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
- Incredible Texture: This method produces a Baked Chicken Breast that is consistently juicy and never dry.
- Quick and Easy: You can prep the meat in five minutes and let the oven do the rest of the heavy lifting.
- Highly Versatile: This protein pairs perfectly with salads, grains, or roasted vegetables for a complete, nourishing meal.
- Family Approved: Even picky eaters enjoy the mild yet savory seasoning of this Baked Chicken Breast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Quality ingredients make a significant difference when preparing a Baked Chicken Breast. I always recommend choosing organic or air-chilled chicken for the best flavor and texture. Here is what you will need to gather for this recipe:
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless breasts of similar size for even cooking.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil to help the spices stick and to keep the meat moist.
- Smoked Paprika: This adds a beautiful color and a subtle depth of flavor to the Baked Chicken Breast.
- Garlic Powder: Provides a savory, aromatic punch without the risk of burning fresh garlic.
- Onion Powder: Enhances the overall savory profile of the spice rub.
- Dried Oregano: Adds a touch of earthy, herbal notes that complement the poultry perfectly.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors of the meat.
Substitutions & Variations
Note: This video is for demonstration purposes and may use a slightly different method.
You can easily customize your Baked Chicken Breast to suit your preferences or what you have in the pantry. If you want a Mediterranean flair, swap the paprika for dried basil and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the spice mixture.
If you are watching your sodium, feel free to use a salt-free herb blend or increase the amount of garlic and onion powder. You can also substitute the olive oil with melted avocado oil or even a light brushing of Dijon mustard for a different flavor profile. Regardless of the spices you choose, the cooking technique for this Baked Chicken Breast remains the same.
You can easily customize your Baked Chicken Breast to suit your preferences or what you have in the pantry. For a delightful variation, consider trying this Keto Baked Cod with Lemon for an alternate protein option that also brings Mediterranean flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). A high temperature is the secret to a fast-cooking, juicy Baked Chicken Breast.
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If the breasts are very thick on one end, use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness. This ensures every bite of your Baked Chicken Breast cooks at the same rate.
- Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Meat: Place the chicken in a large bowl or on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of each Baked Chicken Breast.
- Bake: Place the chicken in a single layer in a baking dish. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest: Remove the Baked Chicken Breast from the oven and transfer it to a plate. Cover loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes. This step is crucial for keeping the juices inside the meat.
Pro Tips for Success
To achieve the absolute best Baked Chicken Breast, keep a few technical tips in mind. First, never skip the resting period. When meat cooks, the fibers tighten and push the juices to the center.
If you cut into the Baked Chicken Breast immediately, those juices will run out onto the plate, leaving you with dry meat. Resting allows the fibers to relax and reabsorb the moisture. Second, use a meat thermometer.
Oven temperatures can vary, and chicken breasts come in all shapes and sizes. Taking the guesswork out of the process ensures a perfectly cooked Baked Chicken Breast every time. Third, don’t be afraid of high heat. Cooking the chicken quickly at 425°F helps sear the outside while keeping the inside tender.
To achieve the absolute best Baked Chicken Breast, keep a few technical tips in mind. Utilizing a meat thermometer can enhance your cooking success, similar to how using precise techniques can elevate the flavors in a Baked Salmon Sushi Bowl.
Storage & Reheating Tips
If you have leftover Baked Chicken Breast, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping healthy lunches for the week. You can slice the cold chicken and add it directly to salads or wraps.
When reheating, be careful not to overcook the meat, as this will make it tough. The best way to reheat a Baked Chicken Breast is in the oven at 350°F with a splash of water or chicken broth covered with foil.
Alternatively, you can slice the chicken and gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a little bit of olive oil. Avoid the microwave if possible, but if you must use it, reheat the Baked Chicken Breast in short intervals at a lower power setting.
What to Serve With This Recipe
A perfectly seasoned Baked Chicken Breast is a blank canvas for delicious side dishes. For a classic, nourishing meal, serve the chicken alongside roasted broccoli and carrots tossed in garlic and olive oil. If you prefer a lighter option, a crisp kale salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the savory spices of the meat beautifully.
For those who need a heartier side, fluffy quinoa or brown rice works wonderful to soak up any remaining juices from the Baked Chicken Breast. You can also slice the chicken and serve it over a bed of zucchini noodles or whole-wheat pasta with a light pesto sauce. Adding a side of roasted sweet potatoes or a simple cucumber and tomato salad also creates a well-balanced plate that your family will love.
A perfectly seasoned Baked Chicken Breast is a blank canvas for delicious side dishes. If you’re looking for a flavorful experience, try pairing it with Crispy Baked Ranch Chicken for a delightful and satisfying meal.
FAQs
How do I prevent my Baked Chicken Breast from being dry?
The key to a moist Baked Chicken Breast is a combination of high heat, even thickness, and resting the meat. Pounding the chicken to a uniform thickness ensures it cooks evenly. Using a meat thermometer to stop cooking at exactly 165°F prevents overcooking, and resting for 5 to 10 minutes allows the juices to redistribute.
Can I cook Baked Chicken Breast from frozen?
While you can technically cook chicken from frozen, I do not recommend it for this recipe. Cooking a frozen Baked Chicken Breast often results in an overcooked exterior and an undercooked interior. For the best texture and flavor, thaw the chicken completely in the refrigerator overnight before seasoning and baking.
Do I need to cover the chicken while it bakes?
No, you do not need to cover the Baked Chicken Breast while it is in the oven. Leaving it uncovered allows the spices to form a nice crust and helps the chicken achieve a beautiful golden color. However, you should cover the chicken with foil after you take it out of the oven to keep it warm while it rests.
Baked chicken breast is a popular dish enjoyed for its versatility and ease of preparation. This cooking method ensures a tender and juicy result, making it a favored choice for healthy meals alongside various accompaniments such as vegetables and grains, often mentioned in culinary discussions about poultry preparation.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
This Baked Chicken Breast is a lean, high-protein option that fits into many different dietary lifestyles. It is low in carbohydrates and rich in essential nutrients. Here is a brief summary of the nutritional profile for one serving:
| Calories | 245 kcal |
| Protein | 38g |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 450mg |
I hope this Baked Chicken Breast becomes a staple in your home just as it has in mine. It is a simple, honest recipe that provides the nourishment your family needs with the flavor they deserve. Food truly is love, and serving a healthy, delicious meal is one of the best ways to show it. Enjoy your cooking!
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Baked Chicken Breast
- Total Time: 27 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Baked Chicken Breast delivers a tender, succulent texture and a savory spice rub that the whole family will enjoy. It's incredibly quick and easy to prepare while being versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides.
Ingredients
4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tsp Smoked Paprika
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Onion Powder
1 tsp Dried Oregano
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C)
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and pound them to an even thickness if necessary
- Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl
- Coat the chicken with olive oil and rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides
- Bake in a single layer in a baking dish for 18 to 22 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
- Let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing
Notes
Using a meat thermometer ensures the chicken is cooked perfectly.
Do not skip the resting period to maintain juiciness.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 22 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 245 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg