Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

Introduction

Oven baked chicken breast is a simple, flavorful, and healthy meal option perfect for any night of the week. This recipe ensures tender, juicy chicken with a perfectly seasoned crust, ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts (150 – 180g / 5 – 6 oz each)
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme (or other herb of choice)
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• Finely chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or 200°C if using a fan oven.
2. Step 2: Pound the chicken breasts to about 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) thickness at the thickest part using a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your fist. This helps ensure even cooking and tender meat.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, dried oregano or thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create your seasoning blend.
4. Step 4: Line a baking tray with foil and parchment or baking paper. Place the chicken breasts upside down on the tray. Drizzle approximately 1 teaspoon of olive oil over the chicken and rub it in with your fingers. Sprinkle half of the seasoning mix evenly on this side.
5. Step 5: Flip the chicken breasts so the other side is facing up. Drizzle with another teaspoon of olive oil, rub it in, and sprinkle the remaining seasoning evenly across the surface.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 minutes, or until the chicken is golden on the surface and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
7. Step 7: Remove the chicken from the oven and immediately transfer to serving plates.
8. Step 8: Let the chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with garlic butter rice and kale or your favorite side.

Tips & Variations

• For extra juicy chicken, marinate the breasts in olive oil and seasoning for 30 minutes before baking.
• Substitute dried herbs with fresh herbs like rosemary or basil for a different flavor profile.
• Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a smoky, deeper flavor.
• To add a little heat, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper with the seasoning blend.

Storage

Store leftover baked chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to keep the meat moist. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely in the refrigerator before proceeding.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The most reliable method is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Alternatively, the juices should run clear when pierced with a fork.

Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 127 reviews

This Oven Baked Chicken Breast recipe produces juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken breasts with a perfectly golden crust. The chicken is tenderized by pounding flat for even cooking and seasoned with a savory blend of paprika, brown sugar, and herbs, then baked at a high temperature for a quick and easy meal. Ideal for a healthy, protein-rich dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 chicken breasts (150 – 180g / 5 – 6 oz each)
• 2 tsp olive oil

Seasoning Mix

• 1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme (or other herb of choice)
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Garnish

• Finely chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), or 200°C if using a fan-forced oven. This high temperature will help create a golden, flavorful crust on the chicken breasts.
2. Pound Chicken: Using a rolling pin, meat mallet, or even your fist, gently pound each chicken breast to an even thickness of about 1.5cm (0.6 inches) at the thickest part. This ensures even cooking and tender meat.
3. Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, dried oregano or thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoning mix.
4. Prepare Baking Tray: Line a baking tray with foil and baking or parchment paper. Place the chicken breasts upside down on the tray. Drizzle about 1 teaspoon of olive oil over each piece, then rub it in with your fingers. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over this side of the chicken.
5. Season Other Side: Flip the chicken breasts over. Drizzle each with another teaspoon of olive oil, rub it in, and sprinkle with the remaining seasoning mix, covering as much surface area as possible.
6. Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 18 minutes, or until the surface is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
7. Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and immediately transfer to serving plates. Let rest for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
8. Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with sides like garlic butter rice and kale.

Notes

• Ensure chicken breasts are pounded evenly to avoid uneven cooking and toughness.
• Using a meat thermometer ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
• Brown sugar in the seasoning adds a subtle sweetness that balances the paprika and herbs.
• Letting the chicken rest after baking helps retain moisture and flavor.
• This recipe can be easily doubled or halved based on serving needs.

Keywords: oven baked chicken breast, baked chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken breast, juicy chicken, baked chicken with herbs