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Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 chicken breasts (150 – 180g / 56 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