These perfectly seasoned oven-baked chicken breasts deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The blend of aromatic spices creates a golden, flavorful crust while keeping the meat incredibly juicy and tender. This foolproof method ensures you’ll never have dry chicken again, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, rubbing it in gently for better flavor.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Variations
- Mediterranean Style – Replace oregano with dried basil and add 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and crumbled feta cheese after baking.
- Cajun Spiced – Substitute the spice blend with 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning and add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra heat. Serve with a cooling yogurt sauce.
- Herb-Crusted – Mix 2 tablespoons fresh chopped herbs (rosemary, thyme, and sage) with 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs and press onto the oiled chicken before baking for a crispy coating.
Cooking Notes
- Temperature Matters – Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F (75°C). Overcooking will result in dry, tough chicken regardless of seasoning.
- Even Thickness – Pound chicken breasts to an even 3/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet to ensure uniform cooking and prevent thicker portions from being undercooked.
- Resting Period – Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven. This lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum moisture in every bite.
Serving Suggestions
- Complete Dinner – Serve alongside roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, and potatoes, with a fresh garden salad and dinner rolls for a satisfying family meal.
- Light and Fresh – Slice and serve over mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and balsamic vinaigrette for a healthy, protein-packed salad.
- Comfort Food Style – Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, and homemade gravy for a classic, comforting dinner experience.
Tips
- Prep Ahead – Season chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate covered. This allows flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat for enhanced taste.
- Oil Distribution – Use your hands to massage the olive oil and seasonings into the chicken, ensuring every surface is well-coated for maximum flavor and even browning.
- Storage Success – Store leftover cooked chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to maintain moisture and texture.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 320mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? – Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the breast. The juices should run clear, not pink.
- Can I use bone-in chicken breasts instead? – Yes, but increase cooking time to 35-40 minutes and check that the temperature near the bone reaches 165°F. Bone-in breasts will have slightly more flavor but take longer to cook.
- What if my chicken breasts are different sizes? – Pound the thicker portions to match the thinner ones, or separate larger breasts and cook them a few minutes longer. This ensures even cooking throughout.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? – Absolutely! Season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate covered. You can also cook completely and store for meal prep – reheat gently in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.
Conclusion
This oven-baked chicken breast recipe proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. With just a handful of pantry spices and proper technique, you’ll achieve perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken every time. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or preparing meals for the week ahead, this foolproof method delivers consistent, delicious results that will become a staple in your recipe collection. The versatility of this base recipe means you can easily adapt the seasonings to match your family’s preferences or create exciting new flavor combinations.
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Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These perfectly seasoned oven-baked chicken breasts deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The blend of aromatic spices creates a golden, flavorful crust while keeping the meat incredibly juicy and tender. This foolproof method ensures you’ll never have dry chicken again, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, rubbing it in gently for better flavor.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For even cooking, pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness if they vary significantly in size. Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper doneness. Let the chicken rest after cooking to redistribute juices for maximum tenderness. This recipe works well for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg (varies with salt added)
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: oven-baked chicken, juicy chicken breast, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, meal prep