The Best Oven-Baked Chicken Breast Recipe – Juicy, Flavorful, and Foolproof!

If you’ve ever struggled with dry, rubbery, or bland chicken breasts, you’re not alone. The truth is, chicken breasts are one of the easiest proteins to overcook, but when done right, they can be tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. This oven-baked chicken breast recipe is simple, foolproof, and incredibly delicious. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even special occasions when you want something easy yet impressive.

The secret to getting juicy, flavorful chicken every time is a combination of proper seasoning, the right baking temperature, and a little patience when it comes to resting. You don’t need any fancy marinades or complicated techniques—just a few pantry staples and some simple cooking tricks. Once you try this method, you’ll never go back to dry, boring chicken again!

This recipe is also healthy, high in protein, and incredibly versatile. You can serve it with roasted veggies, on top of a fresh salad, stuffed into a sandwich, or with your favorite pasta. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or meal prepping for the week, this easy oven-baked chicken breast will become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy and Tender Every Time – No more dry chicken! The combination of seasoning and proper cooking technique locks in moisture.
• Quick and Easy – Minimal prep time and simple ingredients make this a perfect weeknight recipe.
• Healthy and High-Protein – This is a great lean protein source that fits into almost any diet.
• Versatile – Serve it in salads, grain bowls, sandwiches, wraps, pasta dishes, or alongside your favorite side dishes.
• Great for Meal Prep – Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy delicious chicken all week long!

Ingredients for the Best Baked Chicken Breast

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked for extra depth)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Optional Marinade for Extra Flavor

If you have a little extra time, marinating the chicken before baking will add even more depth of flavor and tenderness.

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 minced garlic clove
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours for maximum flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfectly Baked Chicken

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the seasoning stick better and promotes better browning.

If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, pound them to an even level using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This step ensures even cooking and prevents thinner areas from drying out.

3. Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Rub this seasoning mix all over the chicken breasts, ensuring every part is well coated. This step creates a delicious crust and seals in moisture.

4. Bake the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.

Bake for 18-22 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. If they are thinner (½ inch thick), check at 18 minutes. If they are thicker (1 inch or more), they may need up to 22 minutes.

Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—the internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.

5. Rest Before Slicing

Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it juicy and tender.

Slice the chicken against the grain for the best texture, and serve with your favorite side dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Pounding Step

Uneven chicken breasts cook unevenly, which can lead to dry edges and an undercooked center. Pounding them to an even thickness ensures they cook at the same rate.

• Not Letting the Chicken Rest

Cutting into hot chicken right away causes all the juices to run out, leaving it dry. Letting it rest for 5 minutes keeps it moist.

• Overcooking

Chicken breasts dry out quickly if they’re cooked too long. A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure they’re perfectly cooked at 165°F.

• Not Using Enough Seasoning

Chicken breasts are naturally mild in flavor. Generous seasoning ensures every bite is delicious.

• Baking at the Wrong Temperature

Baking at too low a temperature can make the chicken take too long to cook, leading to a dry, rubbery texture. 400°F is the perfect balance—hot enough to create a golden crust while keeping the inside juicy.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

Best Side Dishes for Baked Chicken

• Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, bell peppers, asparagus, or zucchini.
• Grain Bowls – Quinoa, brown rice, or couscous.
• Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes pair beautifully with juicy chicken.
• Fresh Salads – Toss sliced chicken over a Caesar salad or Greek salad.

How to Use Leftover Chicken

• In Sandwiches or Wraps – Add sliced chicken to a sandwich with fresh greens and a tasty sauce.
• Over Pasta – Toss chopped chicken into your favorite pasta dish.
• In Stir-Fries – Quick and easy protein for a stir-fry.
• For Meal Prep – Store cooked chicken in the fridge for easy meals all week.

FAQs About Oven-Baked Chicken Breast

1. How Long Should I Bake Chicken at 400°F?

The baking time depends on thickness. Thinner chicken (½ inch thick) takes about 18 minutes, while thicker chicken (1 inch) takes 20-22 minutes. Always check the internal temperature with a thermometer—it should be 165°F.

2. Can I Bake Chicken Straight from Frozen?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the baking time by 50%. It will take about 30-35 minutes to cook fully.

3. How Do I Store Leftover Chicken?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

4. What’s the Best Way to Reheat Baked Chicken?

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave at 50% power to prevent it from drying out.

5. Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?

Yes! Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.

6. Can I Cook This Recipe in an Air Fryer Instead of the Oven?

Yes! To cook in an air fryer, preheat it to 375°F (190°C) and cook the chicken for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

7. What Can I Use Instead of Olive Oil?

If you don’t have olive oil, you can use avocado oil, melted butter, or even coconut oil for a slightly different flavor. Each option helps keep the chicken moist and adds richness to the seasoning.

8. How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?

If you love a little heat, try adding ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning mix. You can also serve the baked chicken with spicy mayo, harissa, or chili garlic sauce for an extra kick!

Final Thoughts: The Easiest, Juiciest Baked Chicken Recipe Ever!

This oven-baked chicken breast recipe is simple, reliable, and incredibly delicious. By following a few easy steps—pounding to even thickness, seasoning generously, baking at the right temperature, and letting it rest—you’ll get juicy, flavorful chicken every time.

It’s the perfect addition to weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a healthy, protein-packed meal. Try it today and see why it’s a game-changer! If you make this recipe, let me know how it turns out—leave a comment or tag me in your food photos!

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