If you are looking for a simple yet incredibly flavorful meal, this Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe is an absolute game changer. Tender, juicy chicken breasts infused with a vibrant blend of herbs and spices make every bite a delight. Whether you’re a weeknight dinner hero or meal prepping for the days ahead, this recipe brings together straightforward ingredients and a quick baking method to deliver a restaurant-quality dish right from your oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, infusing the chicken with delicious flavor and ensuring the perfect texture. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a meal that feels both wholesome and satisfying.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The canvas for your dish, they become tender and juicy when cooked evenly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to lock in moisture and creates a deliciously crisp exterior.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a warm smokiness and a lovely color that makes the dish pop.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses a fragrant Mediterranean touch to elevate the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an earthy aroma and complexity with every bite.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors perfectly.
How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preparing your baking sheet with parchment paper or a light coating of cooking spray will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Then, place the chicken breasts on a sturdy cutting board and gently pound them to an even thickness. This step ensures that they cook uniformly, preventing any over- or undercooked parts.
Step 2: Oil and Season the Chicken
Rub all sides of each chicken breast with olive oil to help the seasonings adhere and to keep the meat juicy. Next, combine the garlic powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then sprinkle this magical blend evenly over the chicken. Rubbing the seasoning mix in ensures every morsel is packed with flavor.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Pop them into the hot oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. The goal is to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee food safety while keeping the chicken tender and juicy. Using a meat thermometer here can really be a game changer.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Once baked, let your chicken breasts rest for 5 minutes. This little bit of patience allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making each slice melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few lemon wedges can brighten up the dish beautifully. These garnishes not only add visual appeal but also give a fresh contrast to the richly seasoned chicken.
Side Dishes
This Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or asparagus. Creamy mashed potatoes or a light couscous salad also complement the dish perfectly, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the chicken and serve it over a bed of creamy risotto or alongside a vibrant quinoa salad. You can even use the baked chicken as a filling for wraps or salads, which makes for a quick and delicious lunch option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy this dish again without starting from scratch.
Freezing
If you want to store the chicken for a longer period, place the cooked breasts in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Frozen, they can last up to 3 months, perfect for quick meals when time is tight.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or microwave it on medium power to avoid drying it out. Adding a splash of water or broth before warming can help retain moisture and keep the chicken juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will yield a slightly different texture and flavor, often juicier and more flavorful due to their higher fat content. Adjust the baking time slightly as thighs can take longer to cook through.
What if I don’t have all the dried herbs?
No worries! You can substitute with fresh herbs if you have them. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried. Even just garlic powder and paprika will give delicious results.
How can I make this recipe more spicy?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a pleasant kick. You can adjust the spice level to your preference to keep it mild or turn up the heat.
Is pounding the chicken breast necessary?
Pounding helps the chicken breast cook evenly and stay tender. If you prefer, you can butterfly the breasts instead to achieve similar results, but consistent thickness is key.
Can I marinate the chicken before baking?
Definitely! Marinating for 30 minutes to a few hours can add extra flavor and moisture. Just use a complementary marinade that won’t overpower the seasoning mix.
Final Thoughts
This Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe is one of those meals that you’ll want to keep in your cooking rotation. It’s straightforward, quick, and endlessly adaptable, making it perfect for busy nights or special occasions. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to chicken dish!
Print
Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Oven Baked Chicken Breast recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken breasts coated with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. Perfectly cooked in the oven, this simple and healthy dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Chicken Breasts: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Oil the Chicken: Rub olive oil evenly over all sides of each chicken breast to help the seasoning adhere and keep the meat moist.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning blend evenly over the chicken breasts, rubbing it in to coat thoroughly.
- Bake: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety and juiciness.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and juicy texture.
Notes
- Using a meat mallet to pound the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and prevents dryness.
- Feel free to adjust seasoning to your taste or add herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to avoid overcooking.
- Letting the chicken rest after baking retains moisture and enhances tenderness.
- Leftover chicken breasts can be sliced and added to salads, wraps, or sandwiches.
