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The Best Baked Chicken Breast – Juicy, Flavorful & Perfect Every Time!

Say goodbye to dry, rubbery chicken! This Best Baked Chicken Breast recipe is the ultimate guide to achieving perfectly moist, flavor-packed, and golden-baked chicken every single time. With just a few pantry spices and the right baking method, you’ll be serving juicy chicken breasts that rival any restaurant. Whether you're meal prepping for the week, making a quick weeknight dinner, or looking for the best lean protein to serve with salads, pasta, or grains — this recipe is your new go-to. It’s simple, reliable, and ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🍗 Meat
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 pounds total)
🧄 Spices & Herbs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
🫒 Oils & Fats
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter for a richer flavor
🌿 Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley, thyme, or lemon wedges for brightness.

Equipment

  • You don’t need much to master this dish:
  • Baking sheet or oven-safe skillet
  • Parchment paper or foil
  • Mixing bowl
  • Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
  • Tongs or spatula
  • 🍽️ Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer for best results — it guarantees perfectly cooked chicken every time!

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup.
Step 2: Flatten the Chicken
  1. If your chicken breasts are uneven, pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin (about 3/4-inch thick). This ensures they cook evenly.
Step 3: Season
  1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
  2. In a bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano.
  3. Rub the spice mix all over both sides of the chicken.
  4. Drizzle with olive oil and rub it in to coat evenly.
Step 4: Bake
  1. Place chicken on the baking sheet.
  2. Bake for 18–22 minutes, depending on thickness, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. Optional: Broil for the last 2–3 minutes for a golden, slightly crisp top.
Step 5: Rest & Serve
  1. Remove from oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This locks in juices.
  2. Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
🍗 Serving Suggestion: Pair with roasted veggies, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or chop and toss into salads or wraps.

    Notes

    🧊 Storage & Reheating
    Refrigerator
    Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
    Freezer
    Freeze cooked and cooled chicken for up to 3 months.
    Wrap tightly in foil and place in freezer bags or containers.
    Reheating
    Reheat in the oven at 325°F or in a skillet with a splash of broth for moisture.
    Microwave in 30-second bursts for a quick option.
    🍽️ Tip: Slice before freezing to make future meal prep faster!
    🥄 Variations
    Customize your perfect chicken breast with these flavor ideas:
    🧄 Garlic Herb Chicken – Add 1 tbsp minced garlic and fresh rosemary or thyme.
    🍋 Lemon Pepper Chicken – Use lemon zest, juice, and cracked pepper for a citrusy twist.
    🌶️ Spicy Cajun Style – Add Cajun seasoning or chili powder for a bold, spicy version.
    🍯 Honey Mustard Chicken – Mix olive oil with a tablespoon of honey and mustard before baking.
    🍅 Italian-Style – Top with marinara and mozzarella for a baked chicken parmesan vibe.
    🥦 Sheet Pan Dinner – Bake with broccoli, carrots, and potatoes for a one-pan meal.
    ❓ 10 FAQs
    1. How do I make chicken breast not dry?
    Pound to even thickness, avoid overbaking, and let it rest before slicing!
    2. What oven temperature is best?
    High heat (425°F) locks in moisture and creates better flavor.
    3. Should I cover the chicken with foil?
    No need — baking uncovered allows it to brown and roast properly.
    4. Do I need to marinate it?
    Nope! The seasoning and high-heat method provide tons of flavor fast.
    5. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
    Thaw them completely first for best results and even cooking.
    6. Can I cook these in an air fryer?
    Yes! Air fry at 380°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
    7. Can I make this on the stovetop?
    Yes — pan-sear in olive oil over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side.
    8. What if my chicken is thick?
    Pound or slice in half to ensure even and quicker cooking.
    9. Can I meal prep this?
    Absolutely! Cook once and enjoy in wraps, grain bowls, and salads all week.
    10. What sides go best?
    Try garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, rice pilaf, or a crisp green salad.
    🏁 Conclusion
    When it comes to simple, protein-packed meals, nothing beats this Best Baked Chicken Breast recipe. It’s juicy, flavorful, and perfectly golden every time, thanks to the high-heat method and balanced seasoning.
    Whether you’re feeding a family or stocking the fridge with healthy options, this baked chicken will never let you down. It’s proof that with just a few ingredients, you can create something truly spectacular.