There’s something truly magical about a perfectly baked chicken breast. It’s juicy, tender, full of flavor, and incredibly versatile. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you the ultimate recipe for Oven Baked Chicken Breast — a simple yet sensational dish that you’ll want to make again and again.

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep Sundays, or any time you need a healthy and satisfying protein. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned home chef, this foolproof method ensures your chicken breasts come out perfect every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.

• Flavor-Packed: A blend of garlic, onion, paprika, and oregano transforms ordinary chicken into a savory masterpiece.

• Healthy: High in protein, low in carbs, and fits into a variety of diets including keto, paleo, and Whole30.

• Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for cooking ahead and using throughout the week.

If you’ve struggled with dry, flavorless chicken breasts before, you’re going to be amazed at how moist and delicious these are!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this easy oven baked chicken breast recipe:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• Lemon wedges (for serving)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet or baking dish

• Parchment paper (optional)

• Small mixing bowl

• Measuring spoons

• Tongs or a fork

• Meat thermometer (recommended)

• Sharp knife and cutting board

Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and ensures better results!

How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Breast

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step — it helps create a beautiful golden crust.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. This creates a rich, flavorful marinade that coats the chicken beautifully.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Rub the marinade generously over each chicken breast, ensuring every inch is covered. This not only flavors the chicken but also helps lock in moisture while it bakes.

Step 4: Bake

Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet or dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend here — it takes the guesswork out of cooking chicken safely.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat juicy and tender.

Serve with lemon wedges and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Enjoy!

Expert Tips for Best Results

• Choose Evenly Sized Breasts: This ensures they cook at the same rate.

• Use a Meat Thermometer: Don’t rely on timing alone; a thermometer ensures perfect doneness without overcooking.

• Don’t Skip the Resting Time: It makes a huge difference in keeping the chicken moist.

• Marinate Longer if You Can: If you have time, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to a few hours for even more flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the marinade.

• Italian Style: Swap oregano for Italian seasoning and top with grated Parmesan after baking.

• Smoky BBQ: Replace paprika with smoked paprika and brush with a little BBQ sauce before baking.

The possibilities are endless. Feel free to get creative based on your mood or pantry!

How to Store Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you!

• Refrigerate: Store cooled chicken breasts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Wrap each breast individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheat: Warm gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or slice and reheat in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out.

Pro Tip: Sliced leftover chicken is perfect for salads, wraps, sandwiches, or tossing into pasta.

Suggested Food and Drink Pairings

Pair your oven baked chicken breast with:

• Sides: Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, quinoa salad, or a simple green salad.

• Drinks: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir complements the flavors beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, try iced tea with lemon or sparkling water with cucumber.

These pairings make a balanced, restaurant-quality meal at home!

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are slightly fattier and stay even juicier. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly — about 25-30 minutes.

How do I know when my chicken is done?

The safest and most accurate way is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Cook the chicken, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for easy meals all week.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

No worries! Simply grease your baking dish with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Can I double this recipe?

Of course! Just make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet, or the chicken will steam instead of bake.

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I hope you fall in love with this Oven Baked Chicken Breast recipe as much as I have! It’s easy, delicious, and sure to become a regular part of your meal rotation.

If you try this recipe, I’d love it if you could share it with your friends and subscribe to the blog for more mouthwatering, easy-to-follow recipes. Happy cooking!