The beauty of this oven-baked chicken breast recipe lies in its simplicity and speed. Perfectly seasoned with a classic blend of garlic, herbs, and paprika, the chicken emerges from the oven juicy, golden, and bursting with flavor. This no-marinade-required recipe ensures a tender texture thanks to proper slicing and high-heat baking.
It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or wholesome meal prepping. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables, salad, or your favorite grain for a balanced meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a hungry family, this dish delivers both ease and taste in every bite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them on a cutting board.
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Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create 4 thinner cutlets.
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In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Brush both sides of the chicken cutlets with olive oil.
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Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken.
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Place the chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased baking dish.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Optional: Broil for the last 2 minutes for a golden crust.
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Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Juicy Oven-Baked Chicken Breast: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner Essential
When it comes to easy, healthy, and protein-packed dinners, few dishes can compete with a perfectly seasoned, oven-baked chicken breast. This humble yet versatile cut of meat can be transformed into a restaurant-quality dish in just 30 minutes, with minimal ingredients and effort. Whether you’re a meal prep enthusiast, a busy parent, or just someone who appreciates flavorful food without a complicated cooking process, this baked chicken recipe is a true staple.
But let’s be honest, chicken breast has a bit of a reputation. It’s often dismissed as dry, bland, or boring. That’s only true if you don’t know how to treat it right. The real key to juicy, mouthwatering chicken isn’t a long list of ingredients, it’s technique. And this recipe is all about maximizing flavor, moisture, and ease.
Let’s dive into what makes this oven-baked chicken breast so special, how to elevate it, what to pair it with, and why it deserves a permanent spot in your weekly meal rotation.
Why This Oven-Baked Chicken Breast Works
The secret to juicy chicken breast in the oven lies in high heat, even thickness, and simple seasoning. By slicing the chicken breasts horizontally, we reduce the cooking time while ensuring every bite is evenly cooked. This prevents that dreaded dry, overcooked texture that often turns people away from white meat.
The seasoning mix is simple, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried herbs, salt, and pepper, but each ingredient plays a critical role. Paprika adds warmth and subtle smokiness, garlic and onion powders offer depth, and dried Italian herbs create a balanced, savory background. A brush of olive oil locks in moisture and helps develop that delicious golden crust in the oven.
Another important step: allowing the chicken to rest for five minutes after baking. This gives the juices time to redistribute, so when you slice into it, you get tenderness, not a dry interior.
Customization Options
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted. Whether you’re working with dietary preferences, pantry limitations, or taste preferences, this baked chicken breast is a blank canvas.
Here are some variations to consider:
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Spice it up: Add cayenne pepper or crushed red chili flakes to the seasoning mix for a kick of heat.
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Add a citrus twist: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before baking, or add lemon zest to the spice blend for a fresh, zesty flavor.
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Make it cheesy: In the last five minutes of baking, top the chicken with shredded mozzarella, parmesan, or provolone for a cheesy, melty finish.
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Try different herbs: Swap Italian seasoning for herbes de Provence, Cajun seasoning, taco seasoning, or even za’atar for an international flair.
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Make it sweet & smoky: Add a bit of brown sugar or maple syrup to the spice mix for a sweet, caramelized crust.
Serving Suggestions
Oven-baked chicken breast is a versatile protein that pairs well with just about anything. Here are some ideas to inspire your next meal:
1. Healthy Sides:
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Roasted or steamed vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, green beans)
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Cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower
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A big garden salad with vinaigrette
2. Comfort Food Pairings:
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Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter baby potatoes
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Mac and cheese
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Buttery cornbread or warm dinner rolls
3. Low-Carb Options:
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Zucchini noodles
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Cabbage steaks
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Grilled eggplant or mushrooms
4. Grains & Pasta:
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Quinoa salad
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Couscous with herbs and lemon
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Penne tossed in garlic olive oil
5. Sandwiches & Wraps:
Slice up the baked chicken breast and serve it in:
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A sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and mayo
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A whole-wheat wrap with hummus and roasted red peppers
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Pita bread with tzatziki and cucumber
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
This baked chicken breast isn’t just delicious straight from the oven, it’s meal prep gold. It stores beautifully and can be enjoyed cold or reheated throughout the week. Here’s how to make it work for your weekly meal planning:
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Storage: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: Wrap the baked chicken in foil or place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: Warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or microwave with a damp paper towel on top to retain moisture.
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Use in meals: Add chopped chicken to salads, pasta, grain bowls, or stir-fries. Make chicken tacos or shred it into soup for extra protein.
Nutritional Benefits
Chicken breast is one of the leanest sources of protein you can find. A single 3.5 oz (100g) portion of baked chicken breast contains:
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Around 165 calories
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31 grams of protein
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3.6 grams of fat
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Virtually no carbohydrates
This makes it an excellent choice for those on high-protein, low-carb, gluten-free, or calorie-conscious diets. It’s also naturally free of sugar, refined carbs, and additives when made at home, so you know exactly what you’re putting into your body.
Why Oven-Baked Chicken Breast is a Must-Have Recipe
If you’re new to cooking or just want to master a reliable go-to dinner, this is your moment. With this recipe, you’ll never have to deal with dry, boring chicken again. The process is easy to learn and hard to mess up, and the results are consistently flavorful and tender.
It’s also one of the most budget-friendly proteins around, making it great for families or anyone trying to stretch their grocery dollar without sacrificing nutrition or taste.
With only a handful of ingredients and under 30 minutes from start to finish, this baked chicken breast will quickly become a weekly favorite. Plus, you can double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd or stock your fridge with high-quality protein for the week.
Conclusion
This Juicy Oven-Baked Chicken Breast recipe is more than just a simple meal, it’s a culinary foundation. It offers the ideal blend of convenience, versatility, and flavor. Whether you’re serving it fresh from the oven with a side of vegetables, slicing it into a salad for lunch, or stuffing it into a sandwich for an on-the-go meal, this chicken breast delivers every time.
Once you master this method, you’ll never look at plain chicken the same way again. From family dinners to solo meals and everything in between, this recipe has your back. Give it a try and taste just how delicious healthy, oven-baked chicken can be.