Baked Chicken Breast

This simple yet effective recipe yields mouthwateringly juicy and tender chicken, expertly seasoned to perfection. This versatile recipe makes for an excellent meal prep option or serves as a satisfying standalone dinner choice.
Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe Ingredients Needed Variations To make mouthwatering baked chicken breast, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse and pat dry two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. In a small bowl whisk together one tablespoon olive oil, one teaspoon garlic powder, one teaspoon paprika, and one teaspoon salt. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.Brittany’s Tips!Serving Ideas How to Store Leftovers Frequently Asked Questions More Chicken Recipes

When it comes to quick and easy weeknight dinners, a perfectly baked chicken breast remains a timeless favorite. Elevating a meal to new heights is effortless when you have tender, juicy chicken as your foundation – a perfect match made in culinary heaven that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Elevate your mealtime routine with this mouthwatering baked chicken breast recipe, perfect for pairing with grain bowls featuring quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts, or adding a protein-packed punch to fresh spinach salads.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This scrumptious baked chicken earns its stripes as a reliable weeknight savior. This quick and easy recipe requires just 30 minutes of your time to prepare, using common pantry staples you likely already possess.
You’ll never have to endure another unappetizing serving of plain, uninspiring chicken. With the high-heat baking method, these chicken breasts emerge perfectly cooked, boasting a succulent texture and intense flavor profile.
This simple yet effective recipe is the ultimate tool for successful meal prepping. Batch cooking on Sundays ensures a convenient supply of protein-rich meals throughout the week, perfect for starring in salads, wraps, or quick dinners whenever you need a nutritious boost.
This adaptable recipe offers a multitude of serving possibilities – enjoy it alongside air-fried vegetables or roasted broccoli, in a fresh salad like our grilled chicken salad, wrapped in a savory wrap, or paired with pasta for a satisfying dish.

Ingredients Needed

You’ll need four boneless, skinless chicken breasts, approximately two pounds in total. Craving a delicious chicken thigh dish? Consider swapping out the traditional recipes for something new and exciting – check out my mouthwatering baked boneless chicken thighs or air fryer chicken thighs recipes instead!
Would you believe that a single tablespoon of oil is all you’ll need to ensure your seasonings adhere beautifully and lock in the juiciness of the chicken?
With just a few essential seasonings – including salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning – you can elevate the flavor profile of your baked chicken breast recipe.

Variations

Add a radiant splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice and generously sprinkle the bright citrus flavors with a pinch of lemon zest atop the chicken before baking. Adding fresh rosemary or thyme will introduce a fragrant, herbaceous note to the dish, elevating its flavors and aromas.
: Love a little heat? Add a dash of heat to your spice rub by incorporating cayenne pepper or chili powder into the blend for a bold and adventurous twist. Enhance the dish with a bold and fiery kick by serving with a drizzle of your preferred hot sauce, such as sriracha, adding an extra layer of depth to each bite.
Swap out olive oil for melted butter to achieve a sumptuous, buttery taste by amplifying the garlic powder. A perfect accompaniment to roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes like these effortless slow-cooked mashed potatoes.
Brush a harmonious blend of honey and Dijon mustard onto the chicken prior to baking, infusing it with a subtle sweetness and a tangy zest. Why not elevate the flavor by coating the chicken in a tangy and sweet honey mustard dressing?
Season the chicken with your preferred BBQ dry rub, comprising a harmonious blend of spices, or add a subtle smokiness by sprinkling smoked paprika and a hint of sweetness with brown sugar. Mid-baking, give your dish an injection of flavor by brushing on your preferred barbecue sauce to create a sweet and tangy glaze.

To make mouthwatering baked chicken breast, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Rinse and pat dry two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. In a small bowl whisk together one tablespoon olive oil, one teaspoon garlic powder, one teaspoon paprika, and one teaspoon salt.

Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Combine the spices harmoniously in a compact container.

Season chicken breasts generously with a mixture of spices, carefully coating both sides evenly with a drizzle of olive oil.

Arrange chicken pieces evenly within a preheated oven-safe baking dish or onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Preheat to 375°F and bake for 18-22 minutes, ensuring an internal temperature of at least 165°F is achieved.

Carefully remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest undisturbed for a few moments prior to serving. Enjoy!

Brittany’s Tips!

Pound any irregularly sized chicken breasts into uniform thickness using a gentle touch and either a meat mallet or a rolling pin. By cooking them at a consistent temperature, this ensures even doneness and retains their natural juiciness.
Allowing the baked chicken to rest for a 5-10 minute interval prior to slicing is essential. As the meat rests, its natural juices are reabsorbed, ensuring a tender and succulent texture that’s bursting with flavor.
Chicken breasts can become overcooked and dry if they remain in the oven for an extended period. Begin checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark, particularly when working with smaller portions or pieces.

Serving Ideas

Serve your baked chicken alongside a grain of your choice and roasted vegetables, such as our popular baked sweet potatoes or caramelized balsamic Brussels sprouts, for a straightforward yet fulfilling meal that’s sure to please.
Enhance the dish by combining sliced chicken with crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and tangy croutons, all topped with a zesty vinaigrette? This Mediterranean-style feta cheese pairs perfectly with my garlicky kale salad or a classic Greek salad.
Slice the chicken thinly and utilise it to create a rapid wrap or sandwich. Elevate this effortless meal by stacking it with creamy avocado, crisp greens, and your preferred condiments.
Savor the flavor by serving it with a variety of dipping sauces, such as honey mustard dressing, rich barbecue sauce, or a zesty yogurt-based accompaniment.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover ingredients in airtight containers for 3-4 days, simplifying meal prep and enabling you to whip up speedy meals throughout the week.
Store cooled chicken in an airtight, freezer-safe container and maintain a consistent temperature of -18°C (0°F) or below for up to three months; upon retrieval, allow it to thaw gradually in the refrigerator at 4°C (40°F) over the course of several hours before reheating to ensure food safety.
Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, or place it in a preheated oven at approximately 150°C until thoroughly heated through. If you’re pressed for time, the microwave is a viable option; simply monitor the cooking time to prevent overcooking and subsequent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

The secret to perfectly cooked eggs lies in avoiding overcooking. To ensure your meat is cooked to perfection, I suggest utilizing a trusty meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature has reached the recommended level of doneness. When the internal temperature has reached a precise 165°F, your dishes are now ready to be removed from the oven. Allowing the chicken to rest for several minutes post-baking enables the juices to set, ensuring optimal flavor and tenderness.

Nope! Basking in the warmth of the oven, the chicken’s skin achieves a delightful, crispy texture when baked without cover. To avoid drying out, ensure you’re not overbaking and monitor the moisture levels closely.