Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

Tired of dry, bland chicken breasts? Say goodbye to overcooked, rubbery chicken with this Oven Baked Chicken Breast recipe! Baking chicken breasts in the oven can be tricky, but with the right techniques, you can make them juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time. This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for meal prep, or a healthy weeknight dinner. With a few simple ingredients and a foolproof method, you’ll have deliciously tender chicken breasts that everyone will love. Read on for step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations!

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What is Oven Baked Chicken Breast?

Oven Baked Chicken Breast is one of the easiest, most versatile proteins you can make. While it’s simple to prepare, baking chicken breasts in the oven can often result in dry, tough meat if not done correctly. The key is using a few tricks, like marinating, seasoning well, and controlling the oven temperature, to lock in moisture and maximize flavor. The result is juicy, tender chicken that can be served on its own, sliced into salads, or added to your favorite dishes.

Ingredients List for Oven Baked Chicken Breast

Before we get started, make sure to gather the following ingredients. These pantry staples are all you need for flavorful chicken breasts:

• Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) – 4 medium-sized
• Olive oil – 2 tbsp
• Garlic powder – 1 tsp
• Onion powder – 1 tsp
• Paprika – 1 teaspoon (for a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika)
• Dried oregano – 1 tsp
• Salt – 1 tsp
• Black pepper – ½ tsp
• Lemon juice – 2 tablespoon (for extra flavor and tenderness)
• Fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped) – for garnish (optional)

Ingredients for the Marinade (Optional but recommended)

Marinating your chicken will add depth of flavor and keep it extra juicy. Here’s a simple marinade you can use:

• Olive oil – ¼ cup
• Lemon juice – 2 tbsp
• Garlic (minced) – 3 cloves
• Dijon mustard – 1 tbsp
• Honey – 1 tbsp
• Salt and pepper – to taste

Substitutions and Variations

This Oven Baked Chicken Breast recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to make adjustments based on your preferences and what you have in your pantry:

1. Chicken thighs instead of breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used. They may require a little more cooking time, but they’re naturally juicier and flavorful.
2. Different spices: Customize the seasoning to suit your taste. Swap paprika for chili powder, add cumin for an earthy flavor, or use Italian seasoning for a herby twist.
3. Herb butter: For a richer flavor, rub softened butter mixed with garlic, thyme, and rosemary under the skin or on top of the chicken breasts before baking.
4. Greek-style chicken: Use olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and garlic to create a Mediterranean-inspired baked chicken breast.
5. Spicy version: Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or marinate the chicken in hot sauce.
6. Low-sodium option: Reduce the amount of salt or use a salt-free seasoning blend to control sodium intake.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll end up with perfectly baked, juicy chicken breasts every time:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps seal in the juices and creates a flavorful crust on the outside of the chicken.

While the oven preheats, prepare your chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels—this helps the seasoning stick better. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider pounding them lightly to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and don’t dry out.

Step 2: Season or Marinate the Chicken

If you're marinating the chicken, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken breasts, making sure they are fully coated in the marinade. Let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.

If you’re not marinating, rub each chicken breast with olive oil and season generously with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed on both sides of the chicken.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the chicken from sticking. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the baking sheet, making sure they’re not too close together.

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts. Thicker breasts may take longer, while smaller ones will cook faster. The best way to know when the chicken is done is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

Step 4: Rest the Chicken

Once the chicken breasts are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, ensuring they remain moist and tender when sliced.

How to Cook Oven Baked Chicken Breast: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick, streamlined version of the steps to follow:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C). Prepare chicken breasts by patting them dry and pounding them to an even thickness if needed.
2. Season or marinate: Season with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, or marinate for 30 minutes.
3. Bake: Place chicken on a lined baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
4. Rest: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes people make when baking chicken breasts and how to avoid them:

• Overcooking: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature doesn’t exceed 165°F (75°C). Check the temperature early to avoid drying them out.
• Not seasoning enough: Chicken breast is lean and can be bland on its own, so don’t skimp on the seasonings. Make sure to generously coat the chicken with spices or marinade.
• Skipping the rest time: Letting the chicken rest after baking is crucial. It allows the juices to settle, making the chicken more tender and juicy.
• Not pounding the chicken: If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, some parts will overcook while others may be undercooked. Lightly pound them to an even thickness for consistent cooking.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Now that you’ve baked the perfect chicken breast, here’s how to make it look as good as it tastes:

• Slice against the grain: When slicing chicken breast, always cut against the grain for the most tender texture.
• Serve with sides: Pair the chicken with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. The chicken will soak up the flavors from the side dishes, making it a more complete meal.
• Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, cilantro, or chives over the chicken for added color and a burst of freshness. You can also squeeze a little extra lemon juice on top for brightness.

How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Breast

There are countless ways to serve your perfectly baked chicken breasts! Here are a few ideas:

1. Over a salad: Slice the chicken and serve it over a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for a healthy, light meal.
2. With pasta: Pair the chicken with your favorite pasta, like spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine, and toss it with a light olive oil and garlic sauce or a creamy Alfredo.
3. In sandwiches or wraps: Use sliced chicken breast as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or paninis with your favorite toppings.
4. With rice or quinoa: Serve the chicken over rice or quinoa, along with steamed vegetables, for a balanced and wholesome meal.

Presentation Ideas for Oven Baked Chicken Breast

Take your presentation up a notch with these easy ideas:

• Slice and fan: Slice the chicken breast into thin slices and fan them out on the plate for a clean and professional presentation.
• Garnish with citrus: Add lemon or lime wedges on the side to give the dish a fresh, vibrant look and provide a zesty option for your guests.
• Serve on a wooden board: If you’re serving multiple people, slice the chicken breasts and place them on a rustic wooden cutting board for a family-style presentation.

Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe Tips

• Brine for extra juiciness: If you have time, brine the chicken breasts in a simple solution of salt and water for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the chicken retain moisture during baking.
• Double the recipe: Make extra chicken breasts and store them for meal prep. They can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Experiment with marinades: Don’t hesitate to switch up the marinade with different herbs, spices, and liquids like soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, or yogurt for variety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A: The most reliable way to check if your chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the breast.

Q: Can I bake frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes, but it will take longer to cook. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. It’s best to thaw the chicken first for more even cooking.

Q: How long does baked chicken breast last in the fridge?
A: Baked chicken breasts can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Q: Can I freeze baked chicken breast?
A: Yes! Let the chicken cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

Oven Baked Chicken Breast is a simple yet versatile dish that can be enjoyed in so many ways. By following the right steps—prepping your chicken, using generous seasonings, and baking at the right temperature—you can create perfectly juicy, flavorful chicken breasts every time. Whether you’re serving them with your favorite side dishes, slicing them for salads, or adding them to wraps, this easy recipe will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. Happy cooking!

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