This oven-baked chicken breast is super easy and packed with juicy flavor. With just a few simple seasonings, you’ll have a tender and tasty meal ready in no time!
I love how this recipe makes chicken a winner every time. Pair it with your favorite veggies, and you have a yummy dinner. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep—win-win!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for quick cooking, but you can use thighs if you prefer dark meat. They’re juicier and have a richer flavor.
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and helps the spices stick. If you’re short on olive oil, feel free to use another oil like canola or avocado oil.
Garlic and Onion Powder: These bring in nice flavor without the hassle of fresh garlic or onions. If you love fresh ingredients, you can use minced garlic and finely chopped onions instead, but adjust the quantity.
Paprika: I love using smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor. Regular paprika works too, or even a sprinkle of cayenne if you like a bit of heat!
Chicken Broth or Water: Adding broth keeps the chicken moist while it bakes. Using water is fine, but broth enhances flavor. Low-sodium options are best if you’re watching your salt intake.
How Do You Bake Chicken Breast So It’s Juicy?
The key to juicy baked chicken is mainly in the cooking time and temperature. Here are some tips to keep it moist:
- Always pat your chicken dry first. This helps the oil and spices stick better.
- Seal in moisture by using a baking dish that fits the chicken well. You want minimal air space around it.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Aim for 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part; the juices should run clear.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it moist when you slice it!
With these tips and the right ingredients, you’ll have delicious and juicy oven-baked chicken every time!
Simple Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe for Juicy Flavor
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water (optional, for extra moisture)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and then 18-22 minutes to bake, making it a total of approximately 25-30 minutes. The short cook time keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful, while it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature helps seal in the juices of the chicken while cooking.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the olive oil and seasonings stick better. Once dry, rub the olive oil over both sides of each chicken breast to ensure they’re coated.
3. Mix the Seasonings:
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This combination of seasonings adds wonderful flavor to the chicken.
4. Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, making sure to cover them well. This will give your chicken a delicious taste!
5. Arrange in a Baking Dish:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish. If you want extra moisture, pour the chicken broth or water around the chicken. This will keep them juicy while baking.
6. Bake:
Now, pop the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you have a meat thermometer, this is the best way to check!
7. Rest & Serve:
Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This lets the juices settle, making the chicken even juicier when you cut into it. Finally, if you’d like, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve and enjoy your delicious, juicy chicken!
FAQ for Simple Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
It’s best to avoid using frozen chicken breasts directly, as they won’t cook evenly. Make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave before following the recipe.
How Can I Make This Recipe Low-Sodium?
You can easily reduce sodium by using salt-free seasoning blends instead of garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Additionally, you can use low-sodium chicken broth or simply omit the broth altogether.
Can I Prep This Chicken Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken breasts with the olive oil and seasonings up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This will enhance the flavors even more!
What Should I Serve With Baked Chicken Breast?
This chicken pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or served over a bed of rice or quinoa. You can also slice it up to use in wraps, sandwiches, or pasta dishes for added versatility!
