Oven Baked Chicken Breast

Oven baked chicken breast is my weeknight savior for busy schedules and picky eaters alike. The trick is in the seasoning and making sure the chicken cooks up juicy and tender every single time. This method guarantees beautifully browned chicken that is never dry and always full of flavor.

After trying dozens of oven chicken recipes I always come back to this one. My family swears it tastes better than takeout and there are never any leftovers.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast: boneless and skinless this is key for even cooking always look for fresh pieces that have a rosy pink color and firm feel
• Olive oil: helps the seasonings stick and gives the chicken a lovely sheen use extra virgin if possible for the best taste
• Light brown sugar: gives a subtle sweetness that balances the savory spices make sure your brown sugar is soft and not hard
• Garlic powder and onion powder: these provide the backbone for big flavor always check that your spices are fresh and not faded for potency
• Ground paprika: creates a beautiful color and a hint of smokiness sweet paprika works well or try smoked for extra depth
• Italian seasoning: adds an herby lift look for one with oregano thyme and basil as the main herbs
• Salt: brings out all the other flavors sea salt or kosher salt works best for even seasoning
• Ground black pepper: gives a spark of warmth grind it fresh for the best kick
• Butter: diced and placed on top makes the chicken ultra juicy unsalted butter lets you control the seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Oven and Dish:

Set your oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish lightly with olive oil or a little nonstick spray You want enough space so the chicken lays in a single layer

Flatten the Chicken:

Put each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap Use a rolling pin or the flat side of a meat mallet Pound gently until each piece is an even half inch to three quarter inch thick This keeps the chicken juicy and cooks it evenly

Rub with Oil:

Drizzle olive oil over each chicken breast Rub it in with your hands to coat all surfaces evenly The oil will help lock in moisture during baking

Mix and Apply the Seasoning:

Stir together brown sugar garlic powder onion powder paprika Italian seasoning salt and black pepper in a small bowl Liberally sprinkle this mixture over both sides of the chicken Rub it in so every bite is covered with spice

Layer and Butter:

Set the seasoned chicken breasts into your greased baking dish so they do not overlap Top each piece with a small diced piece of butter which will melt in the oven to baste the chicken

Bake and Broil:

Bake in the hot oven for eighteen to twenty minutes Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit For a golden finish broil for one to three minutes until the tops are nicely browned Watch closely so nothing burns

Serve While Hot:

Let the chicken rest for three to five minutes once out of the oven This gives the juices time to redistribute for maximum tenderness Slice and serve right away

Pin

My favorite part of this recipe is how the brown sugar and paprika caramelize on top of the chicken it smells like absolute heaven in my kitchen every time I make it My kids always sneak pieces before dinner is served

Storage Tips

After cooling completely store any leftover chicken in a covered container in the refrigerator It will stay good for up to four days For longer storage you can freeze cooked chicken breasts individually for up to three months Just wrap tightly in foil first then pop into a freezer bag Reheat gently in the oven or microwave with a splash of water to keep things juicy

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap butter with more olive oil but expect a little less richness No brown sugar Use white sugar or simply skip it if you want to lower the sweetness Italian seasoning can be swapped for a blend of your favorite dried herbs think parsley basil or rosemary if that is what you have on hand For a spicy kick sprinkle in some cayenne pepper

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chicken sliced over a big green salad or tuck it into a sandwich bun for an easy lunch It is also great with mashed potatoes roasted vegetables or even pasta I love to dice up the leftover chicken and add it to a rice bowl with lots of fresh veggies for a satisfying meal

Pin

Cultural Note

Baking chicken breast in the oven is a staple in American home cooking It is a timeless method because it is convenient and keeps the meat moist If you grew up eating dry bland chicken this method will absolutely change your mind and become a weekly family favorite

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy in the oven?

Pounding the chicken to an even thickness and not overbaking are key. Use a meat thermometer to reach 165°F.

→ Can I use other types of seasoning?

Absolutely. Adjust the spices to your preference or try different herb blends for variety.

→ Is it necessary to add butter on top?

Butter adds a rich finish, but you can substitute with olive oil or skip it for a lighter dish.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad make excellent pairings for baked chicken breast.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, season and refrigerate the chicken in advance, then bake just before serving for best results.