Oven Baked Chicken Breasts (Printable)
Achieve perfectly cooked, juicy chicken breasts with this straightforward baking technique using simple seasonings and proper timing.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
→ Marinade & Seasonings
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon paprika
07 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
08 - ½ teaspoon dried thyme
→ Optional Garnish
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
10 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# Directions:
01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
02 - Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
03 - In a small bowl, combine olive oil, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
04 - Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, ensuring full coverage.
05 - Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
06 - Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when tested with a meat thermometer.
07 - Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before slicing.
08 - Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The spice rub creates this gorgeous crust that seals in all the juices
- You can prep the seasoning blend in bulk and keep it in your pantry
- Its the kind of reliable recipe that saves you on busy weeknights
02 -
- Pounding the chicken to even thickness before baking eliminates those dry thin edges completely
- A meat thermometer takes all the guesswork out and prevents overcooking by accident
03 -
- Let the chicken sit at room temperature for twenty minutes before cooking for even results
- The rub works beautifully on pork chops or salmon fillets too