Oven Baked Chicken Breasts (Printable)
Achieve perfectly cooked, juicy chicken breasts with this easy oven baking technique. Simple seasonings and minimal prep for delicious results every time.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
→ Marinade & Seasoning
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or mixed dried herbs
→ Optional Garnish
09 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
10 - Lemon wedges for serving
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F and lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place in a large bowl or zip-top bag.
03 - Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and Italian herbs. Toss or rub to coat evenly.
04 - Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
05 - Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Adjust time based on thickness.
06 - Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
07 - Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The spice rub creates a beautiful crust while keeping the inside incredibly moist
- It comes together in under 10 minutes of prep time
- Leftovers make amazing sandwiches and salads for the next day
02 -
- A thermometer is the only way to guarantee juicy chicken every single time
- Letting the meat rest is not optional if you want moisture locked inside
- Thick breasts take longer so adjust your timing or pound them to even thickness
03 -
- Brining the chicken in salt water for 15 minutes beforehand makes it noticeably juicier
- Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly so take it out 20 minutes before baking