Description
This perfect juicy baked chicken breast recipe delivers tender, moist chicken with a golden exterior every single time. Simple seasoning and foolproof technique ensure never-dry chicken that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or any time you need reliable, delicious protein!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is key for juicy chicken with a nice exterior. Let the oven fully preheat—don’t rush this step!
- Prepare chicken: Remove chicken from refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes (this helps it cook more evenly). Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels—this is crucial for proper browning and seasoning adhesion. If your chicken breasts are very thick (more than 1.5 inches), butterfly them or gently pound to even thickness using a meat mallet.
- Mix seasonings: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and dried herbs if using. Mix well to create your seasoning blend.
- Season chicken: Place chicken breasts in your baking dish or on a sheet pan. Drizzle olive oil over both sides of each chicken breast, then rub to coat evenly. Sprinkle the seasoning blend generously over both sides of the chicken, pressing gently so the seasonings adhere. Make sure every surface is well-seasoned.
- Arrange for baking: Arrange chicken breasts in the baking dish with some space between them (don’t crowd). This allows hot air to circulate and promotes even cooking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, depending on thickness. DO NOT overbake! Chicken is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C). Smaller breasts (6 oz) will take closer to 18 minutes; larger ones (8 oz) closer to 22-24 minutes.
- Rest: This is critical! Remove chicken from oven when it reaches 165°F and immediately tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. During resting, the internal temperature will rise slightly and juices will redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is juicy.
- Serve: Slice and serve immediately, or let cool completely for meal prep. Enjoy your perfectly juicy baked chicken breast!
Notes
- Meat thermometer is essential: This is the only reliable way to know when chicken is done without overcooking.
- Even thickness matters: If breasts are uneven, pound thicker parts or butterfly them for uniform cooking.
- Don’t skip drying: Patting chicken dry ensures better browning and seasoning adhesion.
- High heat is key: 425°F creates a golden exterior while keeping interior moist.
- Rest before cutting: Resting redistributes juices—don’t skip this step!
- Size adjustments: Smaller chicken breasts (under 6 oz) need only 15-18 minutes. Check early!
- Fresh herbs: Add fresh herbs after baking for brighter flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (about 6 oz cooked)
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg