Oven Baked Chicken Breast is a simple yet delicious recipe that yields juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned chicken every time. With minimal prep and a quick cooking time, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or as a protein-packed addition to salads and pasta dishes. Follow these easy steps to create a flavorful chicken breast that is anything but dry or boring.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, it takes just 30 minutes to prepare and bake.
- Juicy and Tender: Flattening the chicken and using a touch of butter ensures perfectly moist chicken every time.
- Customizable: The seasoning can be adjusted to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Versatile: Perfect as a standalone dish or paired with various sides and salads.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 pounds chicken breasts (boneless and skinless): These are the perfect cut for even baking. Flattening ensures consistent cooking.
Seasoning Blend:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the seasoning adhere to the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar: Enhances flavor with a hint of sweetness; can be replaced with regular sugar if needed.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Adds a robust, savory flavor.
- 2 teaspoons onion powder: Contributes to the depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika: Provides a subtle smoky taste and color.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that adds an aromatic touch.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: For a hint of heat.
- 1 tablespoon butter, diced: Adds richness and helps keep the chicken moist during baking.
How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Breast
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Ensuring your oven is fully preheated is key to consistent baking results.
Step 2: Flatten the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap.
- Using a rolling pin or the flat side of a mallet, gently pound the chicken until it is 0.5 to 0.75 inches thick. Flattening ensures even cooking and prevents dry spots.
- Rub the olive oil evenly over the chicken breasts to prepare them for seasoning.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix the light brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Lightly rub the seasoning into the chicken to ensure it sticks and coats thoroughly.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
- Arrange the seasoned chicken in the prepared casserole dish. Place a small piece of butter on top of each chicken breast.
- Bake the chicken for 18-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Optional: Finish the chicken under the broiler for 1-3 minutes to achieve a beautifully browned top.
Step 5: Serve
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to retain its juices. Resting is a crucial step to avoid losing the chicken’s moisture.
- Slice and serve immediately with your favorite sides, or use in salads, wraps, or pasta dishes.
Serving Suggestions
Oven Baked Chicken Breast pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and can be used in numerous dishes:
- Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted broccoli, sautéed green beans, or steamed asparagus for a healthy, balanced meal. Grilled zucchini or bell peppers also make excellent accompaniments.
- Grains: Pair with quinoa, wild rice, or creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty dinner. For a lighter option, try cauliflower rice or barley.
- Salads: Slice the chicken and add it to a Caesar salad, Greek salad, or a mixed greens salad with vinaigrette for a refreshing meal.
- Wraps and Sandwiches: Use the chicken in wraps, pitas, or as a sandwich filling with lettuce, tomato, and a tangy sauce.
- Pasta: Add the sliced chicken to Alfredo pasta, pesto linguine, or a light lemon garlic spaghetti for a comforting meal.
- Bowls: Combine the chicken with grains, veggies, and a drizzle of dressing for a delicious and wholesome power bowl.
Variations
Spicy Baked Chicken
- Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals.
Lemon Herb Chicken
- Replace the Italian seasoning with fresh chopped rosemary and thyme. Add lemon zest to the seasoning mix and serve with lemon wedges for a citrusy, aromatic twist.
Honey Mustard Chicken
- Mix 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard and 1 tablespoon honey into the olive oil before rubbing it onto the chicken. This combination creates a tangy, slightly sweet glaze that pairs well with roasted veggies.
BBQ Baked Chicken
- Replace the seasoning with your favorite BBQ rub and brush the chicken with BBQ sauce before baking. Broil for the last 2 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
Low-Carb Option
- Omit the brown sugar and use additional herbs and spices for a keto-friendly version. Fresh parsley and dill work beautifully for this variation.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 350mg
Nutritional Highlights
- High Protein: A great option for those looking to increase protein intake, making it ideal for athletes or anyone on a high-protein diet.
- Low Carb: Suitable for low-carb and keto diets with minimal carbohydrate content.
- Customizable Calories: Adjust ingredients like butter and sugar to control the calorie count. For a lighter option, use olive oil instead of butter.
FAQs
How Long Should You Cook Chicken Breasts in the Oven?
Chicken breasts should be baked at 400°F for about 18-20 minutes, depending on their thickness. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F without overcooking.
Is It Better to Bake Chicken at 350 or 400?
Baking at 400°F is generally preferred as it cooks the chicken faster and helps to lock in moisture, resulting in juicier meat. Baking at 350°F works but may require a longer cooking time, which can dry out the chicken.
How Long to Cook Chicken Breast in the Oven at 180 Degrees Celsius?
At 180°C (approximately 356°F), chicken breasts will take about 25-30 minutes to bake, depending on their size and thickness. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure doneness.
How Do You Cook Chicken Breast in the Oven So It Doesn’t Dry Out?
To prevent chicken from drying out, pound it to an even thickness, coat it in olive oil, and bake at a high temperature (400°F). Adding butter and letting it rest after baking also helps retain moisture.
Why Flatten the Chicken?
Flattening the chicken ensures even cooking, preventing some parts from overcooking while others remain undercooked. It also helps the chicken absorb seasoning evenly.
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Breasts?
Yes, but the cooking time will increase. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to retain moisture.
Can I Freeze Baked Chicken Breast?
Absolutely! Freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
Oven Baked Chicken Breast is a simple, no-fuss recipe that delivers on flavor and texture. Whether you’re preparing a quick family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this versatile dish is a winner every time. Try it today and enjoy the ease and deliciousness of homemade baked chicken!