This baked chicken breast is an easy way to cook juicy, tender chicken with just a few pantry seasonings. The chicken breasts cook quickly at high heat, then rest before slicing to help keep the meat moist. With 5 minutes of prep and about 18 minutes in the oven, it is a simple chicken recipe for busy days.
Why You'll Love This Baked Chicken Breast
- Quick to prepare: The chicken needs only 5 minutes of prep before going into the oven.
- Simple ingredients: You only need chicken breasts, olive oil and four everyday seasonings.
- Juicy and tender: High heat, a short cooking time and a 5-minute rest help prevent dry chicken.
- Versatile: The simply seasoned chicken works well in many different meals throughout the week.
Baked chicken breast is one of those basics I make when I want something straightforward without relying on a complicated marinade. I also use oven methods for thin sliced chicken breast when I need an even faster option. When I want a different cooking method, my cast iron chicken breast is another simple way to cook boneless chicken.
What makes this method work is the combination of high heat and a relatively short baking time. The smoked paprika and garlic powder give the chicken a savory flavor without overpowering it, while the olive oil coats the surface. Checking for 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part is more reliable than relying only on time. For another easy oven recipe with more seasoning, try my Italian dressing chicken, or baked chicken in chicken broth.
Key Ingredients in Baked Chicken Breast
You'll find the exact measurements in the recipe card, but here's a closer look at key ingredients and why I use them.
- Chicken Breasts: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook quickly and stay juicy when baked at a high temperature.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: I like using a little olive oil because it helps the seasoning coat the chicken evenly and keeps the outside from drying out.
- Salt & Black Pepper: These keep the flavor simple and balanced, especially because chicken breast needs enough seasoning to taste good.
- Garlic Powder & Smoked Paprika: I use garlic powder for easy savory flavor and smoked paprika for a little color and gentle smoky taste.
Helpful Swaps
- Paprika: Sweet paprika can replace smoked paprika for a milder flavor without the smoky note.
- Olive oil: Another neutral cooking oil can be used if extra virgin olive oil is unavailable.
How to Make Baked Chicken Breast
You can find the complete printable recipe with measurements below, but for now, here's a quick overview of how it goes:
1. Season the chicken: Gently pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and place in a bowl, drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Coat evenly: Gently rub it all in to coat the chicken evenly.
3. Bake the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the baking tray, pop it into a preheated oven, and bake for about 18 minutes.
4. Rest before slicing: Let the baked chicken breast rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Juicy Baked Chicken Breast
- Use similar-sized breasts: Chicken breasts with a similar size and thickness are more likely to finish cooking at the same time.
- Check the temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part rather than judging doneness only by cooking time.
- Avoid overbaking: Remove the chicken once it reaches 165°F (74°C), as additional cooking can quickly dry out lean breast meat.
- Rest before slicing: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes so the juices have time to redistribute before cutting.
Storage
Store leftover baked chicken breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow the chicken to cool before refrigerating it and keep the breasts whole when possible. Slice only what is needed to help prevent the remaining chicken from drying out.
What to Serve With Baked Chicken Breast
I like serving this baked chicken breast with Greek Lemon Potatoes, Tomato Burrata Salad, or Garlic Bread. If I want a lighter meal, a simple salad works well on the side. For a more filling dinner, rice, pasta, or roasted potatoes are all great choices that pair nicely with the seasoned chicken.
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Recipe
Baked Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts - about 1.1-1.65 pounds (500-750 g) total
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200 °C. Place 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts on a baking sheet or in a baking dish.
- Season both sides of the chicken with 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika.
- Drizzle with 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil and rub the oil and seasonings evenly over both sides of the chicken.
- Bake for about 18 minutes, or until the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74 °C.
- Remove from the oven and rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain and serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Sandra says
This recipe is incredibly easy to follow and the chicken breast turned out juicy and flavorful. Perfect for a weeknight meal!