Introduction

Unlock the secret to incredibly juicy and flavorful baked chicken recipes with this simple guide. This oven-baked chicken breast recipe makes weeknight dinners a breeze, requiring minimal prep and cooking in under 20 minutes. It’s a versatile, family-friendly meal that delivers on taste every single time. Get ready to discover the “magic seasoning” that transforms plain chicken into a culinary delight!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Chicken Recipe

• Super juicy and tender chicken: This method guarantees moist chicken breasts, never dry or rubbery. You’ll love the succulent texture and rich flavor.
• Quick 18-minute cook time: From oven to table in less than 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy a delicious meal without sacrificing your precious time.
• Simple pantry ingredients: You likely have all the seasoning components in your kitchen right now. No fancy or hard-to-find items needed for these delicious baked chicken recipes.
• Incredibly flavorful, caramelized crust: The special seasoning blend creates a beautiful golden crust. This adds a fantastic depth of flavor and appealing texture to your chicken.
• Healthy weeknight meal option: Lean protein makes this dish a nutritious choice for your family. Serve it with your favorite healthy sides for a balanced dinner.
• Extremely versatile for different meals: Enjoy it as is, or slice it up for salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes. This simple oven chicken breast recipe adapts to countless culinary creations.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for the best baked chicken recipes:

• 4 chicken breasts, approximately 150-180g (5-6 oz) each (Note 1)
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 ½ tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme, or other herb of choice
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp each salt and pepper
• Finely chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Notes & Substitutions

Evenly sized chicken breasts are key for consistent cooking; pound thicker parts to about 0.6 inches for best results. If you prefer, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well too, though they may require a slightly longer cooking time. Feel free to swap oregano or thyme for other dried herbs like rosemary or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile. The brown sugar in the seasoning helps create that irresistible caramelized crust and adds a touch of sweetness, balancing the savory spices.

Equipment

You only need a few basic tools for these easy baked chicken recipes:

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Meat mallet (or a rolling pin or even your fist)
• Small mixing bowl
• Meat thermometer (optional, but highly recommended for perfect doneness)

Instructions

Follow these steps for perfectly cooked, juicy baked chicken recipes:

1. Preheat your oven. Set it to 425°F/220°C (200°C fan) to ensure it’s hot and ready when the chicken goes in. This high heat is crucial for a quick cook and a lovely crust.
2. Prepare the chicken. Pound each chicken breast to an even 0.6-inch thickness. You can use a meat mallet, a rolling pin, or even your fist. This simple step guarantees uniform cooking and helps keep the chicken incredibly tender.
3. Mix the seasoning. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, dried oregano (or thyme), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir them together until everything is well blended. This is your “magic seasoning” blend.
4. Prepare the baking sheet. Line a baking tray with foil, then top with a sheet of baking or parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
5. Season the chicken. Place the chicken breasts upside down on the prepared tray. Drizzle about 1 teaspoon of olive oil over them and rub it evenly with your fingers. Sprinkle half of the mixed seasoning over the chicken, ensuring good coverage.
6. Flip and season again. Turn the chicken breasts over. Drizzle the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil on the second side and rub it in. Sprinkle the rest of the seasoning over this side, making sure to cover as much of the surface area as possible for that delicious crust.
7. Bake the chicken. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the preheated oven. Bake for 18 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and caramelized. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F/75°C at the thickest part.
8. Rest and serve. Remove the tray from the oven and immediately transfer the cooked chicken to serving plates. Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in incredibly moist chicken. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Always pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures every part cooks at the same rate, preventing dry edges and raw centers. High heat is essential for a quick cook and a beautifully caramelized exterior. Avoid low temperatures, which can lead to dry chicken.

For optimal food safety and to ensure chicken is properly cooked, always refer to USDA guidelines for safe internal cooking temperatures.

A meat thermometer is your best friend for baked chicken recipes; always cook until it reaches 165°F (75°C) to guarantee safety and prevent overcooking. Resting the chicken for a few minutes after baking is crucial. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken moist and tender. If your chicken feels dry or rubbery, you likely overcooked it; next time, reduce baking time slightly or check with a thermometer earlier. For very thick chicken breasts, you might need an extra minute or two of baking.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Serving Suggestions

These delightful baked chicken recipes pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve them alongside a fluffy rice dish, like our favorite garlic butter rice, for a complete meal. Roasted potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh potato salad also make excellent companions. For a lighter option, complement your chicken with a crisp green salad or a medley of steamed vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus. Consider a light pan sauce or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra moisture and flavor.

Storage Instructions

Properly storing leftovers is key to enjoying them safely. You can find more information on safe food storage practices from the FDA.

Store any leftover cooked chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze cooked, cooled chicken for up to 3 months. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw frozen chicken in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven (covered with foil to prevent drying) until warmed through.

Flavor Variations

Experiment with different spice blends to customize your baked chicken recipes. Try a zesty lemon-herb blend, a smoky chipotle rub, or a fiery Cajun seasoning for a kick. You can also marinate the chicken beforehand in buttermilk or yogurt for extra tenderness and flavor. Once cooked, slice the chicken for vibrant salads, hearty sandwiches, or mix it into your favorite pasta dishes.

Nutrition

This lean protein dish is a fantastic addition to your healthy eating plan. Each serving of this delicious chicken offers substantial protein with moderate fat and minimal carbohydrates. It’s a great way to fuel your body and stay full.

FAQ

• Why use brown sugar in the seasoning? Brown sugar caramelizes beautifully during baking, creating a delicious golden crust and adding a touch of sweetness that balances the savory spices in these baked chicken recipes.
• Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, but thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight before preparing. Never cook chicken from frozen, as it can lead to uneven cooking and unsafe temperatures.
• How long does baked chicken last in the fridge? Properly stored in an airtight container, cooked baked chicken breasts remain fresh for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Can this recipe be made on the grill? Absolutely! Adjust the cooking time, but the seasoning works wonderfully for grilled chicken too. Aim for 6-8 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it reaches 165°F.
• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! Cook a larger batch, then slice and store for quick additions to salads or lunch boxes throughout the week.
• How to know chicken is cooked without a thermometer? While a thermometer is best, you can check by cutting into the thickest part; juices should run clear, and the meat should be opaque white, not pink.

Conclusion

You now have the ultimate guide to perfectly juicy baked chicken recipes that are simple, quick, and incredibly delicious. This recipe proves that you don’t need complicated techniques to create a show-stopping meal, even on the busiest of nights. Say goodbye to dry chicken and hello to tender, flavorful results every single time. Try this fantastic oven-baked chicken breast tonight and make it your new go-to weeknight dinner!

Perfectly Juicy Baked Chicken Breast: Your Go-To Baked Chicken Recipe

This recipe delivers perfectly juicy baked chicken breasts every time, seasoned with a sweet and savory blend and cooked to golden perfection. It's an easy and reliable method for tender, flavorful chicken that's ideal for any meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 breasts chicken breasts 150 - 180g / 5 - 6 oz each (Note 1)
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme or other herb of choice
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• Finely chopped parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Oven
• Rolling Pin or Meat Mallet
• Baking Tray
• Foil
• Parchment Paper
• Meat Thermometer
• Serving Plates

Method

 

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F/220°C (200°C fan).
2. Pound chicken breasts to an even 1.5cm (0.6″) thickness for consistent cooking and tenderness.
3. Combine the brown sugar, paprika, dried oregano or thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create your seasoning mix.
4. Line a baking tray with foil and parchment paper. Place chicken breasts upside down, drizzle with about 1 tsp olive oil, rub it over, and sprinkle generously with the seasoning.
5. Flip the chicken, then repeat the process: drizzle with another 1 tsp olive oil, rub, and sprinkle with the remaining seasoning, ensuring even coverage.
6. Bake for 18 minutes, or until the surface is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F/75°C with a meat thermometer.
7. Remove from the oven and immediately transfer the cooked chicken breasts to serving plates.
8. Allow the chicken to rest for 3–5 minutes before serving, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures consistent cooking and tenderness. Always allow the chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes after baking to keep it juicy.

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