Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe – Easy, Juicy, and Perfect for Any Meal
If you’re looking for a healthy, simple, and delicious way to make chicken, baking it in the oven is a great choice.
Oven baked chicken breast turns out juicy, full of flavor, and goes well with just about anything.
Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or just want a no-fuss recipe, this one is for you.
Chicken breast is known for being lean, meaning it has less fat and is good for you.
But sometimes, people overcook it and it turns out dry.
This recipe will help you avoid that.
The trick is in using the right temperature, seasoning it well, and letting it rest after baking.
Let’s look at what you’ll need and how to make it.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Before you do anything else, turn on your oven and set it to 400°F (200°C).
Preheating helps the chicken cook evenly from the start.
While the oven is heating up, get your chicken and other ingredients ready.
You can also line a baking tray with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Flatten the Chicken
Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag.
Gently pound it with a rolling pin or the flat side of a cup until the thickness is even.
You don’t need to make it super thin—just even.
Flattening helps the chicken cook faster and makes it tender and juicy.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Put the chicken breasts on a plate or tray.
Drizzle both sides with olive oil. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and oregano.
Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken.
If you want a little extra flavor, squeeze some lemon juice on top.
The oil and spices make a flavorful crust as the chicken bakes.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking tray.
Make sure they aren’t touching each other so the heat can go around each one.
Put the tray in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
If your chicken breasts are thin, they might be done sooner.
If they’re thick, they might need a bit longer.
To be sure, check with a food thermometer.
The chicken is done when the middle reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Let the Chicken Rest
Once the chicken is baked, take it out of the oven and place it on a plate or cutting board.
Don’t cut into it right away.
Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
This helps the juices stay inside the meat.
If you slice it too soon, the juices will run out and the chicken will be dry.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Now that the chicken has rested, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
Serve it on top of rice, next to steamed vegetables, inside a wrap, or with a fresh salad.
It’s also perfect for pasta dishes or sandwiches.
If you made more than you need, save the rest in the fridge for up to three days.
Extra Tips for Even Better Results
Change the flavor: Try different spice blends like taco seasoning, BBQ rub, or lemon-pepper mix.
Add toppings: You can sprinkle a bit of cheese on top for the last 5 minutes of baking.
Use a thermometer: This is the best way to know when the chicken is fully cooked without guessing.
Meal prep: Bake several chicken breasts at once and store them in containers for lunches during the week.
Why This Recipe Works
Baking chicken breast in the oven is a great way to keep it healthy and simple.
The olive oil keeps the chicken moist, while the seasoning adds flavor.
Cooking at a higher temperature—like 400°F—sears the outside quickly and locks in the juices.
This method is also very flexible.
You can double the recipe for more servings, switch out the seasonings, or add vegetables to the tray for a one-pan meal.
It’s a basic recipe that can be turned into many different dishes.
Storing and Reheating
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
To reheat it, microwave for 30–60 seconds or warm it up in a pan with a splash of water to keep it moist.
You can also use it cold in salads or wraps.
If you want to freeze it, wrap the cooled chicken tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This oven baked chicken breast recipe is simple, quick, and full of flavor.
It’s great for busy nights, meal prep, or when you just want something easy and healthy.
With only a few ingredients and basic steps, anyone can make it—even if you’re new to cooking.
Once you try it, you’ll see how easy it is to make chicken that’s not dry or boring.
It’s a reliable recipe to keep in your kitchen, and you can always change it to suit your taste.
So next time you’re wondering what to cook, pull out some chicken breasts and follow this recipe.
In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a tasty homemade meal ready to go.