Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

Looking for a healthy, quick, and absolutely delicious way to cook chicken? You’ve found it! This Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week. With a simple marinade and just the right cooking technique, you’ll get tender, juicy chicken breasts every time. Stick around to learn the secrets behind perfectly baked chicken that’s packed with flavor and never dry!

What is Oven Baked Chicken Breast?

Oven Baked Chicken Breast is a simple yet versatile dish where chicken breasts are seasoned and baked until juicy and flavorful. Unlike pan-searing or grilling, baking in the oven is a hands-off method that yields consistent results without much effort. The beauty of this dish is its flexibility: you can season it any way you like, making it suitable for a variety of cuisines, and it pairs perfectly with just about any side dish. From salads and sandwiches to rice bowls or pasta, baked chicken breast is a must-have recipe in any kitchen.

Ingredients List for Oven Baked Chicken Breast

To make the juiciest and most flavorful Oven Baked Chicken Breast, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• Juice of half a lemon (optional, for added brightness)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

These basic ingredients are all you need to achieve perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken breasts. The olive oil helps to lock in moisture, while the blend of garlic, paprika, and herbs adds a burst of flavor.

Ingredients List for Optional Marinade and Add-Ins

Want to take your Oven Baked Chicken Breast to the next level? Here are some optional marinade ingredients and add-ins that will enhance the flavor even further:

• Marinade:
  • ¼ cup soy sauce (for umami flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for tanginess)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Add-Ins:
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese (for a cheesy topping)
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (for a tangy-sweet finish)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or rosemary (for an herbal kick)
  • Cherry tomatoes or lemon slices (to roast alongside the chicken for extra flavor)

The marinade options will add depth to the chicken, while the cheese, herbs, or roasted veggies will elevate the dish to a more complex and gourmet level.

Substitutions and Variations

There are plenty of ways to adapt this Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe to meet your dietary needs or taste preferences. Here are some simple substitutions and variations:

• Herb Substitutions: Swap the oregano or Italian seasoning for fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or cilantro. You can also use cumin and coriander for a more exotic, smoky flavor.
• Spice Level: If you like your chicken with a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
• Low-Sodium Option: Reduce the salt in the recipe or opt for a salt-free seasoning blend if you're watching your sodium intake.
• Dairy-Free: The recipe is already dairy-free, but if you plan to add cheese, you can easily skip it or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check your seasonings for any hidden gluten if you are highly sensitive.

With these variations, you can make this recipe work for any palate or dietary requirement while keeping it tasty and satisfying.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Oven Baked Chicken Breast:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven ensures that the chicken will cook quickly, sealing in the juices and preventing it from drying out.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound them lightly with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are an even thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents thinner parts from drying out.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano (or Italian seasoning), salt, and pepper. Rub the olive oil all over the chicken breasts, then sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly on both sides.

Step 4: Arrange on a Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer on the sheet, making sure there’s space between each piece to allow for even cooking.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at the thickest part of the breast. Be careful not to overcook, as this can result in dry chicken.

Step 6: Rest the Chicken

Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

For a final touch, garnish the baked chicken breasts with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve alongside your favorite sides for a complete meal.

How to Cook Oven Baked Chicken Breast: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of the steps to cook Oven Baked Chicken Breast:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness.
3. Season the chicken with a flavorful spice rub.
4. Arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 18-22 minutes.
5. Let the chicken rest before serving.

Following these steps will give you perfectly cooked, juicy chicken breasts every time!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While making Oven Baked Chicken Breast is simple, there are a few common mistakes that could result in dry or flavorless chicken. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Skipping the Pounding Step: Not pounding the chicken to an even thickness can result in uneven cooking, with some parts being overcooked while others are undercooked.
• Overcooking: Chicken breasts can dry out easily if overcooked. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and remove the chicken from the oven as soon as it reaches 165°F (75°C).
• Not Letting the Chicken Rest: Cutting into the chicken immediately after it comes out of the oven can cause all the juices to escape. Letting it rest ensures a juicy result.
• Under-seasoning: Chicken breasts have a mild flavor on their own, so don’t be afraid to season them generously.

Avoiding these mistakes will help you achieve moist, flavorful chicken every time.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How you serve and present your Oven Baked Chicken Breast can make all the difference. Here are some serving and presentation ideas:

How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Breast

• With Vegetables: Serve the chicken with roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
• Over Rice or Pasta: Pair the chicken with a grain like rice, quinoa, or pasta, and drizzle the pan juices over the top for extra flavor.
• In a Salad: Slice the chicken and toss it into a fresh salad for a healthy, high-protein lunch or dinner. Add toppings like avocado, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese.

Presentation Ideas for Oven Baked Chicken Breast

• Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil for a pop of color.
• Slice the chicken breasts on a diagonal for a more elegant presentation.
• Serve on a wooden cutting board for a rustic, family-style meal.

Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe Tips

Here are some extra tips to make sure your Oven Baked Chicken Breast turns out perfect every time:

• Use a Meat Thermometer: A thermometer is your best friend when it comes to ensuring juicy chicken. It takes the guesswork out of cooking.
• Double the Batch for Meal Prep: Bake a double batch of chicken breasts and store them in the fridge or freezer for easy meals throughout the week.
• Marinate for Extra Flavor: If you have time, marinating the chicken for 30 minutes to a few hours before baking will infuse even more flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I bake frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes, but the cooking time will be longer—about 35-40 minutes. It’s best to thaw the chicken breasts overnight in the refrigerator for more even cooking.

Q: How do I keep chicken breasts from drying out in the oven?
A: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness, baking at a high temperature (400°F), and using a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking are key to keeping the chicken juicy.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more forgiving than breasts because they contain more fat. Just adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.

Conclusion

This Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe is the perfect solution for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal. With a simple seasoning blend and a few easy steps, you can create juicy, tender chicken that pairs well with almost anything. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. So, fire up that oven, grab your chicken breasts, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal!

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