Chicken Breast Recipe

Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly tender, incredibly juicy chicken breast that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. This Baked Chicken Breast Recipe transforms an often dry and bland protein into something truly spectacular. The aromatic herbs and perfectly seasoned exterior create a dish that’s simple yet impressive enough for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. You’ll learn how to achieve restaurant-quality results with a foolproof method that ensures your chicken breast turns out perfectly moist every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Baked Chicken Breast Recipe stands out from other chicken recipes for several compelling reasons. First, it solves the most common problem with chicken breasts: dryness. The brining technique ensures exceptional juiciness, while the herb-spice coating creates a beautiful contrast between the seasoned exterior and the tender interior.

The simplicity of preparation makes this recipe accessible even on busy weeknights, requiring just minutes of hands-on time before the oven does the rest of the work. You’ll also appreciate how versatile this recipe is, serving as either a standalone main course or as a protein component in countless other dishes.

What truly sets this recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors that complement the natural taste of the chicken without overwhelming it. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of herbs and spices that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Ingredients

For the Baked Chicken Breast Recipe:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (helps with caramelization)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

For the brine (optional but recommended):

• 4 cups cold water
• ¼ cup kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Use high-quality, fresh chicken breasts for best results. Free-range or organic options typically provide better flavor and texture. The combination of herbs can be adjusted based on personal preference, but the blend listed creates a perfectly balanced seasoning profile.

Pro Tips

Brining is Key: For extraordinarily juicy chicken breast, take the time to brine. Even a quick 15-minute brine makes a remarkable difference, though 2 hours is ideal. The salt solution helps the chicken retain moisture during cooking, resulting in succulent meat even if you accidentally cook it a bit too long.

Room Temperature Matters: Always let your chicken breasts rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking. Cold chicken straight from the refrigerator cooks unevenly, with exteriors potentially overcooking before the center reaches the proper temperature. This simple step ensures even cooking throughout.

Use a Meat Thermometer: The most reliable way to achieve perfectly cooked chicken breast is by using an instant-read thermometer. Cook the chicken until it reaches exactly 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. This eliminates guesswork and prevents the disappointment of undercooked or dry overcooked chicken. The thermometer is your best insurance policy against kitchen disappointment.

Instructions

Step 1
If brining, dissolve ¼ cup kosher salt and 2 tablespoons sugar in 4 cups cold water in a large bowl. Submerge chicken breasts completely and refrigerate for 15 minutes to 2 hours. This step ensures your chicken breast recipe starts with maximum moisture potential. After brining, rinse thoroughly under cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels.

Step 2
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). The high temperature creates a nice exterior while sealing in juices. While the oven heats, let your chicken breasts sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Step 3
In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, pepper, brown sugar, and cayenne (if using). Mix thoroughly until all spices are evenly distributed. This homemade seasoning blend elevates your chicken breast to a new level of flavor.

Step 4
Drizzle olive oil over both sides of each chicken breast, then rub to coat evenly. The oil helps the seasoning adhere and promotes beautiful browning. Next, generously sprinkle your spice mixture over both sides of the chicken, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well.

Step 5
Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a lined baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch each other. For extra flavor, you can add lemon slices underneath each piece. The indirect heat from the lemon adds moisture and a subtle citrus note to your chicken breast recipe.

Step 6
Bake in the preheated oven for 16-22 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches exactly 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.

Step 7
Once done, immediately remove the baked chicken breast from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This crucial resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum juiciness with every bite.

Variations

Mediterranean Chicken Breast: Transform this chicken breast recipe with a Mediterranean twist by adding 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary to the spice mix and topping each breast with a slice of lemon, a sprig of fresh rosemary, and 2-3 thin slices of fresh garlic before baking. After cooking, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley for a bright, herb-forward variation.

Parmesan-Crusted Chicken: For a decadent twist, mix ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese with your spice blend, then press this mixture firmly onto oiled chicken breasts. The cheese creates a golden, crispy crust that adds incredible flavor and texture to your baked chicken breast. This variation pairs beautifully with pasta or a simple green salad.

Spicy Buffalo Chicken: For heat lovers, replace the herb blend with 2 tablespoons of your favorite buffalo seasoning or add 1 tablespoon of hot sauce to the olive oil before coating the chicken. After baking, brush with melted butter mixed with hot sauce for an extra kick that transforms this chicken breast recipe into a game-day favorite.

Storage and Serving

Properly stored, this baked chicken breast remains delicious for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently—either covered in a 275°F oven with a splash of water for moisture or at 50% power in the microwave—to prevent the meat from drying out.

For elegant serving, slice the chicken breast against the grain and fan it out on a plate drizzled with its own juices. Pair with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes for a classic dinner. Alternatively, cube the chicken to top grain bowls or salads for a protein-packed lunch. For a special presentation, serve whole with a compound butter melting on top and fresh herbs as garnish. The neutral yet flavorful profile of this chicken breast recipe makes it incredibly versatile for countless meal possibilities.

FAQs

How do I know when my chicken breasts are fully cooked?
The only reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer to verify the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Visual cues like white (not pink) meat can be misleading with this chicken breast recipe.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! This recipe works beautifully with chicken thighs, though cooking time will vary. Bone-in thighs typically need 25-30 minutes, while boneless thighs require about 20-25 minutes at the same temperature.

Why is my chicken breast coming out dry?
Dry chicken usually results from overcooking. Use a thermometer to avoid this, and consider brining your chicken before cooking. The brine makes this chicken breast recipe much more forgiving.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Alternatively, fully cook the baked chicken breast, refrigerate, and gently reheat when needed.

What sides pair well with this recipe?
This versatile chicken breast recipe pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider adding a starchy side and a green vegetable.

Conclusion

This Baked Chicken Breast Recipe is comfort food at its finest—simple yet sophisticated, everyday yet special. The perfectly seasoned exterior giving way to incredibly juicy meat creates a dish that satisfies on every level. It’s the kind of recipe that solves the eternal chicken breast dilemma, transforming an often overlooked protein into the star of your meal. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests without hours in the kitchen, this foolproof method delivers restaurant-quality results every time. Master this technique, and you’ll never suffer through dry chicken again.

Print