Simple Baked Chicken Breast

Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly juicy, tender Simple Baked Chicken Breast with a delicately seasoned crust that seals in all the natural flavors. This foolproof recipe transforms an ordinary chicken breast into an extraordinary main dish that’s both wholesome and delicious. The beauty of this Simple Baked Chicken Breast lies in its versatility and straightforward preparation, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep Sundays. You’ll learn how to achieve restaurant-quality results with minimal ingredients and effort, ensuring your chicken is never dry or bland again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Simple Baked Chicken Breast recipe stands out for its perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. Unlike other chicken recipes that require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, this method delivers consistent results with items you likely already have in your pantry. The contrast between the juicy, tender interior and the subtly seasoned exterior creates a textural experience that elevates this everyday protein to something special.

Health-conscious cooks will appreciate that this oven baked chicken breast recipe uses minimal oil while maximizing flavor. The dry rub method creates a flavorful crust without the need for high-calorie marinades or breading. Plus, the hands-off cooking approach means you can focus on preparing side dishes or simply relax while dinner essentially makes itself.

Perhaps most importantly, this recipe is incredibly forgiving for beginner cooks while still impressing those with more experience in the kitchen. The simple temperature and timing guidelines take the guesswork out of achieving perfectly cooked chicken every time.

Ingredients

For this Simple Baked Chicken Breast recipe, quality ingredients make all the difference:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds or 900g total)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving

The chicken breasts should ideally be similar in size and thickness for even cooking. If they vary significantly, consider pounding them to an even thickness of about 3/4 inch. Fresh chicken will yield the juiciest results, though thawed frozen chicken works well too. The combination of herbs and spices creates a versatile flavor profile that complements almost any side dish.

Pro Tips

Brine for Ultimate Juiciness: For incredibly moist baked chicken breasts, try brining them before cooking. Dissolve ¼ cup of kosher salt in 4 cups of warm water, then cool completely. Submerge the chicken breasts for 15-30 minutes (not longer, or they may become too salty). Rinse thoroughly and pat completely dry before proceeding with the recipe. This simple step makes a remarkable difference in moisture retention during baking.

Temperature Matters: Always use an instant-read meat thermometer to check for doneness. The perfect internal temperature for Simple Baked Chicken Breast is 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the oven when it reaches 160°F (71°C), as it will continue cooking during the resting period. This prevents overcooking while ensuring food safety.

The Rest Is Essential: Allow your baked chicken breasts to rest for at least 5-10 minutes after removing them from the oven. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat rather than spilling out when cut. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm while resting. Skipping this step can result in dry chicken, no matter how perfectly you’ve baked it.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This higher temperature helps seal in the juices quickly. Remove your chicken breasts from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking to take the chill off. This promotes more even cooking. Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels – this is crucial for getting a good seasoned crust rather than steaming the chicken.

Step 2: Season Thoroughly
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Drizzle the olive oil over both sides of the chicken breasts, then rub to coat evenly. Sprinkle the spice mixture generously over both sides of the chicken, pressing it in gently to adhere. Don’t be shy with the seasonings – this creates that flavorful outer layer that makes this Simple Baked Chicken Breast recipe special.

Step 3: Prepare for Baking
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave a little space between each piece for even heat circulation. If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, position the thicker ends toward the outside of the baking sheet, as the center of the oven is typically hotter.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 16-22 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. For breasts about 1-inch thick, 18 minutes is often perfect. Remember that the most accurate way to check doneness is with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast, looking for 160-165°F (71-74°C).

Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and transfer to a cutting board or serving plate. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and let rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period is non-negotiable for juicy results! After resting, slice your perfectly baked chicken breast against the grain if desired, or serve whole with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the top. The bright acidity of lemon beautifully complements the savory chicken.

Variations

Herb-Crusted Chicken Breast: For an elevated version of this Simple Baked Chicken Breast, create a fresh herb crust. Finely chop 2 tablespoons each of fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Mix with 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs and 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese. After oiling the chicken, press this herb mixture onto the tops of the breasts before baking. The herbs will become aromatic and the breadcrumbs will add a delightful texture contrast.

Honey Mustard Glazed: Transform your oven baked chicken breast with a sweet and tangy glaze. Mix 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard with 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Season the chicken as directed in the base recipe, then brush with this mixture during the last 5 minutes of baking for a glossy, flavorful finish that pairs beautifully with salads.

Lemon Garlic Variation: For a Mediterranean twist, thinly slice one lemon and 4-5 garlic cloves. After seasoning the chicken breasts, arrange the lemon slices and garlic on and around the chicken on the baking sheet. Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary. The chicken will absorb these bright flavors as it bakes, resulting in a fragrant, citrusy version of the basic recipe.

Storage and Serving

Properly stored, Simple Baked Chicken Breast maintains its quality for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. To reheat without drying out, sprinkle with a few drops of water, cover loosely with a damp paper towel, and microwave on medium power until just heated through (about 1-2 minutes depending on thickness).

For freezing, wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag with the air pressed out. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serve your baked chicken breast with roasted vegetables and quinoa for a nutritious, complete meal. For a comfort food approach, pair with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans. The chicken also makes an excellent protein addition to salads – simply slice it cold and arrange over mixed greens with your favorite vinaigrette. For meal prep, slice the cooled chicken and portion into containers with steamed rice and vegetables for quick lunches throughout the week.

FAQs

Why is my baked chicken breast always dry?
Overcooking is usually the culprit. Use a meat thermometer to cook to exactly 165°F, and don’t forget the resting period. Consider brining your chicken before baking for extra moisture insurance.

Can I use chicken with skin and bones for this recipe?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust cooking time. Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts typically take 35-40 minutes at 375°F instead of 425°F. The skin will get crispy, adding extra flavor.

How can I tell if chicken is done without a thermometer?
The juices should run clear (not pink) when pierced with a knife. The meat should be opaque all the way through and offer some resistance when cut.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. This actually works as a dry brine, enhancing flavor and tenderness.

What’s the best way to defrost chicken safely?
The safest method is overnight in the refrigerator. For faster results, seal chicken in a leak-proof bag and submerge in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed.

Conclusion

This Simple Baked Chicken Breast is comfort food at its finest – approachable, reliable, and satisfying without being complicated. It’s the perfect blank canvas that delivers on its own while easily adapting to countless flavor profiles and meal scenarios. It’s the kind of dish that brings confidence to new cooks and reminds experienced ones that simplicity, when done right, can be the ultimate culinary achievement. Master this technique, and you’ll have an endlessly adaptable protein solution for countless healthy, delicious meals.

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