Baked Chicken Breasts

Learn how to make the most flavorful, tender and juicy baked chicken breast – no more dry chicken! With a five minute prep time and just 20 minutes in the oven, you’ll have this dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes.

best baked chicken breast recipe

Did you know that “chicken breast recipes” are one of the most highly searched things on Google? I realized that while I have a lot of chicken recipes, I hardly have any that call for chicken breasts, and they are actually something I cook A LOT around here. For years I have been using a method that yields the most tender and juicy chicken, which is important because let’s face it, chicken breasts, especially baked, are usually bone dry. It’s so easy to dry out chicken breast because there’s very little fat. So how do you rectify that? By adding fat of course! But the good kind – the EVOO kind.

This is my go-to method that I’ve been using for years. I use it for a quick and easy dinner, and I will also cook extra and save it to add to soups and casseroles. Keep it in a sealed bag in the fridge for a few days, or pop it in the freezer if you’re not using it right away.

The method lends itself quite nicely to experimenting with different flavors, like my DIY Cajun Seasoning. Baked Lemon Chicken is also a great alternative!

tips for making the best baked chicken breast

I’ve got lots of tips to share when it comes to my favorite chicken breast recipes, so let’s dive in!

• Rubbing the chicken with a little olive oil before baking helps add moisture to the chicken and also helps the seasonings stick to the breast.
• I use a very simple seasoning of salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and chili powder or paprika.
• Chicken breasts do best at a high temperature (roasting) around 425-450 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows the chicken breast to cook quickly and retain a lot of moisture. Lower temps result in a longer cooking time and a higher chance of dry chicken, which is not something anyone wants!
• Make sure to let your chicken REST. This is so important when cooking any meat, but especially with this chicken breast recipe. When cooked at a high temperature the juices in the chicken quickly rush to the center, so when you cut into it right away, all those juices come pouring out and boom – dry chicken. Resting allows the juices to redistribute through the chicken breast and gives you a tender, juicy piece of meat every time.
• I use THIS BAKING DISH for making my Baked Chicken Breasts. You could also use a foil or parchment lined rimmed baking sheet.

what temperature should chicken be cooked to in the oven?

All chicken, no matter what part of the bird, should be cooked to 165 degrees F. Use a meat thermometer and stick the pointy end into the center of the thickest part of the meat, or for bone-in chicken, the thickest part near the bone. Once it registers at least 165 degrees you know it’s time to tent and rest.

What to serve with baked chicken?

The beauty of this baked chicken recipe is that it is incredibly versatile. You could serve it with just about anything from pasta to salad and have a delicious meal. But here are some of favorite sides to serve with chicken:

• Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
• Best Ever Classic Macaroni Salad
• Easy One Pan Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
• Perfect Baked Potatoes
• Egg Fried Rice
• 5-Minute Parmesan Ranch Broccoli
• Easy Baked Potato Wedges

How to store baked chicken breasts in the fridge or freezer

Baked chicken breasts will last up to 4 days in the fridge if properly stored in an airtight container. They are perfect for meal prepping for the week.

In the freezer, store chicken breasts in an airtight container for up to 6 months. I recommend wrapping each breast in wax paper before freezing for easy portioning.

For more easy baked chicken recipes, try these:

• Roasted Lemon Chicken Drumsticks
• Crock Pot Chicken Tacos
• Bacon Wrapped Ginger Soy Chicken Thighs
• Pan Roasted Herbed Chicken

Watch how to make the most tender and juicy Baked Chicken Breasts:

Baked Chicken Breasts

Learn how to make the most flavorful, tender and juicy baked chicken breast - no more dry chicken! With a five minute prep time and just 20 minutes in the oven, you'll have this dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes.

4.95 from 172 votes

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Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 332kcal

Author: Kristin

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, or 1 1/2 pounds
• 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or paprika

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Pound chicken breasts lightly so they are of even thickness.
• Pour olive oil in a 13" x 9" baking dish. Lightly coat the chicken with the oil to coat it, then place chicken breasts side by side in the dish.
• In a small bowl, whisk together salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and chili powder (or paprika). Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over both sides of the chicken and rub it in with your hands. Place chicken breasts side by side, making sure there is no overlap.
• Bake in a preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until juices are clear or a meat thermometer reads 160-170 degrees. *Note - depending on the size of your chicken breasts, it could take longer. Mine were pounded to less than an inch thick.
• Cover with foil and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes while the juices settle before slicing.
• Serve hot.

Notes

A lot of people were concerned about the olive oil being cooked at such a high temperature and that it can break down and become harmful so I have switched to using corn or canola oil. Although the oven temp is 450 degrees, the food (and consequently the oil) doesn't reach anywhere near that temperature and it's only in the oven for a short time. I have never had an issue with the small amount of extra virgin olive oil reaching it's smoke point on the chicken, but if you are concerned, I recommend doing some research and making that decision for yourself.

Nutrition

Serving: 6ounces | Calories: 332kcal

Here’s another favorite Baked Chicken recipe we love:

Easy Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Kristin

Hi! I’m Kristin, the creative mind behind Yellow Bliss Road where you will be inspired by tons of easy to follow recipes, lots of free printables, and a little sprinkling of life thrown in for good measure.