Oven Baked Chicken Breast

Oven baked chicken breast is simple, delicious, and really easy to prepare!

This juicy baked chicken breast recipe has simple seasonings and comes out tender and juicy every time!

They’re perfect for a healthy dinner, easy to chop or shred for chicken salads or casseroles, and perfect for meal prep.

Juicy Baked Chicken Breast

This chicken recipe is a go-to that you’ll make on repeat.
Baked chicken breast is versatile, great for meal prep and perfect for adding to casseroles or other meals.
This recipe is a healthy option and high in protein.

Ingredients for Baked Chicken Breast

Chicken breast – This recipe is for boneless skinless chicken breasts, approximately 6 oz each. They’re very lean, I do add a bit of olive oil for a better browning on the outside and to help the seasonings stick.

Chicken breasts can vary in size from 5 oz to 10 oz meaning that the cook time can vary. In this recipe, I use average-sized boneless breasts (about 6oz or so).

Baked Chicken sliced diagonally for serving on a wood board

Seasonings – I prefer saving a chicken marinade for the grill and using simple seasonings for baked chicken breasts.

The mix below is easy and versatile but change the flavor up and add in onion powder, chili powder, garlic powder, or even a bit of brown sugar if you’d like. You can also try taco seasoning, cajun seasoning or your favorite spice blend.

chicken breasts tossed with seasoning for baking

How to Make Baked Chicken Breast

Making juicy chicken breast is very easy; the key is in the cooking time and temperature.

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Mix chicken breasts with olive oil, herbs, & spices (per the recipe below).
Grease a baking dish or pan lightly to prevent the chicken breasts from sticking.
Place chicken breasts in the oven & bake for around 22-26 minutes.

How Long To Bake Chicken Breast

The key to a perfect baked chicken breast is in temperature and timing. Chicken breasts are naturally lean, so if you overcook them, they will be dry. Cooking chicken at a higher temperature seals the juices.

To Bake Chicken Breast at 400°F: This will take between 22 and 26 minutes depending on the size of the chicken breasts.
You can cook chicken breasts at 350°F for closer to 25-30 minutes (although I prefer the higher heat above).

The chicken breast should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Avoid Overcooking: Keep chicken juicy by not overcooking it. A meat thermometer is recommended for the best results.
Remove chicken from the oven at 160-162°F. It’ll rise to 165°F temperature as it rests on the pan.
Chicken breasts vary in thickness; use the flat side of a meat mallet (or even a rolling pin) to pound them a little bit.

Baked Chicken resting on a cutting board

More Chicken Breast Recipes

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Baked chicken breasts are a simple and healthy dinner option that’s packed full of protein!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 22 minutes

Resting time 5 minutes

Total Time 32 minutes

Instant Read Thermometer on white background

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a rimmed baking pan.
In a medium bowl, combine chicken breasts, olive oil, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, paprika, and black pepper. Mix well to coat.
Bake for 22 to 26 minutes or until the chicken breasts reach and internal temperature of 165°F.
Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Smaller chicken breasts will take closer to 22 minutes, larger chicken breasts will take closer to 26 minutes. For best results, use an instant read thermometer.
Chicken breasts can vary in size from 5 oz to 10 oz. The cooking time listed is for average-sized boneless breasts, 5oz to 7oz each.
If the chicken breasts are very thick on one end, pound with a meat mallet to a more even thickness.
Store chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven, on the stovetop in a pan, or in the microwave. Or, chicken breast can be added to soups, salads, or casseroles!

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Chicken, Dinner, Entree, Main Course

Cuisine American

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