Juicy Baked Chicken Breast Recipe: Foolproof Dinner Magic

Crafting a delectable baked chicken breast requires just a few clever kitchen tricks.

Juicy, tender meat starts with careful preparation and smart seasoning techniques.

Home cooks can easily master this classic protein dish with minimal effort.

Marinating adds incredible depth and helps prevent dryness during cooking.

Salt, herbs, and a touch of olive oil create magical flavor combinations.

Simple ingredients make this recipe accessible for anyone wanting a healthy, satisfying meal.

You’ll love how quickly this dish comes together for a weeknight dinner that impresses.

Why Oven Baked Chicken Breast Is a Weeknight Hero

• Unlock Flavor Explosion: Discover a mouthwatering chicken recipe packed with zesty Mediterranean-inspired seasonings that transform ordinary chicken into a taste sensation.
• Conquer Kitchen Confidence: Master a foolproof cooking technique perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, delivering restaurant-quality results without complex culinary skills.
• Meal Prep Champion: Create versatile protein that seamlessly adapts to multiple dishes – slice into salads, stuff into wraps, or serve alongside roasted vegetables for endless meal possibilities.
• Nutrition Powerhouse: Enjoy a lean protein option loaded with essential nutrients, supporting healthy eating goals while satisfying taste buds with minimal preparation effort.

Ingredients for Oven Baked Chicken Breast

• Chicken Breast: A lean and versatile protein that serves as the primary ingredient for this flavorful dish.

• Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Dried Oregano, Salt, Pepper: A harmonious mix of spices that adds depth and richness to the chicken's flavor profile.

• Lemon, Lemon Juice, Parsley: Fresh ingredients that brighten the dish with citrusy tang and provide a vibrant garnish for visual appeal.

How to Bake Chicken Breasts Just Right

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F, creating the perfect cooking environment for your chicken. This temperature ensures even cooking and helps seal in all those delicious juices.

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion

• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix these ingredients until they form a fragrant marinade that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Prep The Protein

Grab your chicken breasts and give them a thorough pat-down with paper towels. Remove any excess moisture to help the marinade cling perfectly. Place the chicken in a clean baking dish, ready for its flavor transformation.

Step 4: Massage With Marinade

Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring every inch gets a generous coating. Use your hands or a spoon to massage the seasonings into the meat, helping each flavor penetrate deeply.

Step 5: Citrus Magic

Squeeze fresh lemon juice across the chicken, then artfully arrange lemon slices around and on top of the meat. The citrus will infuse a bright, zesty essence into the dish.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Let the chicken bake for 20-25 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and juicy chicken.

Step 7: Rest And Relax

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is succulent and tender.

Step 8: Serve With Flair

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken. Arrange the roasted lemon slices alongside for a stunning presentation. Your culinary masterpiece is ready to be devoured!

Oven Baked Chicken Breast Pro Tips

• Maximize Moisture: Pat chicken breasts completely dry before marinating to help seasonings adhere and prevent soggy texture.
• Check Temperature Precisely: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F (74°C) for safe, perfectly cooked meat without drying out.
• Customize Seasoning Blend: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to create unique flavor profiles matching your taste preferences.
• Prevent Overcooking: Cover chicken with aluminum foil during last 5-10 minutes of baking to maintain tenderness and prevent burning.
• Boost Protein Potential: Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes after baking to redistribute internal juices, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.

Flavor Upgrades for Oven Baked Chicken Breast

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace dried oregano with fresh rosemary and thyme, add crumbled feta cheese on top before serving for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken: Swap paprika with Cajun seasoning, add cayenne pepper for extra heat, and sprinkle green onions after baking for a zesty southern-style chicken.
• Low-Carb Keto Chicken: Use avocado oil instead of olive oil, add extra garlic powder, and serve with roasted low-carb vegetables like zucchini and cauliflower for a protein-packed meal.
• Dairy-Free Herb Chicken: Eliminate feta cheese, use coconut oil as a substitute for olive oil, and add fresh basil leaves for added complexity and herbaceous notes.

Top Sides for Oven Baked Chicken Breast

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the lemon and herb flavors of the chicken, cutting through its richness with bright, zesty notes.
• Serve Mediterranean Salad: Create a Greek-inspired side with cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and olive oil to match the oregano and lemon seasoning, enhancing the overall Mediterranean taste profile.
• Roast Herbed Vegetables: Prepare roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus with similar herbs like oregano and garlic, creating a harmonious side dish that echoes the chicken's flavor palette.
• Match Sparkling Water with Citrus: Add a slice of lemon or lime to sparkling water to mirror the citrusy notes in the chicken, providing a refreshing and light beverage accompaniment.

How to Store Oven Baked Chicken Breast

• Wrap cooked chicken breasts tightly in aluminum foil or place in airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they remain fresh and tasty.
• Carefully wrap individual chicken breasts in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish, and cover with foil. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, preventing dryness.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel.

FAQs for Oven Baked Chicken Breast

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cut into the thickest part of the chicken – the meat should be white and have no pink areas.

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

It’s best to thaw chicken completely before cooking. Frozen chicken can lead to uneven cooking and potential food safety risks. Always defrost in the refrigerator overnight.

• What if my chicken breasts are different sizes?

Larger chicken breasts might need a few extra minutes of cooking time. Check the internal temperature to ensure they’re fully cooked. Consider pounding thicker breasts to create an even thickness for more consistent cooking.

Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent Herb-Crusted Chicken Breast delivers a mouthwatering blend of crispy exterior and juicy interior. Mediterranean herbs and golden-brown crunch promise a delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Herbs and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Liquid and Garnish Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Lemon slices (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Calibrate oven temperature precisely to 400°F (200°C), ensuring uniform heat distribution for optimal chicken cooking.
2. Create marinade by whisking olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a mixing vessel until ingredients blend smoothly.
3. Remove chicken breasts from packaging and meticulously eliminate surface moisture using clean paper towels, promoting superior marinade adherence.
4. Transfer chicken to a ceramic or glass baking dish, ensuring adequate spacing between pieces for even heat penetration.
5. Generously drizzle prepared marinade over chicken, massaging seasoning into meat’s surface to maximize flavor absorption.
6. Extract fresh lemon juice directly onto chicken, strategically positioning lemon wedges around protein to infuse citrus essence during roasting.
7. Position baking dish in preheated oven, roast for 22-24 minutes until internal temperature reaches precisely 165°F (74°C), confirming thorough cooking.
8. Extract chicken from oven, allow 4-5 minutes resting period to redistribute internal moisture and maintain tenderness.
9. Garnish with finely chopped parsley, plate with reserved lemon segments, presenting a visually appealing and aromatic culinary creation.

Notes

• Swap chicken breasts with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, ensuring similar marinade coating and baking time to maintain flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free spices and herbs if preparing for someone with gluten sensitivities, double-checking all seasoning ingredients.
• Pat chicken extremely dry before marinating to help create a crispier exterior and allow seasonings to adhere more effectively.
• Check internal temperature with a reliable meat thermometer to prevent overcooking, which can result in dry chicken breast.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 50 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg