Follow this simple method to bake chicken breasts in the oven that stay tender and juicy every time. This recipe uses basic seasoning perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Author:ellievance
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 oz each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
If your chicken breasts are very thick, pound them to an even thickness (about 3/4 inch) to promote even cooking. This helps prevent drying out the thinner ends.
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and paprika for your simple chicken breast seasoning.
Rub the olive oil over all sides of the chicken breasts.
Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing gently so it adheres.
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The exact time depends on the thickness of the chicken.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender.
Notes
For a Garlic Butter Baked Chicken variation, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 clove of minced garlic and brush this mixture over the chicken before baking.
To ensure juiciness, avoid overcooking. Always rely on a meat thermometer rather than time alone.
This recipe is excellent for meal prep; store cooled chicken in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
This preparation fits well within a keto meal plan delivery structure due to its low carbohydrate content.