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An easy baked chicken breast recipe, perfectly cooked and golden brown.

Juicy and Tender Baked Chicken Breast

Learn how to bake juicy and tender chicken breasts every time with this simple recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Foil
  • Cooking spray (optional)
  • Plastic wrap
  • Meat mallet or heavy skillet
  • Small bowl
  • Oven-safe skillet (optional)
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Cutting board

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Pound the thicker parts of the chicken breasts between plastic wrap until they are an even thickness of about 3/4 to 1 inch.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over both sides of the chicken; then, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried herbs in a small bowl, sprinkling the mixture evenly over the chicken, gently pressing it in.
Cooking
  1. Optional: Sear the chicken breasts in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly golden brown.
  2. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven or arrange the seasoned chicken on the prepared baking sheet if you skipped searing.
  3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part.
Resting
  1. Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board; tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
  2. Slice against the grain and serve immediately.

Notes

Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks evenly and remains juicy. Do not overcook the chicken, as it will dry out. Resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful result.