If you are searching for a straightforward yet irresistibly flavorful dish, this Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe is just what your weekday dinners have been missing. Tender, juicy chicken breasts infused with a perfect blend of brown sugar, paprika, and herbs come together in under 30 minutes. This recipe makes the baking process foolproof by pounding the chicken to an even thickness for consistent cooking and topping it with a delicious seasoning mix that creates a golden, slightly caramelized crust. It’s a simple, savory meal that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are all classics, simple pantry staples that come together to create a balanced flavor and irresistible texture. Each element, from the brown sugar’s subtle sweetness to the fragrant oregano, plays a key role in elevating this Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe to a whole new level.
- 4 chicken breasts (150 – 180g / 5 – 6 oz each): Pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking and tender results.
- 2 tsp olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the seasoning stick while promoting a golden finish in the oven.
- 1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar: Provides a hint of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the chicken’s surface.
- 1 tsp paprika: Brings vibrant color and a mild smoky flavor to the dish.
- 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme: Offers an earthy herbal note; choose your favorite herb for a personal touch.
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of savory aroma without overpowering the chicken.
- 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors.
- Finely chopped parsley: A fresh, bright garnish to finish the dish with a pop of color.
How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is perfect for achieving that crispy, golden exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Preparing the oven early ensures that once your chicken is ready, you can pop it in immediately to lock in flavors.
Step 2: Pound the Chicken Perfectly
Using a rolling pin, meat mallet, or even your fist, gently pound each chicken breast to about 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) at its thickest point. This crucial step ensures even cooking throughout the breast and helps keep the meat tender and juicy, avoiding any dry, overcooked spots.
Step 3: Mix the Seasoning Blend
Combine the brown sugar, paprika, oregano (or your choice of herb), garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This unique blend brings a wonderful balance of sweet, smoky, and savory notes that make this Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe so special.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Tray and Season Chicken
Line a baking tray with foil and then a layer of parchment or baking paper for easy cleanup. Place the chicken breasts skin-side down (or the smoother side if skinless) on the tray. Drizzle about 1 teaspoon of olive oil over each, then use your fingers to rub the oil across the surface. Sprinkle a generous amount of the seasoning mix on top. Once seasoned on one side, flip the chicken and repeat the process of oiling and seasoning to thoroughly coat each piece.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Juicy
Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 18 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken has turned a gorgeous golden color and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, the juices running clear and the firm texture are good signs of doneness.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer it to serving plates immediately. Let the chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes so the juices can redistribute, which helps keep every bite moist. Finally, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color that brightens the dish.
How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice to complement this recipe, adding a lovely green accent and a hint of herbaceous brightness. You could also try a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet and smoky seasoning.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Garlic butter rice with kale, as shown in the photos, provides a rich and hearty base. Roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or creamy mashed potatoes also make wonderful companions that soak up the chicken’s delicious juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or an elevated family meal, slice the chicken breasts thinly and arrange them over a bed of couscous or quinoa tossed with fresh herbs and roasted cherry tomatoes. You can even use the chicken slices in wraps or on top of a fresh pizza for a fun twist with minimal extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The tender, flavorful chicken keeps well for up to three days, making it a perfect protein to add to salads or sandwiches later in the week.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly stored, they maintain their quality for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 10-15 minutes to warm through without drying it out. Alternatively, reheat in a microwave with a damp paper towel covering the chicken to retain moisture. Avoid overcooking to keep the meat tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more forgiving and tend to stay juicy even if slightly overcooked. You may want to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs can take a bit longer to reach the proper internal temperature.
What if I don’t have brown sugar on hand?
You can substitute white granulated sugar or honey as alternatives. Brown sugar adds a subtle molasses flavor and extra moisture, but honey will provide a lovely sweetness with a bit of stickiness that also helps with caramelization.
Is pounding the chicken really necessary?
Pounding ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays tender throughout. If the breasts are already very uniform in thickness, you could skip this step, but it’s highly recommended for the best results in this Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free parchment paper and ensure your spices do not contain any hidden gluten additives. It’s a great option for a quick gluten-free meal.
How can I check if the chicken is perfectly cooked without a thermometer?
Cut into the thickest part of a chicken breast to ensure it’s no longer pink inside and the juices run clear. The meat should feel firm to the touch but still springy rather than rubbery.
Final Thoughts
This Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe is truly a winner when you want something easy yet impressive on the table fast. The secret lies in the seasoning and ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy. Give it a try—you might find it quickly becoming your go-to for busy nights, weekend dinners, or whenever you crave a simple homemade meal that feels special.
Print
Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Oven Baked Chicken Breast recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken breasts with a flavorful seasoning blend. The chicken is pounded to an even thickness for consistent cooking and baked at a high temperature to achieve a golden, delicious crust while keeping the inside moist.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts (150 – 180g / 5 – 6 oz each)
- 2 tsp olive oil
Seasoning
- 1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme (or other herb of choice)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Garnish
- Finely chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), or 200°C if using a fan-assisted oven. This high temperature is key to achieving a golden crust on the chicken.
- Pound Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two pieces of cling film or parchment paper and gently pound to an even thickness of about 1.5cm (0.6 inches) using a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your fist. This ensures even cooking and tenderness.
- Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, dried oregano or thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create a consistent seasoning blend.
- Prepare Baking Tray: Line a baking tray with foil and then baking or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup. Place the chicken breasts upside down on the tray.
- Season First Side: Drizzle about 1 teaspoon of olive oil over the chicken, rubbing it evenly over the surface. Sprinkle the seasoning blend generously over this side.
- Season Other Side: Flip the chicken breasts so the other side is up. Repeat the drizzling of 1 teaspoon olive oil and generously sprinkle the remaining seasoning blend, covering as much surface area as possible.
- Bake Chicken: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the chicken breasts for 18 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) as measured by a meat thermometer.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and immediately transfer the breasts to serving plates. Let them rest for 3 to 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. This chicken pairs wonderfully with sides like Garlic Butter Rice and Kale.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are of uniform size before pounding for even cooking.
- Using a meat thermometer guarantees perfectly cooked chicken without drying out.
- You can substitute dried oregano or thyme with other herbs such as rosemary or basil, depending on preference.
- Resting the chicken after baking helps maintain juiciness.
- The brown sugar adds a subtle caramelization and sweetness to balance the spices.
