Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

Introduction

Oven baked chicken breast is a simple, flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With a blend of spices and a touch of brown sugar, this recipe yields juicy, tender chicken with a lightly caramelized crust.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts (150 – 180g / 5 – 6 oz each)
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 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 pepper
• Finely chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), or 200°C if using a fan oven.
2. Step 2: Pound the chicken breasts to about 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) thickness at the thickest part using a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your fist to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, paprika, dried oregano or thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the seasoning blend.
4. Step 4: Line a baking tray with foil and parchment or baking paper. Place the chicken breasts upside down on the tray. Drizzle about 1 teaspoon of olive oil over them, rub it in with your fingers, and sprinkle with half of the seasoning mixture.
5. Step 5: Flip the chicken breasts right side up. Drizzle with the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil, rub it in, and sprinkle with the remaining seasoning to cover as much surface as possible.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for about 18 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is reached.
7. Step 7: Remove the chicken from the oven and immediately transfer it to serving plates.
8. Step 8: Let the chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve with your favorite sides, such as garlic butter rice and kale.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken with the seasoning and oil for 30 minutes before baking.
• You can substitute brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
• Try swapping paprika for smoked paprika to add a smoky depth.
• Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme instead of dried for a brighter taste.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to prevent drying out. This chicken also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?

Bone-in breasts will take longer to cook, so increase baking time and confirm doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

How do I keep the chicken breast moist and tender?

Pounding the chicken to an even thickness helps it cook evenly and stay tender. Also, avoid overcooking by checking the internal temperature and allowing the meat to rest before serving.

Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 98 reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This oven-baked chicken breast recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts with a flavorful seasoning blend of brown sugar, paprika, and herbs. Thanks to pounding the chicken to an even thickness and baking at a high temperature, the chicken cooks evenly and retains moisture, making it perfect for a quick and healthy meal. This simple recipe is ideal for weeknights and pairs wonderfully with sides like garlic butter rice and kale.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 herb of choice)
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

Garnish

• Finely chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) or 200°C fan-forced to ensure a hot cooking environment that sears the chicken for a golden crust.
2. Pound Chicken: Use a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your fist to gently pound each chicken breast to about 1.5cm (0.6 inch) thickness at the thickest part. This helps even cooking and a tender texture.
3. Mix Seasoning: Combine the brown sugar, paprika, dried oregano or thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create the flavorful seasoning mix.
4. Prepare Baking Tray: Line a baking tray with foil and baking or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the chicken breasts upside down on the tray. Drizzle approximately 1 teaspoon of olive oil over this side of the chicken, then rub it in with your fingers. Sprinkle half the seasoning mix evenly over this side.
5. Season Other Side: Flip the chicken breasts over so the skin or smooth side is up. Drizzle the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil on top and rub it in. Sprinkle the remaining seasoning evenly to cover as much surface area as possible.
6. Bake Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 18 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown as shown in photos and videos. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and immediately transfer each piece to serving plates. Let the chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and enhance moisture.
8. Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken before serving. Serve alongside favorite sides like garlic butter rice with kale for a complete meal.

Notes

• Pounding chicken to an even thickness is key for tender, evenly cooked meat.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Seasoning blend can be adjusted or substituted with your favorite herbs and spices.
• Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps retain juices and flavor.
• For a crispier crust, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: oven baked chicken breast, baked chicken breast recipe, easy chicken breast, healthy chicken dinner, juicy baked chicken