Easy Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipes

This easy oven-baked chicken breast is a straightforward way to turn a few pantry seasonings and boneless chicken breasts into a dependable dinner. Baking at high heat helps the outside develop good color while keeping the center tender, and checking the internal temperature takes the guesswork out of doneness.

The recipe uses paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, olive oil, salt, and black pepper for a simple savory seasoning that works with many side dishes. The chicken is ready in about 35 minutes from start to finish, including a short resting time before slicing.

Recipe Overview

Easy oven-baked chicken breast at a glance

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	18–22 minutes
Additional Time	5 minutes resting
Total Time	About 35 minutes
Servings	4 servings; 1 chicken breast per serving
Difficulty	Easy

Equipment

You will need a rimmed baking sheet or medium baking dish, a small bowl for the seasoning, tongs or clean hands for coating the chicken, and an instant-read food thermometer for checking doneness.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 6 ounces each
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

How to Make Oven-Baked Chicken Breast

1. Preheat the oven. Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange a rack in the middle position and have a rimmed baking sheet or baking dish ready.
2. Even out the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry. If one end is much thicker than the other, gently pound the thickest section so each breast is roughly 3/4 inch thick. More even pieces cook more consistently.
3. Season the chicken. Place the chicken on the baking sheet and rub it with the olive oil. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Bake. Arrange the breasts with a little space between them. Bake for 18–22 minutes, depending on thickness. Begin checking toward the lower end of the range so thinner pieces do not overcook.
5. Check for doneness. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of each breast. The chicken is safely cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Rest before slicing. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice across the grain just before serving to help each portion stay moist.

Tips for Juicier Baked Chicken

• Use similar-size chicken breasts. Pieces that are close in thickness are more likely to finish cooking at the same time.
• Do not rely only on color. A thermometer gives a more dependable doneness check than cutting into the chicken repeatedly.
• Start checking early. Chicken breasts can vary considerably in thickness, so use the stated baking time as a range rather than a fixed rule.
• Rest before cutting. The short resting period allows the meat to settle before it is sliced.

Ways to Serve It

This simply seasoned chicken works well with rice, roasted vegetables, salad, pasta, or baked garlic butter potato wedges. Because the seasoning is versatile, the sliced chicken can also be added to grain bowls or served with your favorite vegetable side.

If you want another chicken dinner for a future meal, the Cook Easy Way collection also includes honey garlic chicken and creamy garlic Parmesan chicken.

Storage and Reheating

Let leftover chicken cool before transferring it to an airtight container, then refrigerate it promptly. For best quality, keep the breasts whole when possible and slice them after reheating rather than before storage.

Reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a small splash of water, or warm it in the microwave in short intervals. Avoid prolonged high heat, which can dry out lean chicken breast. Leftover sliced chicken can also be used in meals such as a chicken Caesar wrap.

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition per serving (1 seasoned chicken breast)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	270 kcal
Protein	38 g
Carbohydrates	3 g
Fat	11 g
Saturated Fat	2 g
Sodium	520 mg

Nutrition values are approximate and vary with the size of the chicken breasts, ingredient brands, and the amount of oil that remains on the finished chicken. Side dishes are not included.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oven-Baked Chicken Breast

1. What temperature should baked chicken breast reach?

Cook chicken breast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C). Check each piece individually because thickness can affect cooking time.

2. How do I keep chicken breast from drying out in the oven?

Use chicken breasts of similar thickness, bake them at high heat, begin checking before the maximum cooking time, and remove them once they reach the proper internal temperature. Let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

3. Can I use this seasoning on chicken thighs?

Yes, the same seasoning mixture can be used on boneless or bone-in chicken thighs, but their cooking time will be different. Always determine doneness with a food thermometer rather than using the chicken-breast timing.

4. Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

You can coat the chicken with the oil and seasonings ahead of cooking and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Keep raw chicken chilled until you are ready to bake it.