Name: Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 (6 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 & 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon kosher salt (reduce to 1/2 teaspoon if using table salt); 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish; Roasted vegetables and rice pilaf, for serving

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a simple yet incredibly flavorful way to enjoy tender, juicy chicken, this Oven Baked Chicken Breast recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Perfectly seasoned with a delightful blend of brown sugar, Italian herbs, and smoked paprika, each bite delivers a beautiful balance of savory and subtly sweet notes. What I love most is how easy this dish is to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a stress-free option when feeding a crowd. Trust me, once you try this Oven Baked Chicken Breast, you’ll be amazed at how something so straightforward can taste so delicious.

Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Oven Baked Chicken Breast comes down to a handful of simple ingredients, each thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best flavors and textures. From the slight sweetness of brown sugar to the smoky depth of paprika, they work wonderfully together to create a perfectly balanced dish.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, choose breasts that are similar in size for even cooking.
1 & 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings herbal freshness and complexity.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors—reduce to 1/2 teaspoon if using table salt to avoid oversalting.
3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a warm, smoky undertone that makes the chicken taste irresistibly rich.
1/4 teaspoon pepper: A subtle kick that complements the sweetness and herbs.
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic’s savory aroma deepens the overall flavor profile.
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil: Helps the seasoning adhere and keeps the chicken moist during baking.
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness at the end.
Roasted vegetables and rice pilaf for serving: Classic sides that pair perfectly with the chicken’s robust flavors.

How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Breast

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to a lively 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with foil for quick cleanup. Then, it’s time to get your chicken ready for even cooking: gently pound each breast until they are about three-quarters of an inch thick. This simple step ensures every piece cooks uniformly and remains juicy throughout.

Step 2: Blend the Seasoning

Mix together the brown sugar, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, smoked paprika, pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl. This blend is the secret to that gorgeous balance of sweet, smoky, and herbaceous flavors that make this Oven Baked Chicken Breast so unforgettable.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Place your chicken breasts on the foil-lined sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and massage it into the meat on both sides to lock in moisture and help the seasonings stick. Then, generously sprinkle the seasoning mix over each breast, making sure every surface is covered to maximize flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 18 minutes, or until a meat thermometer shows 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the breast. For super juicy results, consider pulling the chicken out when it hits about 162 degrees and letting it rest on the warm pan—the carryover heat will finish the job perfectly.

Step 5: Let It Rest Before Slicing

One of the most important steps is to allow your chicken to rest for about five minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, so when you slice into that Oven Baked Chicken Breast, it’s moist and tender instead of dry.

How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Breast

Garnishes

Finishing touches like a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only add a cheerful color contrast but also bring a light, fresh note that brightens the bold flavors of the chicken.

Side Dishes

The beauty of this Oven Baked Chicken Breast is its versatility when it comes to sides. Roasted vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, or asparagus work brilliantly, while a fluffy rice pilaf can soak up those flavorful juices for a complete and satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the chicken and arrange it atop a crisp salad or stuff it into warm pita bread with your favorite toppings. You can even serve it alongside a vibrant quinoa salad for a healthful yet indulgent plate that’s sure to impress family or guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store leftover Oven Baked Chicken Breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to four days, making for easy lunches or quick dinner additions throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep this dish on hand for longer, wrap the cooked chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen Oven Baked Chicken Breast can last up to three months without losing much in flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight if frozen, then warm gently in a low oven or microwave. Adding a splash of broth or water can help maintain moisture, ensuring the chicken stays tender and tasty instead of drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more forgiving with their higher fat content and can be seasoned and baked using the same method. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to reach the proper temperature.

Is it necessary to pound the chicken breasts?

Pounding the chicken helps ensure even thickness, which means your chicken cooks more consistently and stays juicy. If your breasts are already fairly uniform, you can skip this step, but it’s recommended for best results.

Can I prepare the seasoning mix ahead of time?

Yes! The seasoning blend stores well in an airtight container for weeks, so you can make a batch ahead to save time and always have it ready when you want a quick meal.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

If smoked paprika is unavailable, regular paprika works as a substitute, though you’ll miss the smoky depth. For a hint of smokiness, you could add a tiny pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder, but go light to keep the balance.

How do I know when the chicken is done without a thermometer?

The safest way is using a meat thermometer, but if you don’t have one, check that the juices run clear when you cut into the thickest part and there is no pink meat. The texture should be firm but still moist.

Final Thoughts

This Oven Baked Chicken Breast is truly a game changer for anyone looking to add simple, delicious, and healthy meals to their routine. The flavors, ease, and versatility make it a recipe you’ll reach for again and again. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 28 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

This Oven Baked Chicken Breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts seasoned with a flavorful blend of brown sugar, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Perfectly baked at 425°F, the chicken is easy to prepare and pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables and rice pilaf for a nutritious, satisfying meal.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with foil to ensure easy cleanup.
Pound the Chicken: Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound each chicken breast to about 3/4-inch thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly and remain tender.
Prepare the Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder, mixing thoroughly.
Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the foil-lined baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over both sides and massage it into the chicken. Evenly coat each piece with the seasoning mix, covering as much surface area as possible.
Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for about 18 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the chicken once it reaches 162 degrees and allow residual heat to reach 165 degrees during resting.
Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest on the pan for 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful bite.
Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve alongside your choice of roasted vegetables and rice pilaf for a complete meal.

Notes

For even cooking, ensure all chicken breasts are the same thickness before baking.
Adjust salt quantity based on the type of salt used to avoid over-seasoning.
Use an instant-read thermometer for best results to prevent drying out the chicken.
Letting the chicken rest before slicing locks in the juices and keeps it tender.
This recipe pairs well with a variety of sides such as steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or quinoa.

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