This is my favorite oven-baked chicken breast recipe! It never fails me, even on busy weeknights when I need something reliable. I’ve made this countless times for my family, and it’s become our go-to chicken dinner.
No time to read the recipe? Pin it to read later ⤵️
Table of contents
Extra Juicy Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts
Perfectly baked chicken breasts that are juicy, tender, easy, and super flavorful! This is a recipe everyone should master. All you need is a drizzle of olive oil, my simple seasoning mix, and a few tips I’ve learned over the years of cooking chicken.
This recipe is simple, fast, and incredibly tasty! Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or anytime you need a versatile protein that everyone will love.
What You’ll Need to Cook
- Chicken Breasts: Look for chicken breasts that are similar in size for even cooking.
- Paprika: For this recipe, use high-quality paprika. The paprika adds beautiful color to the finished chicken and contributes earthy, slightly sweet notes. If you want to add a bit of heat, you can substitute half the paprika with smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor.
- Brown Sugar
- Dried Oregano
- Garlic Powder
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Olive Oil
Using Store-Bought Rubs
For convenience, store-bought chicken rubs work perfectly with this baking method. Use approximately 2-3 tablespoons total for four chicken breasts (about two teaspoons per breast) if your chosen rub doesn’t contain sugar, mix in 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to help with caramelization and moisture retention.
Look for poultry rubs containing paprika, garlic, and herbs. First, apply olive oil to the chicken, then generously coat with the rub, pressing it into the meat. The cooking method remains the same: 18-20 minutes at 220°C (425°F).
Ingredient Substitutes
- Chicken Tenders: For faster cooking, substitute chicken tenders and reduce baking time to 12-15 minutes.
- Coconut Sugar: For a more complex sweetness, replace brown sugar with coconut sugar (exact amount).
- Smoked Paprika: Replace regular paprika with smoked paprika for a deeper flavor profile.
- Honey: You can replace brown sugar with 2 tablespoons of honey for a different type of sweetness.
How to Bake Chicken Breast
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet, rolling pin, or even the bottom of a heavy pan, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about ¾ inch.
This step is crucial for two reasons: it ensures even cooking throughout the breast and tenderizes the meat by breaking down some muscle fibers.
Once pounded, pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the seasoning adhere better.
Step 2: Make the Seasoning
Combine the brown sugar, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until fully incorporated.
The brown sugar should be lump-free and distributed evenly throughout the chicken. This seasoning blend creates the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that will caramelize beautifully during baking.
You can use a store-bought rub, use .5 tablespoons of rub per breast.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and rub them on both sides. This thin layer of oil helps the seasoning stick and aids in moisture retention during cooking.
Generously coat both sides of each breast with the seasoning mixture, pressing it into the meat to ensure good adhesion. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – you want a thorough coating to form a delicious crust.
Step 4: Bake at High Temperature
Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated 220°C (425°F) oven for 18-20 minutes. The high temperature is key here – it quickly seals the chicken’s exterior, locking in moisture while creating that beautiful caramelized crust.
The chicken will “sweat” during cooking, creating additional moisture that helps keep it juicy.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
The seasoning’s caramelization is a fantastic indicator of doneness. When you see the chicken has developed a beautiful caramelized crust, it’s likely perfectly cooked inside.
To be certain, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C), or make a small cut to ensure the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink inside.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum juiciness in every bite.
After resting, slice against the grain and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
How To Store Leftovers and Reheat
Allow the baked chicken breast to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation from forming inside your storage container, which can make the chicken soggy.
Leftover chicken breasts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Individual portions can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag or container for longer storage. Frozen baked chicken breasts will maintain good quality for up to 3 months.
To reheat refrigerated chicken, place it in a baking dish with a tablespoon of water or chicken broth, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until it reaches 165°F internally. For frozen chicken, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Alternatively, you can reheat chicken breasts in the microwave at 50% power with a damp paper towel covering them to preserve moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
What To Serve With Chicken Breast
📌 Did you try this recipe?
Have you made this delicious recipe and loved it?
I would love it if you took a minute to leave a star rating and review. It is also helpful if you made any substitutions or changes to the recipe to share that; thank you!
📌 Please also pin the image below, then you can find the recipe for the next time you want to cook.
Baked Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 4 whole skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness (about ¾ inch) using a meat mallet.
- Combine brown sugar, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Drizzle chicken with olive oil and coat thoroughly with the seasoning mixture.
- Place chicken on prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes until caramelized on the outside.
- Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F or juices run clear.
- Rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Smoke On!
Charlie
Author: Charlie Reeves
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
Hungry For More?
