Baked Chicken Breast seasoned with a simple dry rub mixture and baked to tender and juicy perfection. This Baked Chicken Breast recipe is easy to make and incredibly flavorful!
Baked Chicken Breast is one of those recipes I make all the time. Oven baked chicken breast is made quickly on a single baking pan and can be easily customize to your taste. Besides, if you are like me, you are always looking for easy chicken breast recipes! If you are more of a dark meat lover, try out these Easy Baked Chicken Thighs!
Just like my baked pork chops recipe, I use a simple dry rub to season the chicken. The dry rub adds lots of flavor and a nice light crust that keeps the chicken juicy and tender. I love serving slices of baked chicken breast alongside Broccoli Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes, or Roasted Green Beans. You can also use it to top salads or pasta dishes like this Roasted Tomato Pesto Pasta.
How To Bake Chicken Breast
- First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Place the chicken breast on a rimmed baking sheet or in a baking dish. They can touch but not overlap.
- Drizzle and rub with olive oil on both size. You can use a brush, if you prefer.
- Season the chicken with the dry rub. I like to use my hands to make sure I massage the seasonings in. Remember to season both sides of the breast.
- Bake, uncovered until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
How Long Does It Take To Bake Chicken Breast?
Timing is very important when baking boneless and skinless chicken breast. Chicken breast is a lean protein and tends to dry if baked for too long or at the wrong temperature.
Baking times vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken. A medium size chicken breast (5 to 6 ounces each), takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes to bake in a 400 degree oven. I always bake chicken breasts at 400 degrees Fahrenheit as the high temperature helps seal in the juices (and the flavor).
Do I Have To Brine the Chicken Before Baking?
Although brining is a great way to keep chicken juicy, you can make juicy oven baked chicken without using a brine. Make sure you follow my tips and you will end up with the juiciest and best baked chicken breast ever!
Also, keep in mind that most of the chicken sold in supermarkets, already contain some added water.
Can I Freeze Baked Chicken Breast?
Absolutely. Cool the chicken completely and store it in a freezer safe, airtight container container for up to 3 months.
Baked Chicken Breast Tips for Success
- If your chicken breasts are too thick in certain areas, pound the chicken to even thickness with a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Use a rimmed baking sheet or baking pan. The chicken will release some of it’s natural juices.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before adding the oil or seasonings.
- Don’t skip the oil! I use 1 tablespoon of olive oil for this recipe, although a little extra wouldn’t hurt! Since you don’t have the skin to provide some needed fat to a very lean protein, some fat is needed to keep the chicken juicy.
- Season the chicken generously on both sides. You can use any seasoning blend you like.
- Bake uncovered.
- Do not overcook. Always check the internal temperature with an instant read thermometer. Chicken breast should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- After removing the chicken from the the oven let the it rest before slicing it. Do not skip this step!
- Save the pan drippings! Pour them over the sliced breast for extra flavor!
Easy Baked Chicken Breast
Ingredients
Dry Rub
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 5 - 6 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminium foil or parchment paper. You can also use a baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the dry rub ingredients. Set aside.
- Pat dry the chicken breasts with paper towels.
- Place the chicken in a single layer on the baking sheet and drizzle with the olive oil. Rub the oil all over each chicken breast. Season the chicken with the dry rub on both sides.
- Bake for 20 to 26 minutes or until the internal the internal temperature reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Time will vary depending on the size and thickness of each breast.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- If your chicken breasts are too thick in certain areas, pound the chicken to even thickness with a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees before consuming.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I’m cooking thr exact meal….maybe nit in your calibre but I’m doing it and it looks deli
cious 😋
Great recipe! Mine turned out with the right amount of crisp. **(You have a typo -size=sides)
I made this for dinner tonight and it was a hit with my my wife. She said it was good. So I’m putting this in my recipe folder on my phone.
I keep coming back to this recipe. What’s not to love? Quick, easy, and soooo yummy every time. Thank you for sharing!!
This is one of those super simple recipes that is totally game changing! This makes it so easy to not only have a healthy meal in a hurry, but to make extra for lunches and meal prep at the same time!
You are speaking my language with this easy & flavorful recipe! It’s just what my busy weekdays need! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!