Oven baked chicken breast is simple, delicious, and really easy to prepare!

This juicy baked chicken breast recipe has simple seasonings and comes out tender and juicy every time!

They’re perfect for a healthy dinner, easy to chop or shred for chicken salads or casseroles, and perfect for meal prep.

close up of Oven Baked Chicken Breasts

Juicy Baked Chicken Breast

  • This chicken recipe is a go-to that you’ll make on repeat.
  • Baked chicken breast is versatile, great for meal prep and perfect for adding to casseroles or other meals.
  • This recipe is a healthy option and high in protein.

Ingredients for Baked Chicken Breast

Chicken breast – This recipe is for boneless skinless chicken breasts, approximately 6 oz each. They’re very lean, I do add a bit of olive oil for a better browning on the outside and to help the seasonings stick.

Ingredient Tip

Chicken breasts can vary in size from 5 oz to 10 oz meaning that the cook time can vary. In this recipe, I use average-sized boneless breasts (about 6oz or so).

Baked Chicken sliced diagonally for serving on a wood board

Seasonings – I prefer saving a chicken marinade for the grill and using simple seasonings for baked chicken breasts.

The mix below is easy and versatile but change the flavor up and add in onion powder, chili powder, garlic powder, or even a bit of brown sugar if you’d like. You can also try taco seasoning, cajun seasoning or your favorite spice blend.

chicken breasts tossed with seasoning for baking

How to Make Baked Chicken Breast

Making juicy chicken breast is very easy; the key is in the cooking time and temperature.

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Mix chicken breasts with olive oil, herbs, & spices (per the recipe below).
  3. Grease a baking dish or pan lightly to prevent the chicken breasts from sticking.
  4. Place chicken breasts in the oven & bake for around 22-26 minutes.

How Long To Bake Chicken Breast

The key to a perfect baked chicken breast is in temperature and timing. Chicken breasts are naturally lean, so if you overcook them, they will be dry. Cooking chicken at a higher temperature seals the juices.

  • To Bake Chicken Breast at 400°F:  This will take between 22 and 26 minutes depending on the size of the chicken breasts.
  • You can cook chicken breasts at 350°F for closer to 25-30 minutes (although I prefer the higher heat above).

Tips for Juicy Chicken

The chicken breast should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

  • Avoid Overcooking: Keep chicken juicy by not overcooking it. A meat thermometer is recommended for the best results.
  • Remove chicken from the oven at 160-162°F. It’ll rise to 165°F temperature as it rests on the pan.
  • Chicken breasts vary in thickness; use the flat side of a meat mallet (or even a rolling pin) to pound them a little bit.
Baked Chicken resting on a cutting board

More Chicken Breast Recipes

Did you make these Oven Baked Chicken Breasts? Leave us a rating and a comment below!

close up of Oven Baked Chicken Breasts
4.96 from 342 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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Oven Baked Chicken Breast

Baked chicken breasts are a simple and healthy dinner option that's packed full of protein! 
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Resting time 5 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients  

  • 4 to 5 chicken breasts boneless skinless, about 6 oz each
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a rimmed baking pan.
  • In a medium bowl, combine chicken breasts, olive oil, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, paprika, and black pepper. Mix well to coat.
  • Bake uncovered for 22 to 26 minutes or until the chicken breasts reach and internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Video

Notes

Smaller chicken breasts will take closer to 22 minutes, larger chicken breasts will take closer to 26 minutes. For best results, use an instant read thermometer.
Chicken breasts can vary in size from 5 oz to 10 oz. The cooking time listed is for average-sized boneless breasts, 5oz to 7oz each.
If the chicken breasts are very thick on one end, pound with a meat mallet to a more even thickness. 
Store chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven, on the stovetop in a pan, or in the microwave. Or, chicken breast can be added to soups, salads, or casseroles! 
4.96 from 342 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 236 | Protein: 40g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 412mg | Potassium: 696mg | Vitamin A: 100IU | Vitamin C: 2.2mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 0.8mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Chicken, Dinner, Entree, Main Course
Cuisine American

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What to Serve with Baked Chicken

We love baked chicken with a simple side dish and a fresh vegetable. Here are some of our fave sides.

tender Oven Baked Chicken Breasts with writing
close up of Oven Baked Chicken Breasts with writing
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seasoned Oven Baked Chicken Breasts and a photo of chicken sliced with writing

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About the author

Holly is a wine and cheese lover, recipe creator, shopping enthusiast and self appointed foodie. Her greatest passion is creating in the kitchen and making deliciously comforting recipes for the everyday home cook!
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Comments

  1. I forgot to mention in my original review a few minutes ago that when I took the chicken breasts out of the oven, I did cover it with foil and let it cool down for approximately 15-20 minutes before slicing the chicken breasts. They were absolutely tender as could be! Thanks!5 stars

  2. I cut this recipe in half and made this it, then I sliced the chicken breasts in small strips and put them on top of a chef salad for my husband and myself. It was awesome! Thank you so much sweet Holly for sharing all of your wonderful delicious recipes with all of us.5 stars

  3. Thank you for this recipe Holly. Do you cover these chicken breasts? Convection bake or convection roast them or do you recommend to just regular bake them? Thank you!

    1. I use regular bake and bake them uncovered. If you use convection, you’ll want to check them early.

  4. What the mouthgasm just happened!?
    I didn’t have paprika (who didn’t have paprika:/) so I used curry powder, ohmygosh, though!! Incredibly easy and melts in the mouth flavoring!

    Just love it! Thank you for sharing :D5 stars

  5. These chicken breasts were so easy to make and came out moist and flavourful. I also made the seasoning salt and the Italian spice from the accompanying recipes and I must say, that is the best Italian spice I’ve ever tasted. Will make again many times over, the chicken and the spices. Thank you.5 stars

  6. my chicken seems to never turn out quite right, tried it this way and it was PERFECT!!! THANK YOU!!! Making it this way from now on!!! :)5 stars

  7. My boyfriend prefers chicken breasts, but I avoid making them due to how often I think they turn out dry. These wound up so juicy & perfect! I even managed to bake them in the toaster oven since it was a small quantity.5 stars