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Foolproof Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breast

Slices of juicy, well-seasoned baked chicken breast showing a perfectly cooked white interior.

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This recipe delivers tender, moist baked chicken breast every time using a simple seasoning blend and a reliable oven method. It is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or easy meal prep.

Ingredients

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  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 68 oz each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
  2. Prepare the chicken: If your chicken breasts are uneven, gently pound the thicker end with a meat mallet or rolling pin until the thickness is relatively uniform. This step is key for even cooking and preventing dry edges.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano to create your dry rub.
  4. Rub the olive oil over all surfaces of the chicken breasts. Then, evenly coat each breast with the seasoning mixture.
  5. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
  6. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes. Cooking time depends on the thickness of the chicken. For the juiciest results, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) in the thickest part.
  7. Remove the chicken from the oven. This is a crucial step: Let the chicken rest on a cutting board, loosely tented with foil, for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. The internal temperature will rise to the safe 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) while resting, and this allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken moist.
  8. Slice against the grain and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, substitute half of the olive oil with melted garlic butter before seasoning.
  • If you are meal prepping, bake the chicken to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, let it rest, and then slice or shred it for storage.
  • To ensure even cooking, you can place the chicken breasts on a wire rack set inside the baking sheet.

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