Forget dry chicken with our Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe! Deliciously seasoned before being cooked in the oven until golden with mouthwatering crisp edges!
Tender and full flavoured, our simple and easy baked chicken breast recipe uses skinless and boneless chicken breasts baked in the oven until golden and caramelised. For extra flavour, garlic butter mixes through the cooked pan juices to serve your chicken drizzled in the best sauce!
THE JUICIEST OVEN BAKED CHICKEN BREAST RIGHT HERE!
For years I tried so many recipes and techniques for a juicy baked chicken breast. Disappointed every single time and having to chew though mouthful of dry chicken, dipping each forkful in mayonnaise just to get through it. If you love food as much as I do, this is usually a completely heartbreaking experience.
Enter our recipe: easy, fast and simple. No weird steps, no wrapping, tenting, brining or marinating needed. Just a good flavoured seasoning rubbed all over our chicken and let your oven do all the work.
This is how I make the most incredible baked chicken breast that retain all of their natural juices!
The best part about this recipe are the pan juices that mix through the seasoning to give you a little something extra to drizzle them with when serving.
CHICKEN BREAST SEASONING
You only need a handful of seasoning ingredients for this one: paprika (mild, sweet or smoky), brown sugar (or a brown sugar substitute for Keto readers), oregano (or Thyme), onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Adapted from our Cajun Butter Chicken recipe without the heat! Of course, you can add the heat if you desire!
All of these ingredients together smothered all over your chicken breasts makes MAGIC and the perfect balance. The brown sugar lets the chicken sweat while baking, making our baked chicken breast even juicer! Much like our your favourite Chili Lime Chicken.
HOW LONG TO COOK CHICKEN BREASTS
Large chicken breasts (7oz or 200g) take about 20-22 minutes to cook. Medium-sized breasts (5 – 6oz or 150 – 180g) take about 18-20 minutes. You also have the option of throwing on your broiler in the last 2 minutes to get crispier edges!
Cooking them at high heat ensures the crispy, caramelised edges, while keeping your chicken super juicy on the inside. Once the chicken is golden and caramelised, it’s cooked! Let it rest for about 5 minutes to recirculate all of those natural juices through the meat.
COOKED CHICKEN TEMPERATURE
If unsure your chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (75°C) when inserted in the thickest part of the meat.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH BAKED CHICKEN
So many options go with this recipe!
- Mashed potatoes
- Mashed cauliflower for a low carb option
- Simple tomato salad
- Black beans and rice
- Smashed potatoes
MORE CHICKEN BREAST RECIPES YOU WILL LOVE
- Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast With Mozzarella Cheese
- Caprese Stuffed Balsamic Chicken
- Crispy Chicken Parmesan (Parmigiana)
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts
- See all chicken recipes here
Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed -- FOR KETO: use brown sugar substitute
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano, (or thyme, parsley, rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon salt, (use seasoned salt, Adobo or chicken salt for extra flavour)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon chili powder, (or 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper) -- optional for a kick of heat
- 4 large chicken breasts (7oz | 200g each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
OPTIONAL:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F | 220°C (standard ovens) or 390°F | 200°C (fan forced or convection ovens).
- Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound each chicken breast to 0.8-inch | 2cm at the thickest part. Make sure your fillets are all the same thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Combine sugar, paprika, oregano, salt, powders, pepper and chili (if using).
- Line a baking pan with parchment (or baking) paper. Transfer chicken to the pan and toss chicken in the seasoning. Drizzle with the oil and rub seasoning all over to evenly coat.
- Bake chicken in preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until internal temperature is 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer. It should be golden with crisp edges.*
- Broil (grill) on high heat during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking until golden and crisp.
- Remove pan from oven, transfer chicken to serving plates and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- OPTIONAL STEP: While chicken is in the oven, melt butter in a small skillet. Sauté garlic until fragrant (30 seconds), and remove pan from heat. Stir in parsley, then pour butter mixture into pan juices, stirring well to combine all of the flavours together.
- To serve, drizzle pan juices over the chicken and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Deb says
Very Moist, Flavorful, Thank you for sharing!
Rebecca says
This is soooo good! I used the Thyme version. I cut the breasts into chicken tender pieces instead of pounding the chicken. I cooked it on parchment paper for 20 minutes.
Jena Williams says
Great recipe turned out perfect and my family enjoyed it!
Pam says
Great recipe for skinless chicken! Very juicy and flavorful. I recommend adding the butter sauce at the end… it was delicious!
Derek Robertson says
Tried this based upon the number of 5* reviews and it was worth every bite. I am now making a large batch of the rub to keep on hand, delicious!
Heather says
Best baked chicken EVER!!! I usually don’t cook chicken breasts bc they end up being dry. My picky son loved it and my non picky son said it was the best chicken I’ve ever made! It’s super easy AND the chicken is melt in your mouth juicy! I’m a vegetarian so I didn’t eat it but the sauce tasted amazeballs! This is my new go to for sure! Thanks for making me look like I know what I’m doing:).
Alicia says
this is the best chicken recipe I make it as a staple, I double the spices and use Cayenne pepper it’s the best. Thank you for your contribution to the world. I literally made a huge container of this spice mix so I can make this chicken whenever my heart desires. I end up eating half the chicken before I even make a sandwich.
Susan says
Might just be my very favorite chicken recipe, and everyone in the family loves it. Thank you!!!
Barbara J Bartlett says
I did not see an oven temperature from her recipe..what temp should i use?? Tyvm!
Alessandra Varone says
In the instructions, it lists 425°F for regular oven and 390° for convection/fan forced.
Tee says
I made this chicken and it was delicious. I was wondering would it be good on pork
Rachel OQuin says
Just made this chicken for dinner and it was amazing!!! I’m so happy! It’s the first time I made baked chicken and it WASN’T Dry! Thank you!
Patricia says
Unable to use a broiler to finish..is it okay to brown lightly before transferring to oven? Or just keep baking the last 3-4 minutes rather than under the broiler?
Karina says
Browning would be better to seal in those juices before baking!
Aleena says
In the nutrition section when it says 166Kcal is that the calories for one chicken breast?
Paulette Risher says
Oh my. This is now my favorite chicken recipe and the “Sunday Dinner” menu of choice. The rub is terrific – you could package it for sale! I have made this recipe four times and have learned a couple of things. First, as long as the chicken breasts are of similar size, you can adjust the cooking time. Second, the additional butter, garlic sauce is unnecessary for the chicken, but makes a terrific dipping sauce for bread. Thank you for this recipe. Love it!
Lotis Cobb says
I made this last night and it turned out VERY GOOD! My family loved it. Thank you for sharing.
Paula S says
Made this tonight. My very picky daughter loved it. My dad loves anything and he ate 3 pieces. This gets added to my book of recipes. Only recipes that are good get added!!
Jacqueline says
This was one of the best recipes Ihave made
Ericka S. says
This recipe is easy to make and absolutely delicious! Definitely will be making it again and again!
Mackinzie says
I made this for my family and everyone loved it. I was very juicy and flavorful. Everyone said it was so good. It was very quick and easy. Definitely will use this recipe again!😃
Tracy says
I made this for my very picky, light eater husband. He loved it and ate every bite! He said the flavors and juiciness was up to par with a restaurant. I’m a vegetarian so I didn’t actually try it. It was quick and easy to make. I’m definitely adding it to my list of 5 star recipes.
Susan says
Made this for dinner today and everyone at the table loved it. Thanks!
Jenna says
Just made this tonight and everyone loved it. I’m always bad about overcooking chicken because I worry it’s not cooked enough, but this was perfect and juicy. I followed the recipe exactly, including the garlic butter mixed in with the juices and drizzled over the top. I also made the mashed potatoes linked near the bottom, and served with a side of broccoli. We’ll definitely be making this again.
Mercedes De la Rosa-Sherman says
I made this tonight and my husband and I loved it! I followed the recipe, used thyme instead of oregano, and did not do the optional butter. It is absolutely wonderful!!!
Elsie says
This was super easy and very tasty. I used some ground chipotle pepper instead of chili powder and it was a bit too spicy for me. Next time I’ll use chili powder and it will be great. I used a meat thermometer and it took exactly 18 minutes. Next time, I think I’ll pull them at 16 minutes, because they continue to cook under the broiler.
Missa says
I made this last week and it was delish! I passed on the recipe to quiet a few people and they’ve loved it as well. I was wondering if you think it would work on a whole roasted chicken?
TK says
Super easy and really good!
Margaret Wolferman says
What did you bake your chicken on, TK? Like a brownie pan or a cookie sheet?
Julie says
It didn’t come out golden with crisp edges. There were a lot of pan juices so I’m not sure if it could have come out crisp due to all of the moisture. I lined the pan with foil instead of baking paper. Could that have caused the problem?
Dee says
I lined a sheet pan with parchment and applied seasoning to dried chicken breasts. When I took them out of the oven there was a lot of juice. I think next time I will run them under the broiler. Overall juicy and easy!
Curt says
Super delicious. My whole family loved it.
Rich says
Very good. I used cajun seasoning instead of cayenne and agave instead of brown sugar. Awsome tasting!
Dakotah says
Super yummy! The chicken was tangy and sweet with a little kick from the smoked paprika I used. Will definitely cook again!
Ana says
I love this recipe! (I made it exactly according to recipe, minus the broiler). I am not big on meat and have had a hard time finding a tasty (and easy!) recipe to make chicken breast in the oven. I love that this recipe masks the “chicken” favour-it is very tender and most importantly, my 5 and 8 year old LOVE it!
Thank you!!
Oshini says
Made this today! Came out very well 😍😍😍 everyone loved the chicken and asking me to make tomorrow as well. Thank you so much for the recipe ❤️
Priscilla Torres says
Absolutely delicious!!❤
Devorah says
Delicious! I sliced onions and put them in the bottom of the pan and placed the chicken breasts on top. I used smoked paprika instead of regular paprika and it was wonderful. Enjoy this recipe!
Mikey says
EXECELENT EASY
Heather says
Absolutely delicious! I followed this recipe exactly…something I rarely do. I was not disappointed. It was PERFECT!! Thank you for such a delicious recipe!
Kathy Baker says
Great recipe! Really tender and juices sealed in. I will definitely make. It again.
Tami Vesek says
My family raved about this – it is delicious!
Cat says
This recipe is dead-on for prep and cooking time, and it is by far one of the BEST recipes I’ve tried for baked chicken breasts. And everyone should be doing the “optional” ingredients. So yummy! Thank you!!!
Christina says
Chicken turned out really good and tasty. I used the “optional” ingredients which was a good choice
Tracey W says
Best juicy chicken I’ve cooked. Thank you for this recipe. The family loved it. I will be cooking this again. Love love love the flavor…….. ?
Steve Rhin says
Killer recipe. The broil at the end really put a nice finishing touch to it. Fiya!
Lorraine Garcia says
I am diabetic so I was thinking about putting like 3 tablespoons of flour in the mix to cut down the sugar would that be ok?
Destiny says
Super juicy and easy to make I only twelve but hey
Margie says
What kind of pan do I cook it in? A cookie sheet?
Kelly says
WOW. It was fantastic and everyone loved it! Chicken has always been iffy for me, so I’m happy how well it cooked and how juicy it was!
Kate says
Do I cover the chicken while I bake it? Or leave it uncovered?
Tracey W says
I left mine uncovered.
Sophia says
Can I replace honey with brown sugar?
qqtpie says
The pan matters! I didn’t have parchment paper. Half the chicken went in a glass pan and the other half in a dark metal pan. The glass pan was full of liquid and the chicken was dry. The chicken cooked in the dark metal pan had no juice in the pan, and the chicken was moist. Lesson learned.
Mary Mcpherson says
This was a favorite even for my picky eaters! I was so surprised how much they ate. This will be a weekly recipe in my house.
Fiona says
This was delicious! My family (incl. 2 young children) all loved it. Thank You!!!!!
Teresa says
Really juicy indeed! Tastes great too! I will definitely make this again. Thanks for the recipe!
Karen Marie Kunkel says
Absolutely the best baked chicken recipe ever. It was soooo moist, tender and tasty. This is going to be my go to recipe for chicken from now on.
Roslyn says
This recipe is just what I was looking for. My family will not chicken breast because it always turns out very dry. The chicken breast were juicy and tender… and the taste was absolutely delicious.
Rachel G says
Hi! I have a question regarding the seasoning. I made three large chicken breasts and had to make the combined seasoning for each chicken breast, is this correct and does it still make it low cal? Or is the seasoning amount listed in the recipe used for all three chicken breasts?
It was delicious !!!
Thank you!!
Martha says
This was fantastic! My kids even liked it more than my husband’s famous grilled chicken! Perfect, easy family meal, and the only way I will bake chicken moving forward. Thanks!
Carrie says
OMGoodness! Delicious!! Thank you for sharing this recipe. This will definitely be a go to for me from now on!
LeeAnn says
This. Is. Amazing. Sliced it for chicken and cabbage slaw sandwiches and it was perfection. Thank you!
Deb says
I don’t really like cooking but this recipe makes me want to cook more! This recipe is awesome!! Thank you so much! I plan to pull more recipes from you & try them. I love quick, low carb/low sugar & easy recipes. I agree with the post of why is there not a cookbook yet?
Rena says
Can I substitute thighs instead? If so, will the oven temp and time to cook be the same?
Vitya Vijayan says
Chicken was indeed moist and rather enjoyable to eat.
Thanks you for this awesome recipe!
Diane McLavish says
Made this a couple weeks ago and the family loved it, even my son who is in Culinary School said awesome chicken. They are asking when I will make it again, so it is on the menu for dinners this week. Best Chicken Breast Recipe out there in my opinion.
Don says
Getting ready to try this recipe now. I hope it turns out ok !
Margot says
This recipe is delicious!! I highly recommend trying it— I did not add the cayenne pepper.
lauren says
I had to bake the chicken 3 times longer than the recipe calls. It was yummy though!
christie says
the recipe said to pound the chicken to 1/8″ (super thin). Did you do that and STILL have to cook it 3x as long?
Christa says
I am making it as we speak and I’ve already surpassed the cook time by 10 min and still not ready. And I did beat the chicken first.
Anne says
To clarify, .o8 or 2cm is a little over 3/4″ thick
Jeffrey L Henderson says
.8 inches a little over 3/4 inches. Not 1/8 inch.
Jenn MacPhee says
So so good!!! First recipie I made with your site and loved it!!!! Thankyou?
Kate says
This came out amazing!! This is the only way to go for chicken breast from here on out, seriously. I never comment on recipe blogs but this one is a legit winner winner chicken dinner.
Melissa says
I work in a residential facility and everyone here loved it! Definitely staying on rotation
Pam says
I agree with all of the above, these were fantastic and more! Thank you very much.
Amy says
Excellent recipe. Moist and tasty.
Even my 14 year old daughter enjoyed
Jade says
I can agree that this is the BEST chicken breast recipe I have ever used. I LOVE this I will for sure use again. Thank you so much for the recipe.
Rena says
Oh my goodness. I’ve always had trouble making chicken breasts cause they’d come out dry, so I primarily stick to thighs. Well…after tonight, breasts are back on the menu. This recipe is delicious. Made it tonight and my husband already gave the thumbs up. Will make this again.
Kellie says
This was amazing and so easy! My husband raved about it and even had seconds. Thanks for the recipe! Definitely a keeper!
Helen Milchling says
My first one of your recipes.
Yummy and moist!!
I used oregano but I think I will skip it next time. I made the sauce.This is a keeper!! Thank you!
Valerie Salter says
I made this tonight and it was amazing. I broiled them for a few minutes at the end of cooking and made the garlic butter topping mixed with the pan drippings. This recipe is quick, easy and definitely a keeper!!
Vicki Schmitt says
I was looking for a baked chicken recipe that didn’t rely on a high calorie coating to keep the chicken moist. Even though I wasn’t sure how this recipe would keep the chicken moist, I decided to try it and am so glad I did! It was surprisingly moist, had a good flavor and the short cook time was a plus.
Dennie says
I made this last night, wow…so tasty and very easy.
Sandra Ruble says
Oh my! This was everything you wrote and more. It was quick. It was moist. It was full of flavor. I’ve made other recipes of yours too and they are so delicious. Excuse me I have to go make those fabulous looking chocolate cookies covered in confectioners sugar…
Shona says
For some reason my stars disappeared so I’m commenting again to make sure they stay. If I could give this 100 stars I would!
Karina says
Wow that was quick! Thank you for your feedback, I’m so happy you liked the recipe!
Shona says
Made this for our Sunday lunch as soon as I got your email and I couldn’t believe how they turned out! These really are the best baked chicken breasts. So good my family is asking i cook them again tomorrow! Thank you for making me look good in the kitchen lol
PLEASE COME OUT WITH A BOOK ALREADY! Publishers should be banging down your door!