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In my family, we can never have enough chicken breast recipes, so today I’m excited to share my oven-baked chicken breast recipe. It might sound like you just toss a chicken breast in the oven, but if you really do that without thought, you’ll most likely end up with a piece of dry, unappetizing meat like cardboard. The good news is, with a few tricks, you can get a tender, juicy, perfectly baked chicken breast, and it doesn’t require complicated techniques or fancy seasonings. If you haven’t tried it yet, let’s get baking!
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Equipment:
- INKBIRD Wireless Meat Thermometer
- Baking dish
To Bake Bone-in or Boneless Chicken Breasts?
This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts, because they’re what most of us grab for a quick weeknight dinner. Bone-in, skin-on breasts are different. The fat from the skin helps keep the meat flavorful and moist, but they take longer to bake, usually 35-45 minutes at 400°F. No matter which kind you choose, fresh breasts are always your best bet.
How Long to Bake Chicken Breasts?
Obviously, a small chicken breast will cook faster than a larger one, so up you can’t apply a one-size-fits-all baking time. That’s why I mentioned earlier that a wireless meat thermometer is needed. Before baking, insert the probe into the thickest part of the breast. Once it reads 165°F (74°C), the USDA-recommended chicken done temp, you’re good to go. For reference, baking an 8-ounce breast in a 400°F (204°C) oven will take about 20-25 minutes.
How to Bake Chicken Breasts in the Oven?
Here’s the secret you can get perfectly baked chicken breasts. So, let’s get started!
Step 1: Season the chicken breasts. Pat the breasts dry with paper towels. Brush them with olive oil, then generously season both sides with the mixture of brown sugar, dried oregano, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Marinate for 1 hour. This is essential for making juicy baked chicken breasts in the oven.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 3: Insert your thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, and set the temperature to 165°F.
Step 4: Bake chicken breasts. Arrange the breasts in your baking dish, then put them in the preheated oven. Once your thermometer alerts, remove them from the oven and transfer to a serve plate or cutting board immediately.
Step 5: Rest. Loosely tent a sheet of foil over the baked chicken breasts and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
MORE CHICKEN RECIPES:
How to Make Sauce for Baked Chicken Breasts?
A perfectly baked chicken breast is delicious with leftover juices on the dish, but a simple sauce can really elevate it to restaurant quality. Here are two easy sauces that I learned from a chef friend that can be prepared while baking or resting the breasts.
Quick Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley. Drizzle over the sliced chicken.
Honey Mustard Pan Sauce: After removing the chicken, place your baking dish on the stovetop over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth and use a spoon to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom. Stir in 2 tablespoons of whole-grain mustard and 1 tablespoon of honey. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
How to Use Baked Chicken Breasts?
Here are my favorite ways to enjoy baked chicken breasts:
- Pair with one of the sauces above, along with rice or mashed potatoes.
- Bake some asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprout in the oven with the breasts, and serve them together.
- Slice it over a fresh garden salad for a high-protein lunch.
- Shred it with two forks and mix with BBQ sauce for pulled chicken sandwiches.
- Dice it and toss it into a creamy pasta, a hearty soup, or a quick quesadilla.
- Slice it thin and place it on a wrap with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite dressing.
- Add shredded chicken into your favorite soup for something comforting and hearty.
How to Store Baked Chicken Breasts?
Let leftover chicken cool completely to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cooled breasts individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe zip-top bag to prevent freezer burn. They will keep for up to 3 months.
To reheat, preheat your oven to 325°F. Place the chicken in a baking dish and add a tablespoon or two of chicken broth, water, or even a splash of cream. Again, insert your thermometer in, then cover the dish tightly with foil. Heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If your chicken breast is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Del: