Perfect baked chicken breast- a no fail method for perfect juicy chicken breast each and every time! Rubbed with the most delicious seasoning and baked to perfection, this is a crowd pleaser recipe.
Sick of bland, dried out chicken? Look no further, because like my Perfect Baked Chicken Thighs, this perfect baked chicken breast recipe is a game changer!
Did you know that it's actually possible to get delicious, juicy baked chicken breast in the oven WITHOUT brining, using weird parchment paper tricks, or searing and finishing in the oven? I know, I was shocked too.
This recipe has yet to fail me. With the combination of the right temperature and cook time, that seasoning (โก!), and the all-important resting step, you seriously cannot go wrong here. The BEST PART- it's simple. You can have it ready for your family in under 30 minutes!
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Reasons you're going to โก this recipe
- It's ready in under 30 minutes
- Kid and picky eater approved
- All Purpose: this is great for chicken salad, tacos, wraps and salads.
- I provide instructions for small, medium, and large chicken breasts, so this method will work with whatever you have on hand!
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Recipe Video
Watch the video below for all the tips and ticks to getting perfect, juicy baked chicken breast! You can find more of my recipe videos on my YouTube channel.
Ingredient notes
- chicken breast- this post covers how to cook a boneless skinless chicken breast. Bone-in and skin-on will require longer. Here's a tutorial on cooking it!
- oil- the oil helps the rub stick to the chicken, and helps the outside brown up. I recommend extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
- spice rub- using paprika, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper and salt brings such a delicious blend of flavors
- brown sugar- the sugar turns liquid in the oven and gets golden and caramelized, making the outside of the chicken breast even more flavorful. However, if you are low carb, you can skip it (it still tastes great without it!)
Step by step directions
1. Prepare rub- in a small bowl, mix together the spices.
2. Weigh chicken- Cook time for this recipe depends on the size of your chicken, so it's best to weigh them (or estimate based on the image above).
Estimated cook time for chicken breasts at 450ยฐF
- 5 oz 12-15 min
- 7 oz 15-20 min
- 10 oz 20-25 min
3. Oil chicken- Begin by tossing or brushing chicken in a thin coating of extra virgin olive oil.
4. Apply rub- Sprinkle the chicken in rub, then use your hands to rub and press it in. This helps the rub to stick.
5. Bake- Bake chicken at 450ยฐF, using the chart above to determine how long to bake your chicken for. Flip the chicken halfway though to ensure it cooks evenly. Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165ยฐF.
๐ก TIP- In a side by side comparison of chicken breasts baked at 400ยฐF, 425ยฐF and 450ยฐF, the 450ยฐF chicken breast was noticeably juicier!
6. Cover + rest- when baked through, remove the chicken from the oven. Cover with a metal baking dish or aluminum foil, and allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes.
๐ก TIP- Resting the chicken helps the juices settle into the meat. If you cut into it too soon, all those juices will rush out, it will alter the tenderness of the meat and will not be as juicy!
7. Slice- When slicing chicken breast, it's essential to slice against the grain. If you cut with the grain, the chicken will be gnarly and chewy.
๐ก TIP- Here is a great tutorial on how to slice baked chicken breast against the grain (they are using raw chicken but the same principle applies to cooked chicken!)
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FAQ
The most important thing is to pull out your chicken breasts when they are at (or close to) an internal temperature of 165ยฐF. I highly suggest investing in a digital thermometer so you can eliminate guesswork.
It's also very important to rest your chicken for at least 5 minutes, and to slice it against the grain.
Yes, I recommend flipping the chicken breast halfway through so that the top and bottom cook evenly.
For this recipe, we use a 450ยฐF oven temperature, which is getting quite hot for glass, so I suggest using metal pans. I recommend a sturdy baking sheet over a dish, as this allows for good air circulation around the chicken breasts as they bake.
Yes, however there are a few modifications you'll need...check them out in this Perfect Grilled Chicken Breast recipe!
Some recipes require beating the chicken with a meat mallet or rolling pin until it is an even thickness. The main reason you can skip that step with this reason is because the meat is weighed and the cook time is adjusted accordingly, resulting in perfect, juicy chicken everytime!
Storage
- Fridge- Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer- Cool completely, then wrap in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Store in a larger meal prep container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat- heat up single servings in the microwave until steaming hot. Warm larger portions in a covered dish in a 350ยฐF oven for 15-20 minutes, until warmed through.
๐ก TIP- if you plan to use this recipe for meal prep, allow chicken to cool completely before slicing. This helps to seal in all the juices and keeps it moist for multiple days.
Serve it with
- 7 Easy Rice Recipes
- 7 Cauliflower Rice Recipes
- Staple Kale Salad
- Fluffy Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower
- Sautรฉed Green Beans with Garlic Butter
More chicken recipes
This recipe was originally posted 07/2018 ...same great recipe!
Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!
Perfect Baked Chicken Breast (juicy + flavorful)
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts see note 1
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Rub
- 4 teaspoons paprika
- 4 teaspoons brown sugar see note 2
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Heat oven to 450ยฐF.
- Toss or brush chicken with olive oil.
- Stir together the rub and sprinkle over chicken breasts. Turn chicken breasts until completely coated in rub.
- Place on sturdy baking sheet, leaving 1-2 inches between the chicken breasts.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Flip and return to the oven. Bake chicken for total time according to size of chicken breast:ย 5 oz (12-15 min)ย 7 oz (15-20 min)ย 10 oz (20-25 min) or until the internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF.
- Remove from oven and cover with a baking dish for 5-10 minutes.
- Remove baking dish and transfer to a cutting board. Cut against the grain and serve.
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Tips:
Video
Nutrition Information
© Sweet Peas & Saffron - Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Maureen Neumann says
I made this roasted chicken breast recipe, and I really like it. Easy to make. Tastes pretty good.
Jessamyn says
I am terrible at cooking boneless chicken breasts but THIS worked!! Thank you!!
Melanie says
I really appreciate your attention to detail. ๐ Great and simple. Thank you.
Anne says
Juicy and tasty. I use this recipe to bake the chicken then add to different dishes that I am cooking
Pamela says
This recipe is the best! I am old and you have finally come up with greatest chicken breast recipe ever. Im not on social media otherwise I would be singing your praises on there.
Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Hi Pamela, awww thank you so much for your kind words! We are so glad you enjoyed this recipe, and so appreciate you taking the time to come back to leave a rating and review ๐
Ann L Wisner says
I would use less paprika. It was moist on the inside but did not have much favor. I think it would be better to place it on a rack. The one side was moist on the bottom. I maybe should have used a thinner chicken breast.
Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Hi Ann, thanks for your feedback!
Nan Arian says
This does works out perfectly every time! It is my go-to chicken every time I meal prep for grain bowls. I do use a bit less paprika and more brown sugar so there is a bit less of a bite. Thanks for the great recipe and many others Denise! Make life much easier in the kitchen.
Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Hi Nan! Awe so glad to hear! I have to agree with you - Denise's method for perfect baked chicken really is a go-to fave! Thank you so much for taking the time to come back to leave a rating and review!
Grace says
Really easy to make and tasty!
Made it with chicken thighs though!
Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Hi Grace, we're so glad that you enjoyed it! By the way - we do have another recipe for perfect crispy baked chicken thighs as well. Thanks for taking the time to come back to leave a rating and review!