Name: My Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 large boneless (skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total) – choose fresh over frozen for the juiciest result.); 4 cups water + 1 tablespoon kosher salt – for brining (which locks in moisture.); 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter – adds richness and helps the spices stick.; 1 teaspoon kosher salt – for seasoning after brining.; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper – gives a subtle bite to balance flavors.; 1 teaspoon garlic powder – adds depth and aroma.; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – brings a warm (smoky note to the chicken.)

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My Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe: Tender & Flavorful Dish

I’ve tried baking chicken breast so many times, and honestly, it used to be a hit-or-miss for me. Sometimes it turned out dry, and other times the flavor just wasn’t there.

Then I stumbled on this method, and wow—it changed everything. Now, every bite is juicy, tender, and full of flavor.

I love how simple it is to make, and I can use it in so many dishes, from salads to tacos. Trust me, once you try this oven-baked chicken breast, you’ll be hooked.

Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total) – choose fresh over frozen for the juiciest result.
4 cups water + 1 tablespoon kosher salt – for brining, which locks in moisture.
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter – adds richness and helps the spices stick.
1 teaspoon kosher salt – for seasoning after brining.
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper – gives a subtle bite to balance flavors.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – adds depth and aroma.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika – brings a warm, smoky note to the chicken.

Note: This recipe makes several servings—perfect for family meals or meal prep.

Variations

You can easily customize this recipe to match your taste or dietary needs.

Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of butter.
Herby Twist: Add rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the seasoning mix.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in cayenne or red pepper flakes.
Low-Sodium: Skip the brine and season lightly.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Equipment You Need

Mixing Bowl – for brining and seasoning.
Baking Dish – ensures even cooking in the oven.
Instant-Read Thermometer – guarantees the chicken reaches 165°F safely.
Brush – to evenly coat chicken with butter or oil.
Foil – for tenting the chicken to keep it juicy while resting.

How to Make Oven-Baked Chicken Breast?

This is one of the easiest chicken recipes you’ll ever make, but it delivers amazing results every time. With a little brining, seasoning, and oven magic, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken in under 40 minutes.

Brine the Chicken

Start by mixing water and salt in a large bowl, then submerge the chicken breasts. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to absorb moisture. If you have more time, refrigerate and brine for up to 6 hours for extra juiciness.

Brush with Butter or Oil

After brining, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Coat each piece generously with olive oil or melted butter. This step gives the chicken golden edges and helps the spices stick evenly.

Season the Chicken

Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Sprinkle generously over the chicken, rubbing the seasoning in with your fingers to cover every surface. You can swap this mix with your favorite spice blend if you want a different flavor.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 450°F. Arrange the chicken in a baking dish, making sure the pieces aren’t touching. Bake for 15–18 minutes, depending on thickness. Check with an instant-read thermometer—165°F is the magic number for perfect doneness.

Rest and Serve

Once baked, move the chicken to a cutting board and loosely cover with foil. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing so the juices stay locked inside.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here’s what I’ve learned from making this many times:

Pound chicken to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
Don’t skip the brine—it’s the key to juicy chicken.
Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep all the flavor inside.
If you like crispy edges, broil for the last 3 minutes.

How to Serve Oven-Baked Chicken Breast?

I love slicing this chicken over a fresh salad, pairing it with roasted veggies, or serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes. For extra freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon. If you’re entertaining, arrange slices on a platter with dipping sauces like honey mustard or garlic yogurt.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the nutritional breakdown for a 4-ounce serving:

Calories: 220
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fat: 9g

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can brine the chicken up to 6 hours in advance, then season and bake when ready.
Storage: Store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Slice or shred, then freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through to keep it moist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This recipe checks all the boxes for a go-to chicken dish:

Always Juicy and Tender: Brining and resting keep it moist every time.
Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable Flavors: Switch up the spices to match your mood.
Meal Prep Friendly: Store and reuse for salads, wraps, and more.
Healthy and Wholesome: Low-carb, high-protein, and made with simple ingredients.

Ash Tyrrell