Juicy Baked Chicken Breast

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If you’ve ever struggled with dry chicken, this Juicy Baked Chicken Breast recipe is the solution. Using a simple dry brine, flavorful marinade, and a two-stage baking method, you’ll get tender, moist, and delicious chicken every time. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Incredibly juicy and tender every time
  • Simple ingredients you likely already have
  • Perfect for meal prep and weekly lunches
  • Family-friendly and versatile
  • Easy oven-baked method with reliable results
  • Pairs well with countless side dishes
  • Packed with flavor from a simple chicken breast marinade

Ingredients

Golden Juicy Baked Chicken Breast sliced on a serving platter with fresh lemon wedges. The chicken looks moist and tender with a flavorful paprika seasoning.
Moist and golden baked chicken breast served with classic sides.

Chicken

  • 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (220–250 g / 8–9 oz each)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (for dry brining)

Marinade

  • 60 ml (¼ cup) olive oil
  • 2 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp dried oregano or thyme
  • ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • ½ tsp kosher salt

To Serve

  • Coleslaw
  • Potato wedges
  • Tzatziki
  • Lemon wedges
  • Pita bread or flatbread

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) or 200°C (400°F) fan-forced. Allow at least 20 minutes for proper preheating.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels.
  3. Sprinkle the kosher salt evenly over all sides of the chicken.
  4. Place the chicken uncovered on a tray and refrigerate while the oven preheats.
  5. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, brown sugar, and salt.
  6. Rub the marinade evenly over the chicken breasts.
  7. Place the chicken in a metal baking dish.
  8. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 12–15 minutes.
  9. Remove the foil and spoon any juices over the chicken.
  10. Continue baking uncovered for another 12 minutes until lightly golden.
  11. The internal temperature should reach 75°C (167°F).
  12. For extra color, broil for 2–3 minutes.
  13. Remove from the oven and turn the chicken several times in the pan juices.
  14. Loosely cover with foil and allow the Juicy Baked Chicken Breast to rest for 10 minutes.
  15. Slice and serve with your favorite sides.
Freshly baked boneless skinless chicken breast served with tzatziki and flatbread. The chicken is perfectly cooked and beautifully seasoned.
Perfectly juicy baked chicken breast fresh from the oven.

Tips & Tricks

  • Do not skip the dry brine; it significantly improves moisture retention.
  • Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
  • Metal baking dishes retain heat better than glass dishes.
  • Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep juices inside.
  • Replace oregano with thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning.
  • Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for extra brightness.
  • For meal prep, slice after cooling and store in airtight containers.

Details

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Dry Brine Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 24–27 minutes
  • Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Dietary Notes: High Protein, Low Carb, Halal-Friendly
Close-up of sliced baked chicken breast coated in savory pan juices. This easy chicken breast recipe showcases moist, flavorful meat.
Tender oven baked chicken breast with a flavorful marinade.

Notes

  • Smaller chicken breasts may require less cooking time.
  • Larger chicken breasts may need an additional 2–5 minutes.
  • Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, salads, or wraps.
  • Leftovers are excellent in sandwiches, grain bowls, and salads.
  • For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika.

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

  • Calories: 390
  • Protein: 46g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 2g

FAQ

How do I keep baked chicken breast from drying out?

Dry brining, proper oven temperature, and resting after baking help keep chicken moist and juicy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. The chicken can be marinated and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking.

What temperature should baked chicken breast reach?

Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 75°C (167°F) for safe consumption.

Can I freeze cooked chicken breast?

Absolutely. Allow it to cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.

What side dishes pair best with baked chicken breast?

Coleslaw, roasted potatoes, rice, vegetables, tzatziki, and flatbreads all work beautifully.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes. Adjust cooking time based on thickness and ensure the internal temperature is fully cooked.

Storage

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers or bags.

Reheating

Reheat in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave gently until warmed through.

Tender oven baked chicken breast served alongside coleslaw and potato wedges. The chicken has a lightly golden exterior and juicy interior.
Easy chicken breast recipe for family dinners and meal prep.

Similar Recipes

Juicy Baked Chicken Breast

Learn how to make Juicy Baked Chicken Breast using a dry brine and simple marinade.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (220–250 g / 8–9 oz each)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt for dry brining

Marinade

  • 60 ml ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp dried oregano or thyme
  • ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • ½ tsp kosher salt

To Serve

  • Coleslaw
  • Potato wedges
  • Tzatziki
  • Lemon wedges
  • Pita bread or flatbread

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) or 200°C (400°F) fan-forced. Allow at least 20 minutes for proper preheating.
  • Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels.
  • Sprinkle the kosher salt evenly over all sides of the chicken.
  • Place the chicken uncovered on a tray and refrigerate while the oven preheats.
  • In a small bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, brown sugar, and salt.
  • Rub the marinade evenly over the chicken breasts.
  • Place the chicken in a metal baking dish.
  • Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 12–15 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and spoon any juices over the chicken.
  • Continue baking uncovered for another 12 minutes until lightly golden.
  • The internal temperature should reach 75°C (167°F).
  • For extra color, broil for 2–3 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and turn the chicken several times in the pan juices.
  • Loosely cover with foil and allow the Juicy Baked Chicken Breast to rest for 10 minutes.
  • Slice and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Smaller chicken breasts may require less cooking time.
  • Larger chicken breasts may need an additional 2–5 minutes.
  • Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, salads, or wraps.
  • Leftovers are excellent in sandwiches, grain bowls, and salads.
  • For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika.

 

Conclusion

This Juicy Baked Chicken Breast recipe proves that simple techniques can create outstanding results. The dry brine, flavorful marinade, and careful baking method work together to produce tender, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or serving guests, this recipe delivers consistently delicious results every time.

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