🎉 Introduction
Few dishes are as versatile, healthy, and universally loved as a perfectly oven-roasted chicken breast. Whether you’re meal prepping, building a protein-packed salad, or planning a weeknight dinner, this easy recipe delivers juicy, tender, and flavorful results every single time.
Say goodbye to dry, bland chicken! With the right seasoning, cooking method, and timing, you’ll have golden-brown roasted chicken breasts that are bursting with flavor. The best part? This recipe is simple, fast, and customizable — perfect for beginners and busy home cooks alike.
Want to learn more about how to keep chicken breast juicy in the oven? Check out this expert guide by The Kitchn on cooking juicy chicken every time.
🧰 Equipment Needed
To make this recipe seamless and stress-free, here’s what you’ll need:
- Baking sheet or oven-safe skillet
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)
- Paper towels
- Meat thermometer (recommended for perfect doneness)
- Mixing bowl or small dish for seasonings
- Pastry brush (optional for applying oil or butter)
🛒 Ingredients
🍗 Meat
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 lbs total)
🧄 Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
🧈 Fat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or melted butter for richer flavor)
🌿 Optional additions: Add a sprinkle of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for an herby twist.
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This higher temperature ensures a quick sear and juicy center.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and encourages browning.
- Place them on a cutting board or in a shallow dish.
Step 3: Season
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and kosher salt.
- Rub the seasoning blend evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter, then use your hands or a brush to coat evenly.
Step 4: Arrange on Pan
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a lightly greased baking sheet or line with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Leave some space between each breast for even cooking.
Step 5: Roast
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
🔥 Tip: If your chicken breasts are very thick, consider pounding them to even thickness for more consistent roasting.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Remove from oven and cover loosely with foil.
- Let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice and serve as desired!
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
- Rest Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
Perfect for weeknight dinners, salads, wraps, pasta bowls, or as a protein-rich snack!
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
- Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
- Freeze cooled chicken breasts whole or sliced for up to 3 months.
- Wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags for best preservation.
Reheating
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water.
- Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, covered, to avoid drying out.
- For best texture, avoid overheating.
🥄 Variations
This base recipe is incredibly flexible. Try these flavorful upgrades:
- 🧄 Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken: Add thyme, rosemary, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- 🌶️ Spicy Cajun Chicken: Swap in Cajun seasoning or chili powder for a kick.
- 🍯 Honey Mustard Glaze: Brush with a mix of honey, mustard, and olive oil before roasting.
- 🍋 Lemon Pepper Chicken: Use lemon zest and cracked pepper for a citrusy twist.
- 🧀 Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Press grated parmesan into the tops before baking.
- 🥗 Salad Topper: Slice and toss into Caesar salads, quinoa bowls, or wrap sandwiches.
Need more weeknight meal ideas? Browse these quick and easy chicken recipes from Delish.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. How do I keep chicken breast from drying out in the oven?
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and allow the chicken to rest after baking.
2. Can I marinate the chicken first?
Absolutely! A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic works beautifully. Marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
3. What if my chicken breasts are uneven in thickness?
Pound them gently with a mallet or rolling pin between parchment paper for even cooking.
4. Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?
Yes, but increase baking time to 30–35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Should I cover the chicken in the oven?
No. Roasting uncovered gives you a nice golden-brown top. Tent with foil only while resting.
6. Can I cook this on a sheet pan with veggies?
Yes! Add chopped carrots, potatoes, or green beans tossed in olive oil. Roast all together.
7. What oil is best?
Olive oil adds flavor, but avocado oil or melted butter also work great.
8. How do I get a crispy exterior?
Crank the oven to 450°F for the last 2–3 minutes or briefly broil the top for a golden crust.
9. Is this recipe keto or low-carb?
Yes! It’s naturally low in carbs and high in protein — keto-friendly and gluten-free.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Of course — just use a larger baking pan and avoid overcrowding for even roasting.
🏁 Conclusion
This Easy Oven Roasted Chicken Breast recipe is your ticket to perfectly juicy, flavorful chicken every time. With minimal ingredients and maximum impact, it’s ideal for everything from fast weeknight dinners to meal-prep staples.
Master this basic technique and you’ll unlock a world of delicious, healthy meals. Add your favorite herbs, spices, or sauces to match any cuisine — Italian, Mediterranean, Asian, or classic comfort food.
Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this foolproof method will become one of your weekly go-to recipes.
Easy Oven Roasted Chicken Breast – Juicy, Flavorful & Perfect Every Time
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This higher temperature ensures a quick sear and juicy center.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and encourages browning.
- Place them on a cutting board or in a shallow dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and kosher salt.
- Rub the seasoning blend evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter, then use your hands or a brush to coat evenly.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a lightly greased baking sheet or line with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Leave some space between each breast for even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
- Remove from oven and cover loosely with foil.
- Let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice and serve as desired!
Notes
Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezer
Freeze cooled chicken breasts whole or sliced for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags for best preservation. Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, covered, to avoid drying out. For best texture, avoid overheating. 🥄 Variations This base recipe is incredibly flexible. Try these flavorful upgrades: 🧄 Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken: Add thyme, rosemary, and a squeeze of lemon juice. 🌶️ Spicy Cajun Chicken: Swap in Cajun seasoning or chili powder for a kick. 🍯 Honey Mustard Glaze: Brush with a mix of honey, mustard, and olive oil before roasting. 🍋 Lemon Pepper Chicken: Use lemon zest and cracked pepper for a citrusy twist. 🧀 Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Press grated parmesan into the tops before baking. 🥗 Salad Topper: Slice and toss into Caesar salads, quinoa bowls, or wrap sandwiches. Need more weeknight meal ideas? Browse these quick and easy chicken recipes from Delish. ❓ 10 FAQs 1. How do I keep chicken breast from drying out in the oven?
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and allow the chicken to rest after baking. 2. Can I marinate the chicken first?
Absolutely! A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic works beautifully. Marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. 3. What if my chicken breasts are uneven in thickness?
Pound them gently with a mallet or rolling pin between parchment paper for even cooking. 4. Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?
Yes, but increase baking time to 30–35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. 5. Should I cover the chicken in the oven?
No. Roasting uncovered gives you a nice golden-brown top. Tent with foil only while resting. 6. Can I cook this on a sheet pan with veggies?
Yes! Add chopped carrots, potatoes, or green beans tossed in olive oil. Roast all together. 7. What oil is best?
Olive oil adds flavor, but avocado oil or melted butter also work great. 8. How do I get a crispy exterior?
Crank the oven to 450°F for the last 2–3 minutes or briefly broil the top for a golden crust. 9. Is this recipe keto or low-carb?
Yes! It’s naturally low in carbs and high in protein — keto-friendly and gluten-free. 10. Can I double the recipe?
Of course — just use a larger baking pan and avoid overcrowding for even roasting. 🏁 Conclusion This Easy Oven Roasted Chicken Breast recipe is your ticket to perfectly juicy, flavorful chicken every time. With minimal ingredients and maximum impact, it’s ideal for everything from fast weeknight dinners to meal-prep staples. Master this basic technique and you’ll unlock a world of delicious, healthy meals. Add your favorite herbs, spices, or sauces to match any cuisine — Italian, Mediterranean, Asian, or classic comfort food. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this foolproof method will become one of your weekly go-to recipes.
