Over the years I’ve thoroughly enjoyed, and become somewhat obsessed, with making juicy, tender, and perfectly Baked Chicken Breasts. They’re just so simple to make and they pair nicely with almost any side dish for a quick & easy dinner meal. They’re also great for meal prep during the week! And if you follow these tips and tricks that I share in this recipe, you’ll be making perfectly cooked baked chicken breasts in no time!
I made this last night for dinner. By far the best chicken breast I ever made. It was very tasty and juicy. Lets just say I have found my perfect chicken recipe. My family absolutely loved it!
Lorenzo
Ingredients You’ll Need
It doesn’t take much to make this tender, juicy, and super flavorful oven baked chicken breast recipe. Here’s what you need:
- Chicken Breasts: I am using three boneless, skinless, chicken breasts. Feel free to scale this recipe up or down depending on how many servings you want to make.
- Olive oil: Olive oil helps keep the chicken moist and helps the seasoning adhere to the chicken breasts.
- Seasoning: This is where you can have fun and mix things up. I’ve tested several different combinations and my go-to is a mix of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and black pepper. It gives the chicken amazing flavor! If you have a favorite store-bought seasoning mix you can use that too. What’s most important are the cooking techniques and recipe tips I’ll share down below.
Baked Chicken Breast Video Tutorial
Watch as I show you how to make perfectly baked chicken breasts. You can use this recipe to make juicy, flavorful chicken breasts for lunch, dinner, or meal prep!
How To Cook Baked Chicken Breasts
Step One: In a small bowl combine all of the spices and seasoning for the chicken and mix them together. Then stir in the olive oil and mix until it's well combined. You should end up with a thick paste.
Step Two: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Cover them with plastic wrap. Carefully pound the chicken breasts on the thicker end with a rolling pin or by using the flat side of a meat tenderizer to even out the thickness.
Step Three: Next spread the seasoning mixture on both sides of the chicken breasts until each one is evenly coated.
Step Four: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish or on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven according to the times below or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How Long Does It Take To Bake Chicken Breasts?
The time it takes to bake chicken breasts will vary slightly based on the size and thickness of your chicken. Chicken breasts that have been pounded to an even thickness should only take between 18-20 minutes at 425°F. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer at approximately 18 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F with a digital thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken breast. Digital meat thermometers are inexpensive and simple to use, so I highly recommend investing in one.
Recipe Tips For Success!
I’ve been making baked chicken breasts for years and these tips are the key to perfectly cooked chicken every single time:
- Don’t skip pounding the chicken breasts to even out the thickness. Chicken breasts are naturally very thick and pounding the chicken to flatten it a bit helps the chicken cook evenly all the way through. Be sure to focus most of your attention on the thicker end of the chicken breast. I like to pound chicken breasts with the flat side of a meat tenderizer or with a rolling pin until the entire breast is about ½ inch thick
- Mix the oil and seasoning together. I used to brush cooking oil over chicken breasts first, then add the seasoning on both sides. After lots of testing I now prefer making a “seasoning paste” instead of just using dry seasoning. With a seasoning paste the oil really soaks into both the seasoning and the chicken and creates amazing flavor! Just make sure you mix all of the spices together first before mixing the oil in.
- Don’t overcook the chicken breasts. Remove the chicken promptly from the oven when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Then promptly transfer them to a clean cutting board or plate, to stop the cooking, and continue to let them rest for 5 more minutes.
- Resting is important! Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes allows the chicken to retain most of its juices and results in tender, juicy chicken breast meat. Don’t skip this step!
- Try out different seasoning blends. Depending on what you are eating with these chicken breasts, you can always switch up the seasonings. Try out a taco seasoning, then shred the chicken for easy chicken tacos. Or use a chili seasoning to make a quick batch of hearty chicken chili. And of course there are several popular store-bought seasoning blends at your local grocery store. So don’t be afraid to find your favorite combo 😉
Storing Leftovers
Baked chicken breasts are absolutely perfect for meal prep! You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
These chicken breasts can be served with lots of different side dishes. Here are a few of my favorites:
Baked Chicken Breast
Video
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 1.75-2lb.)
- 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board, cover them with plastic wrap, then use a rolling pin or the flat side of a meat tenderizer to gently pound the thicker side of the chicken breast until the entire breast is an even thickness from one end to the other (about ½ inch thick).
- In a small bowl mix the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper together until well combined. Now add the olive oil to the seasoning and mix well. You should have a thick paste.
- Spread and rub the seasoning paste on both sides of the chicken breasts until they are evenly coated.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a 9x13-inch baking dish or on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. My chicken breasts were done right at 18 minutes.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the oven, take them out of the baking dish or off of the sheet pan, and rest them on a plate or a clean cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to settle and redistribute throughout the breast, keeping them tender and juicy! Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published in November 2020. It has been completely updated and refreshed with new photos and information.
Cindy Kunkel says
So easy and quick. And my family loved it.
Marsha McDougal says
Awesome! Thank you Cindy!
linda says
This recipe was very easy, quick and delicious! It was moist, tender and very flavorful! I will definitely make it again, especially when I am pressed for time and want something good and healthy to eat.
Marsha McDougal says
Thank you Linda!😊
Sandi says
It was really good...flavorful and very moist. Thanks for sharing this!
Marsha McDougal says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Duffy D says
I add Cajun seasonings and more EVOO for an overnigt marinade.
Then it becomes a cajun caesar salad. Yum!
Ms. Lisa R. Molofsky says
Easy recipe to follow. The chicken is delicious and I appreciate the seasonings were items already in my pantry. My only caution is to take the time and pound the chicken breasts to 1/2 inch as Marsha recommends. It will then cook perfectly!
Christy says
So Simple, So tasty, Just perfect! Follow the easy recipe and if you don't have a thermometer, i find that 18 mins and 5 min rest is the sweet spot for juicy and perfectly cooked!
Marsha McDougal says
Thank you Christy!
Becky says
This recipe is wonderful! I pulled out frozen chicken breasts that had made their way to the bottom of the freezer and were dated 2023 (it's the 2nd day of 2026) and they were still quite delicious. I've printed the recipe and am filing it in my binder. Thank you for a recipe I can use in the winter when grilling isn't an option.
ML Miller says
Absolutely the best baked chicken breasts I've ever made! I did reduce the salt and will reduce it even more next time, we loved the seasoning mix! Thanks for sharing!
JoAnn Connelly says
This chicken dish is so moist, it is my go to recipe.
Lisolette Owens says
So moist and herby. New "Go-To"...I sliced it and laid it over a salad.
Heather says
Left mine a bit thicker so it took a little longer, but I love this easy and delicious recipe!
Marsha McDougal says
Thank you Heather!!
Stephanie says
This is such a simple recipe - the chicken was perfection! Everyone in our house thought it was the best baked chicken recipe (and we've tried a lot) that we've tried!
Marsha McDougal says
I'm so glad to hear that Stephanie! Thanks for sharing your feedback with me😊
Barbara says
Wow! I made it tonight for this first time. So flavorful and juicy! Thank you!
Marsha McDougal says
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!😊
Mary Mulligan says
I just made this recipe and it is by far the best chicken breasts I have ever had, let alone made. so tender and so juicy. I have been trying for many years to cook boneless skinless breasts that weren't dry or tasteless and had little success. This will be my go to chicken recipe forever!! Thank you for sharing this with us.
Marsha McDougal says
Wow! Thank you so much Mary for your feedback. I'm so glad you enjoyed them! 😊
Donna` says
Absolutely delicious!!!
Marsha McDougal says
Thank you!!
Ray Story says
Superb, family really enjoyed the chicken, meal included boiled new potatoes and carrots. thanks Ray
Marsha McDougal says
So glad to hear that. Thank you!😊
Sam says
so good and foolproof, i've made it multiple times
Marsha McDougal says
That's awesome! Thank you so much!!
Barbara Foster says
Absolutely delicious!!! Quick and easy meal.
Kate says
Thank you, very easy and tasty!
Marsha McDougal says
So glad you enjoyed it!😊
Yolanda says
This is a wonderful recipe. My husband and I use it once a week. Instead of pounding the chicken, I use a fork to poke it several times on both sides. We follow the recipe or create different flavor combinations. The cooking time is perfect, chicken comes out tender and moist every single time. Thank you so much for this great recipe.
Marsha McDougal says
You are so welcome! Thank you for sharing😊
Sue says
Best chicken breasts I ever made! Mine came out just like the video, so juicy and delicious. I am planning a Cuban-style meal this Saturday and want to keep the same cooking process, but I will change up the seasoning. Thankyou!
Marsha McDougal says
Thank you Sue! I'm so glad you enjoyed them!
Joe Angelo says
Absolutely a GREAT way to make chicken, thanks
Carol Bass says
Poundig the meat while covered with a sheet of plastic is a GREAT WAY to add plastic to your chicken. Please note, nano plastics particulate is becoming a known health threat.
TJ says
I have always been afraid of that wish I knew a better way.
Marsha McDougal says
Same here! Sometimes I use parchment paper but it tears easily when pounding. You can also put the chicken breasts in a gallon size ziplock bag which is a little thicker than plastic wrap. Not covering the chicken at all when pounding it seems to get chicken juices all over your clothes, countertop, and any nearby food or vegetables.
Margaret says
I made this for dinner tonight and it’s the best chicken I’ve ever made! So juicy and flavorful!
Marsha McDougal says
Thank you Margaret! I'm so happy to hear that.😊
Jesse Oliver says
I will try this today.
Lois Kuhl says
Thank you for a tasty, healthy and easy new chicken recipe. I'm at a time of my life that I am so done with cooking altogether, but this was easy and we enjoyed it!
Marsha McDougal says
I'm so glad to hear this. Thank you for sharing!😊
Lorenzo A says
I made this last night for dinner. By far the best chicken breast I ever made. It was very tasty and juicy. Lets just say I have found my perfect chicken recipe
My family absolutely loved it
Marsha McDougal says
Wow! That is a huge compliment. Thank you so much for your feedback. I'm so glad your family loved the recipe!😊
Joan says
Easy recipe, most flavorful chicken I've ever made!
Marsha McDougal says
Thank you Joan! I'm really glad you enjoyed it.😊
A. B. says
The spices were great tasting on the chicken - thank youT
Sheila Oakes says
I think your seasoning should say you have to make at least two batches because one batch isn't enough for three chicken breast
Lisa says
I made this last night. It turned out perfect! My chicken looked just like your picture. It was easy and very tasty. Thank you for sharing.
Marsha McDougal says
Thank you Lisa. I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Rhonda says
Made this tonight, followed the recipe to a "T". It turned out delicious. Thank you.
Marsha McDougal says
Hi Rhonda! You're so very welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed it!😊
BA Bonetti says
Very juicy and flavorful. I'm sure the leftovers will be even better since they will have marinated in the seasonings and juices.
Virginia says
Thanks! Needed something in a pinch and this looked wonderful.
Nancy says
This was great and so easy! The seasoning was perfect!
Marsha McDougal says
Thank you so much!!
Connie says
This is one of the best baked chicken cutlet recipes that I’ve made and I’ve been cooking for over 50 years. The cutlets were moist and tender. The directions spot on.
Marsha McDougal says
Wow! Thank you so much Connie!! 🙂
Lorraine says
Made it for dinner tonight! Husband and I loved it
Laurie Jones says
Excellent! Finally I made chicken breasts that was juicy & tasty. The directions were great & the video helpful!!!!! Thank you & will be making again.
Tracy says
This is the most delicious chicken recipe! Tender, juicy and tasty! Thanks for sharing.
Kathy Pittman says
I made this for my family as something new to try with Chicken breasts. I followed the recipe exactly and everyone loved it! I am looking forward to making it again. What a treat! It was tasty and juicy. I really appreciate all the tips for cooking the chicken just right!
Marsha McDougal says
Thank you so much Kathy! I'm so glad your family enjoyed the recipe! 🙂
Kelly says
This is an easy and delicious recipe! I love the spice blend, and the measurements were perfect for almost 2 pounds of chicken.
Marsha McDougal says
Thank you Kelly! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!😊
TAS says
This was delicious. I would definitely reduce the salt to about 1/2 a teaspoon, it's way too salty. The seasoning is very good though and the chicken was super tender.
Ellen Pfeifer says
This recipe was very tasty and easy! One modification I made was to reduce the salt. One and a half teaspoons seemed way too much so I only used 1 teaspoon. And I might reduce it to 3/4 teaspoon next time. (Gotta watch my sodium intake!)
Jill Martin says
Excellent recipe!! I made it tonight for Bible Study and everyone loved it and asked for the recipe!! The chicken was SO tender!! Thanks!
Susan Grove says
Very tasty and easy! Just what I was looking for! Will slice and dice leftovers to add on top of a salad or use in my "grilled chicken wraps"! Very versatile!
Catherine says
Made this for my chicken breasts and it was so delicious. I've now decided to use the seasoning on my drumsticks. I know it will be great!!! Thank you so much for this.
Mayela Isufi says
Came out Delicious! Thank you ❤️
Joann says
Tried the recipe it was delicious
Will make it again
Jackie Hull says
Just tried your recipe and it turned out great! Love the seasoning mix, will make again! Thank you for sharing!!
Jackie 🙂
Marsha says
Hi Jackie, great! I'm so glad you loved it!
Christina says
Great easy recipe for flavorful chicken breasts!
Marsha says
Thank you!! 🙂