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    Ambitious Foodie » Recipes » Chicken Recipes

    The BEST Baked Chicken Breast (Juicy!)

    Modified: Jan 7, 2026 · Published: Oct 28, 2025 Written by: Imsen · This post may contain affiliate links · 92 Comments

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    Making my oven-baked chicken breast is incredibly easy and quick! For these incredibly delicious, fail-proof chicken breasts, all you need is a little olive oil, a unique spice blend, and some insider knowledge. It's easy, quick, and really delicious! It works well for meal preparation, as a salad topper, in chicken sandwiches, and as a main course.

    Overhead view of baked chicken breasts in a white baking dish.

    Baked Chicken Breast Ingredients

    This recipe for baked chicken breasts requires the following ingredients:

    • Chicken Breasts - You can buy frozen chicken breasts (which you must fully thaw before using) or fresh chicken breasts (which is what I prefer). To ensure equal cooking, always make sure to select chicken breasts of roughly the same size and pound them to a uniform thickness. The cooking time may need to be modified based on the size of the breasts.
    • Olive oil - The chicken is lightly oiled to help the seasonings adhere. Olive oil aids in browning and helps the seasonings adhere. You can use any oil with a mild flavor.
    • Seasoning - It's a straightforward mixture of salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for color. You can use smoked paprika, which is very easy to make and goes with almost anything, or sweet paprika. However, you are welcome to use any dry seasoning blend you like. Your preferred seasoning blends, such as Cajun seasoning, Greek seasoning, or a basic lemon pepper blend, can be used.

    Baked Chicken Breast Video Tutorial

    Watch as I demonstrate how to bake chicken breasts to perfection. For lunch, supper, or meal preparation. this recipe yields juicy, delicious chicken breasts.

    How To Cook Baked Chicken Breasts

    1. Place a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat it to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking pan with parchment paper or lightly oil it.
    2. In a large bowl, combine the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Then, add olive oil until well combined.
    Baked chicken breast seasoning in a small bowl.
    Baked chicken breast seasoning mixed with olive oil in a small bowl
    1. The chicken breast should be placed on your chopping board. Cut off extra fat. then lay a piece of plastic wrap or parchment over the chicken to avoid spatter, gently pound the thicker end of the chicken breasts with a rolling pin or the flat side of a meat tenderizer.
    2. The seasoning mixture should be uniformly brushed over the chicken on both sides, flipping once.
    3. The chicken breasts should be baked for 18 minutes after being placed in a baking dish, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F on a thermometer.
    pounding chicken breasts with a roller pin.
    chicken breasts in a baking dish.
    1. After cooking, take the pan out of the oven, move the chicken to a plate or chopping board, and let it rest for five minutes before slicing.
    2. Drizzle the pan juices over the chicken before serving, and sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top.
    Seasoning chicken breasts with a red brush in a baking dish.
    Seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish.

    How Long To Bake Chicken Breasts

    The size of your chicken breast and the oven's wattage will determine how long it takes to cook. There are minor heat variations in some ovens. Pulling the chicken breast when the thermometer registers a safe internal temperature of 165°F is the secret to cooking it without drying it out. Here is a general rule to abide by:

    • Cook 5 ounce small breasts for 18 minutes.
    • Cook 7 ounce medium breasts for 20 minutes.
    • Cook 9-ounce large breasts for 22 minutes.

    Do I Need to Brine Chicken Breast?

    Although brining is optional in this recipe, crushing the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness will naturally tenderize them and guarantee that they cook evenly for a luscious center. Additionally, the chicken gains a lot of flavor from the considerable amount of seasoning.

    Expert Tips

    Since I've been baking chicken breasts for years, these pointers have helped me consistently make properly cooked chicken:

    1. To balance out the thickness, make sure to pound the chicken breasts thoroughly. Since one end of chicken breasts is inherently thicker than the other, you can pound the thicker portion of the breast gently to get a more uniform thickness, which will result in more equal cooking.
    2. Combine the seasoning and oil. I used to season the chicken breasts on both sides after brushing them with cooking oil. After plenty of trial I now prefer preparing a "seasoning paste" instead of just using dry seasoning. With a seasoning paste the oil really soaks into both the spice and the chicken and creates excellent flavor! However, before adding the oil, make sure to combine all the spices.
    3. Keep the chicken breasts from being overcooked.The most crucial thing is to avoid overcooking the chicken. Cook until 165°F using a meat thermometer.
    4. It's crucial to rest! Before serving, let the chicken rest for five minutes. After cooking, let the meat rest so that the juices can return to the meat and keep it moist.
    5. Experiment with various spice mixes. You can use your preferred flavor blends with this chicken because it's so adaptable. For simple chicken tacos, use a taco seasoning first, then shred the chicken. Or prepare a quick batch of filling chicken chili using a chili seasoning. Naturally, your neighborhood grocery store carries a number of well-liked store-bought seasoning combinations. Therefore, don't be scared to discover your preferred combination.
    sideview of baked chicken breasts on a baking dish.

    Storing and Reheating

    • Freezing: Any leftovers should be kept in an airtight container. Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to three months or kept in the refrigerator for up to three days in a sealed container.
    • Reheating: Reheating chicken breasts over the next few days may cause them to become rather dry. Here's a quick tip: before reheating your chicken in the microwave, sprinkle it with a teaspoon or so of water and cover it with a microwave-safe lid. It will assist the chicken absorb some of the moisture by creating a small amount of steam, which will revitalize it!
    • Storing: Store the chicken for up to three months in airtight packaging or freezer-safe containers (we prefer our food saver bags to avoid freezer burn). Before reheating, let it thaw overnight in the fridge.

    Serving Suggestions

    You may serve these chicken breasts with a variety of side dishes. Some of my favorites are as follows:

    • Blackstone Potatoes
    • Air Fryer Cheesey Potato Wedges
    • Air Fryer Roasted Baby Potatoes
    • Oven Roasted Yukon Gold Potatoes
    • Crispy Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
    • Italian Grinder Chopped Salad
    Sideview of sliced baked chicken breasts on a serving plate.

    The BEST Baked Chicken Breast (Juicy!)

    Making my oven-baked chicken breast is incredibly easy and quick! For these incredibly delicious, fail-proof chicken breasts, all you need is a little olive oil, a unique spice blend, and some insider knowledge. It's easy, quick, and really delicious! It works well for meal preparation, as a salad topper, in chicken sandwiches, and as a main course.
    5 from 92 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Course: chicken, dinner, Main Course, quick and easy
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 18 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 23 minutes minutes
    Servings: 3 servings
    Calories: 264kcal
    Author: Imsen

    Equipment

    • Meat Tenderizer
    • Digital Meat Thermometer
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    INGREDIENTS

    • 3 boneless skinless chicken breast
    • 2 teaspoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 3 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • 3 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley for garnish

    INSTRUCTIONS

    • Place a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat it to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking pan with parchment paper or lightly oil it.
    • In a large bowl, combine the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Then, add olive oil until well combined.
    • The chicken breast should be placed on your chopping board. Cut off extra fat. then lay a piece of plastic wrap or parchment over the chicken to avoid spatter, gently pound the thicker end of the chicken breasts with a rolling pin or the flat side of a meat tenderizer.
    • The seasoning mixture should be uniformly brushed over the chicken on both sides, flipping once.
    • The chicken breasts should be baked for 18 minutes after being placed in a baking dish, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F on a thermometer.
    • After cooking, take the pan out of the oven, move the chicken to a plate or chopping board, and let it rest for five minutes before slicing.
    • Drizzle the pan juices over the chicken before serving, and sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top.

    Video

    NOTES

    • Freezing: Any leftovers should be kept in an airtight container. Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to three months or kept in the refrigerator for up to three days in a sealed container.
    • Reheating: Reheating chicken breasts over the next few days may cause them to become rather dry. Here's a quick tip: before reheating your chicken in the microwave, sprinkle it with a teaspoon or so of water and cover it with a microwave-safe lid. It will assist the chicken absorb some of the moisture by creating a small amount of steam, which will revitalize it!
    • Storing: Store the chicken for up to three months in airtight packaging or freezer-safe containers (we prefer our food saver bags to avoid freezer burn). Before reheating, let it thaw overnight in the fridge.

    NUTRITION

    Calories: 264kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 1296mg | Potassium: 473mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 387IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg
    Keyword Baked Chicken Breasts
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Follow @ambitiousfoodieblog on Instagram, take a shot, and tag it #ambitiousfoodieblog! I love to see what you are making!

    If you tried this Baked Chicken Breast or any other recipe on my website, please feel free to leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. And remember to tag me on Instagram!

    Overhead view of sliced baked chicken breasts on a serving plate.

    More Chicken Recipes

    • Air Fryer Chicken Breasts (Perfect Each Time!)
    • How to Boil Chicken Breasts
    • Oven Baked Chicken Legs ( Juicy! )
    • Creamy Chicken Stew (3 Ways!)

    Share or save this post for later!

    17 shares

    Welcome I'm Imene, author of the Ambitious Foodie.

    My name is Imene, and i am the author, recipe developer, and photographer behind Ambitious Foodie. Welcome to my virtual kitchen! If you're wondering what's for dinner, you've come to the right place.

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    Comments

      5 from 92 votes

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Ruby Carter says

      October 28, 2025 at 8:19 am

      5 stars
      Yum! I can almost taste it just by reading the recipe. Thank you!

      Reply
    2. Nadia Foster says

      October 28, 2025 at 9:27 am

      5 stars
      Wow, I didn't know baking chicken could be this easy! Thanks!

      Reply
    3. Tessa says

      October 28, 2025 at 3:30 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is so simple! I love how quick it is!

      Reply
    4. Alex says

      October 28, 2025 at 3:30 pm

      5 stars
      I can’t wait to try this! It sounds delicious and easy.

      Reply
    5. Mia says

      October 28, 2025 at 3:30 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you for sharing! I’m excited to make this for dinner!

      Reply
    6. Loretta says

      October 28, 2025 at 3:30 pm

      5 stars
      I love chicken! This recipe is perfect for me. So easy!

      Reply
    7. Sam says

      October 28, 2025 at 3:30 pm

      5 stars
      Wow, I never thought baking chicken could be this easy. Thank you!

      Reply
    8. Lucy says

      October 28, 2025 at 3:30 pm

      5 stars
      I really like the tips about seasoning! Can’t wait to try.

      Reply
    9. Nina says

      October 28, 2025 at 3:30 pm

      5 stars
      This looks amazing! I love that it’s healthy and quick.

      Reply
    10. Emmylou says

      October 28, 2025 at 3:30 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks for the clear instructions! I feel ready to cook now.

      Reply
    11. Bethany Cox says

      October 29, 2025 at 2:01 am

      5 stars
      This looks so good! I will definitely try it this week.

      Reply
    12. Lucy Ann Harper says

      October 30, 2025 at 7:56 am

      5 stars
      This chicken looks so juicy! I will make it for dinner tonight!

      Reply
    13. Rebecca Cohen says

      November 01, 2025 at 10:37 am

      5 stars
      I tried this chicken recipe, and it was delicious! My family loved it!

      Reply
    14. Sienna Holloway says

      November 02, 2025 at 6:06 am

      5 stars
      Thanks for sharing such an easy recipe! I'm new to cooking and this helps a lot!

      Reply
    15. Brooke Ellington says

      November 02, 2025 at 8:03 pm

      5 stars
      'm going to use your recipe for meal prep. Sounds amazing!

      Reply
    16. Anonymous says

      November 02, 2025 at 8:14 pm

      5 stars
      've been looking for an easy chicken recipe, and this is perfect!

      Reply
    17. Sarah Lee says

      November 03, 2025 at 2:20 am

      5 stars
      Thanks for sharing such a simple recipe! I'm excited to cook!

      Reply
    18. Emily Clark says

      November 03, 2025 at 9:41 am

      5 stars
      This recipe looks super easy! I can't wait to try it!

      Reply
    19. Anonymous says

      November 04, 2025 at 2:41 am

      5 stars
      This is exactly what I needed. Simple and delicious!

      Reply
    20. Liam Roberts says

      November 04, 2025 at 3:52 am

      5 stars
      I can’t believe how quick this is! Perfect for busy nights.

      Reply
    21. Phoebe Lancaster says

      November 04, 2025 at 6:57 pm

      5 stars
      I really appreciate the tips! I’ve always struggled with cooking chicken.

      Reply
    22. McKenna Price says

      November 05, 2025 at 10:01 pm

      5 stars
      Wow, the tips about seasoning are super helpful! I will use them next time!

      Reply
    23. Rachel Foster says

      November 06, 2025 at 2:11 am

      5 stars
      This looks so delicious! I'm excited to make it for dinner!

      Reply
    24. Olivia Smith says

      November 06, 2025 at 6:25 am

      5 stars
      Great recipe! I think my family will love it!

      Reply
    25. Ella White says

      November 06, 2025 at 1:21 pm

      5 stars
      'Juicy' is my favorite word when talking about chicken. Thank you for this recipe!

      Reply
    26. Eliana Brooks says

      November 07, 2025 at 10:31 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is so easy! I can't wait to try it!

      Reply
    27. Serena Walsh says

      November 07, 2025 at 9:55 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so yummy! I’m excited to make it for dinner.

      Reply
    28. Emma Johnson says

      November 08, 2025 at 2:07 pm

      5 stars
      I love how simple this recipe is! Can't wait to try it!

      Reply
    29. Beatrice Collins says

      November 08, 2025 at 7:17 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! This sounds delicious and perfect for dinner!

      Reply
    30. Poppy Wilson says

      November 10, 2025 at 1:46 am

      5 stars
      I love how easy this recipe is! Can't wait to try it!

      Reply
    31. David Smith says

      November 10, 2025 at 3:35 pm

      5 stars
      I like that it’s quick and healthy! Perfect for my busy week!

      Reply
    32. Anonymous says

      November 11, 2025 at 6:48 pm

      5 stars
      'Easy and quick' are exactly what I need for weeknight dinners. I'm excited to try this!

      Reply
    33. Hannah Levine says

      November 11, 2025 at 8:31 pm

      5 stars
      I appreciate the tips! Can't wait to bake my chicken like this.

      Reply
    34. Tessa Morgan says

      November 12, 2025 at 1:05 am

      5 stars
      I love how you explained everything step by step. So helpful!

      Reply
    35. Anonymous says

      November 12, 2025 at 5:35 am

      5 stars
      'm excited to experiment with different spices. Great post!

      Reply
    36. Molly Evans says

      November 12, 2025 at 10:37 am

      5 stars
      🙂 Excited to try this for meal prep, thank you for sharing!

      Reply
    37. Anonymous says

      November 14, 2025 at 9:21 am

      5 stars
      'm going to make this tonight! It sounds so tasty and easy!

      Reply
    38. Anonymous says

      November 15, 2025 at 7:06 pm

      5 stars
      I appreciate the tips on seasoning! Can’t wait to experiment.

      Reply
    39. Emerson Tate says

      November 16, 2025 at 3:01 am

      5 stars
      This sounds so good and easy to make. I'm trying it out soon!

      Reply
    40. Sarah Johnson says

      November 17, 2025 at 6:09 am

      5 stars
      This chicken recipe sounds so easy! I can't wait to try it!

      Reply
    41. Autumn Pierce says

      November 18, 2025 at 1:33 am

      5 stars
      I love how simple this recipe is! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    42. Annabelle Knight says

      November 18, 2025 at 10:15 am

      5 stars
      I love baked chicken! This looks delicious and easy!

      Reply
    43. Madelyn Fox says

      November 18, 2025 at 3:49 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! I am excited to make this for dinner tonight!

      Reply
    44. Isla Kensington says

      November 21, 2025 at 1:28 am

      5 stars
      Baking chicken is my favorite way to cook! This looks yummy!

      Reply
    45. erika says

      November 21, 2025 at 2:11 pm

      5 stars
      this baked chicken breast recipe looks so amazing and juicy from the inside. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
    46. Cecilia Montgomery says

      November 22, 2025 at 7:49 pm

      5 stars
      I love how easy this recipe is! Can't wait to try it!

      Reply
    47. Anonymous says

      November 24, 2025 at 4:57 pm

      5 stars
      'm glad you included storage tips too. Very useful info!

      Reply
    48. Sarah Johnson says

      November 25, 2025 at 6:29 am

      5 stars
      This recipe sounds so easy! I can't wait to try it!

      Reply
    49. Mabel Finch says

      November 27, 2025 at 7:13 am

      5 stars
      'Juicy' and 'delicious' are my favorite words when it comes to chicken!

      Reply
    50. Delaney Rhodes says

      November 27, 2025 at 11:37 am

      5 stars
      I love baked chicken! This recipe seems perfect!

      Reply
    Newer Comments »

    Hi, This is Imene! I'm the author, recipe developer, and photographer behind Ambitious Foodie. Welcome to my virtual kitchen! If you're wondering what's for dinner, you've come to the right place.

    More about me →

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