Baked thin sliced chicken breast is super easy, juicy, and downright delicious. This simple oven-baked chicken recipe will serve you well with super moist, perfectly seasoned meat in no time, and is a complete lifesaver on busy weeknights or for meal prep!
We all know those evenings when you can simply not face a complicated dinner? Yeah, same. That’s exactly what makes this oven-baked thin-sliced chicken breast recipe one of my absolute go-tos. I began making this when I was deep in my meal prep era, trying to figure out something easy, healthy and, honestly, good (because plain chicken can be so boring). After some tinkering, however, I found a perfect middle ground — juicy, flavorful and so stupidly easy. No dry, sad chicken here!
But the truth is, it was this recipe’s versatility that really sold it for me. Some nights I cut it up for salads, other nights I toss it into wraps, or pasta or straight from the pan because it’s just that delicious. And the best part? It’s completely hands-off—season, bake and boom, perfectly cooked chicken at your fingertips. Whether I’m feeding the fam or simply doing some meal-prepping for the week, this recipe always comes in clutch for me.
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Why This Recipe Works
- High in Lean Protein – Thin-sliced chicken breast is loaded with high-quality protein, which will help keep your body the right size, aide in building muscle, and control blood sugar. It is an excellent option for a person who wants to remain with appetite without unwanted fat or calories.
- Lower in Fat, Big on Flavor — Because we’re baking and not frying, this recipe is light while yielding juicy, flavorful chicken. Also, a simple mix of herbs and spices lends flavor without heavy sauces or additional oil.
- Versatile & Balanced – This chicken can complement many nutrient-dense sides, from fiber-rich veggies to whole grains, creating a well-rounded meal easily. Be it low-carb, high-protein, or just a healthy diet, this fit right in!
Key Ingredients
- Chicken breast (thin-sliced) – The star of the show! Lean, high in protein, cooks fast while remaining juicy.
- Olive oil — Helps the chicken retain moisture, provides the barest touch of richness and helps the seasoning adhere.
- Lemon juice — Which adds brightness and a touch of tang while also helping to tenderize the chicken.
- Salt and pepper – The Best Taste Enhancers! Salt enhances the chicken’s natural flavor and the pepper adds a bit of spice.
- Garlic powder — Adds that warm, savory depth without overwhelming the dish.
- Paprika - Gives a hint of smokiness as well as the welcome touch of color so that the chicken looks as good as it tastes.
Instructions to Make it
- Preheat & Prep – Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Add seasoning to the chicken – Add your thin-sliced pieces of chicken breast into a bowl or place on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika. Massage everything in, coating the chicken well.
- Arrange & Bake – Place the chicken in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure the pieces don’t touch. Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Check for Doneness — Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part — there should be no pink!
- Rest & Serve – Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes then slice/serve. This keeps it juicy! Now, eat it as is, or throw it in salads, wraps, or bowls!
Variations and Substitutions
- Spicy Kick – Replace the paprika with smoked paprika + cayenne pepper for a bit of heat. Drizzle with hot sauce before serving as well for spice!
- Herb & Garlic – Instead of the paprika add either Italian seasoning or fresh, chopped herbs (parsley, thyme or rosemary) for a more herby, aromatic taste.
- Citrus Twist — Swap out the lemon juice for lime juice, or even a splash of orange juice, which adds a slightly sweeter, tangy flavor, perfect for salads and grain bowls.
Pairing Ideas
- Roasted Veggies & Quinoa — A brightly-hued combo of roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots with fluffy quinoa for a nutrient-packed balanced plate.
- Garlic Butter Green Beans & Mashed Potatoes – All the comfort food! Mashed potatoes, fluffy and creamy, with garlicky green beans make this meal feel special, cozy.
- Caesar Salad & Garlic Bread — Chop the chicken, toss it into a crisp Caesar salad, and serve alongside warm, crunchy garlic bread, for a light, yet satisfying combo.
- Brown Rice & Avocado Salsa – A light, Tex-Mex-inspired choice! Serve with brown rice and a simple avocado salsa (diced avocado, tomatoes, red onion, lime juice) for a bright and flavorful meal.
Storage
- Refrigerate — Cool chicken completely, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for 4 days or less.
- Freeze — For longer storage, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap or foil, then put each of them in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat – Place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, the skillet over low heat or microwave (covered) for 30-60 seconds to prevent drying out. Here’s an easy tip: Add a little broth or lemon juice for moisture!
Pro Tip
Pound It Even – If your chicken pieces are not all uniform in thickness, gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin. That means they cook evenly and stay juicy — no dried out edges!
Let It Rest – I know you want a slice right away, but don’t skip the 5-minute resting time after baking! Allowing the chicken to sit lets the juices redistribute so that every bite is extra tender and flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thin-sliced chicken breast can be baked at 400F (200C) for 12-15 minutes or until its internal temperature reaches 165F (75C). Cooking time may vary slightly with thickness so always check doneness with a thermometer!
Yes! Allow the baked chicken to cool completely before placing it into an airtight container or freezer bag for storage in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven and/or skillet and/or microwave to keep it juicy.
Absolutely! Chicken tenderloins will cook a bit faster because they’re smaller and more tender, so you’ll want to check for doneness at around the 10-12 minute mark. The texture is a bit softer, but they work great in this recipe!
Yes, but it will take longer — bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for approximately 25-30 minutes, checking that you reach an internal temp of 165 degrees F (75 degrees C). For better texture and even cooking, best to thaw the chicken first, in the fridge overnight.
If you tried this Oven Baked Thin Sliced Chicken Breasts 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!
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Recipe
Easy Oven Baked Thin Sliced Chicken Breasts
INGREDIENTS
- 2 thin-sliced chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat & Prep – Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Add seasoning to the chicken – Add your thin-sliced pieces of chicken breast into a bowl or place on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika. Massage everything in, coating the chicken well.
- Arrange & Bake – Place the chicken in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure the pieces don’t touch. Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Check for Doneness — Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part — there should be no pink!
- Rest & Serve – Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes then slice/serve. This keeps it juicy! Now, eat it as is, or throw it in salads, wraps, or bowls!
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