on Feb 07, 2019, Updated Mar 14, 2024 86 Comments Chicken breasts are a favorite in my house! And from all the responses I get from readers, you enjoy them too and want to know the best way to prepare them and meals to use them. I share so many delicious chicken recipes here – and you can do so much with baked chicken breasts! Baking them in the oven just could not be any simpler or have a more delicious result than with this Best Baked Chicken recipe! As much as I love chicken, when it’s tough and dry, it’s not the most appetizing. There’s no tough chicken with this recipe because I tested and tested to refine it to make the juiciest, most flavorful, and best chicken that the whole family will love! And there’s no brining needed! My baked chicken breast recipe is tender, juicy, and absolutely scrumptious! And from the many requests I get for recipes using chicken breasts, I knew you would enjoy it too. It is a simple, classic chicken dinner recipe that makes the perfect healthy comfort food. One of my family’s favorite dinner recipes is baked chicken breast. It is a weeknight go-to at my house. Served with a our favorite side dishes or with our house salad, it is a staple. I also love to meal prep by keeping a few pieces of baked chicken breast in the fridge throughout the week for a quick lunch or to use in our favorite chicken salad or chicken tortilla soup. Let me tell you how simple and easy it is to make!
How to Make Juicy Baked Chicken Breasts
Preheat. Preheat the oven to 450º F. Arrange the oven rack to the middle position. To make the most delicious baked chicken, you’ll need 3 ingredients:
Chicken Breasts
I like to use fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, if your chicken is frozen, it is best to let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight until it is fully thawed.
Olive Oil or Butter
I usually use olive oil to drizzle into the pan and drizzle on top of the chicken. If you do not have olive oil, you can also use an equal amount of melted butter.
Seasonings
I prefer to use my homemade seasoning of Stone House Seasoning. It is simply a blend of kosher salt, black pepper, and granulated garlic. At the most basic, I recommend using salt and black pepper. You can also season with Italian Seasoning, Ranch Seasoning, or even Taco Seasoning, depending on how you plan to use your oven-baked chicken breast in recipes. Some people also like to use paprika, onion powder, oregano, as well as parmesan and parsley. Feel free to season your chicken to suit your personal tastes! We also love them brushed with delicious BBQ sauce!
Prep
First, or Step 1 is to Prep the chicken. So, while the oven is preheating, pat the chicken breast dry with a paper towel. Then drizzle a little olive oil into the skillet (if making a few), 9×13 baking dish (if making a medium batch), or baking sheet (if making a larger batch). Then, arrange the chicken in the pan, allowing it to touch but not overlap. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil, and then sprinkle liberally with your seasoning of choice (salt and pepper as a minimum). Then, place it in the oven.
Cook
Step 2 is to Cook the chicken. Bake chicken breasts until the internal temperature registers 160º F with a meat thermometer or instant-read thermometer, about 20 minutes. If you don’t have an internal thermometer, prick the thickest part of the chicken with a knife when you think the chicken is done. The juices should run clear if it is done. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
Rest
The last and very important Step 3 is to let it Rest. Remove the skillet or casserole dish from the oven, tent it with foil, and let the chicken rest for another 5 minutes. The chicken will continue to cook while it rests under the foil tent. This makes for a tender delicious chicken breast every single time! Then serve the juicy chicken breasts along with your favorite sides and enjoy!
How to Bake Bone-in Chicken Breast
To make this recipe with bone-in chicken, you’ll follow the same instructions as you would for boneless (with one special tip!). The cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your chicken. Here’s my Special Tip: As your chicken rests, flip it onto the breast side. Then, when you are ready to serve, flip it back over onto the bone-in side. This will allow the juices to gather in the breast portion and give you the juiciest chicken!
Storage Tips
To make ahead and to store. Allow to cool and then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze. Allow it to cool completely and then place it into a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat and serve.
Some Favorite Sides to Serve with Chicken Breast
Mashed Potatoes or Baked Potato Green Beans Broccoli Skillet Mac and Cheese Sweet Tea
If you tried this Baked Chicken Breast Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks for visiting! Enjoy!Robyn xo
