Baked chicken breasts are all about simplicity and flavor, making them a fantastic go-to for busy weeknights or elegant gatherings alike. Imagine juicy, tender chicken that is perfectly seasoned, with a beautiful golden crust that makes it irresistible. This dish isn’t just wholesome; it’s also incredibly versatile—it pairs wonderfully with seasonal vegetables, fluffy rice, or a fresh salad. Plus, cooking chicken breasts this way ensures they stay moist and flavorful, avoiding that dreaded dry bite we all want to escape.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Baked Chicken Breasts
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Baked Chicken Breasts

When I first tried making baked chicken breasts, it was during a time when I wanted to keep dinners stress-free without sacrificing taste. I was surprised at how easy it was to achieve a restaurant-quality dish right at home. The best part? This recipe doesn’t break the bank, and it’s quick—taking only about an hour from prep to plate. So get ready to feel accomplished as you serve up these delicious, perfectly baked chicken breasts to your family and friends. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 20 minutes of prep and about 35 minutes of cooking, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic powder and smoked paprika gives it a savory, aromatic twist that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The beautiful golden color and crisp edges make this dish visually stunning.
Flexible Serving: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a meal prep for the week, or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe fits any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: Looking for a healthier meal? This recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and can easily fit into a balanced diet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness: For the best results, use fresh chicken breasts—this ensures a tender and juicy texture. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-packaged thin-cut chicken breasts as a convenient alternative.
1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil: These fats not only help the seasoning stick but also add rich flavor. Olive oil is a great healthier option that pairs beautifully with the taste profile.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: This is essential for enhancing the flavor of the chicken. If you’re using table salt, reduce the quantity to avoid overly salty chicken.
1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper: Freshly ground pepper adds a depth of flavor. Pre-ground pepper is fine too, but fresh gives a bit more pizzazz!
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: This adds a lovely aromatic quality to the dish without the fuss of chopping fresh garlic.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: This ingredient brings a subtle smoky sweetness to your chicken breasts, elevating them to a new level. If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can substitute sweet paprika for a different flavor.

How to Make Baked Chicken Breasts

Brine the Chicken: If your chicken breasts haven’t been pre-brined, make a simple brine by filling a large mixing bowl with 2 cups of lukewarm water and 1/4 cup kosher salt. Stir the mixture until most of the salt is dissolved, then add 2 cups of cold water (or ice cubes) to cool it down. Submerge the chicken breasts for 15 minutes, or up to 6 hours in a refrigerator, to enhance tenderness. After brining, rinse the chicken with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high heat is crucial for achieving that beautiful browned exterior while keeping the inside juicy.

Prepare the Chicken: Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in a large baking dish. Brush them on both sides with 1 tablespoon of melted butter or olive oil, ensuring even coverage. In a separate bowl, whisk 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture liberally over both sides of the chicken.

Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Your chicken is ready when it is no longer pink and the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer. If you prefer a crispy finish, switch on the broiler for the last 3-5 minutes—keep close watch so the chicken doesn’t burn.

Rest the Chicken: Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and transfer to a clean plate. Loosely tent with aluminum foil and allow to rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist.

Serve Warm: Enjoy your beautifully baked chicken breasts while still warm. They can be sliced for salads or served whole with sides—either way, they’re delicious!

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftovers, place the baked chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they’ll stay good for up to 4 days. If you’d like to freeze them, wrap the chicken tightly in cling film and then in aluminum foil—this ensures maximum freshness for up to 3 months. When ready to reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You might notice a slight change in texture, but adding a touch of chicken broth to the pan while reheating can help refresh them.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness for consistent cooking—this prevents some parts from drying out.
Don’t skip the resting period; it’s vital for juicy chicken.
Experiment with your seasonings! Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can add a delightful touch.
If you want to add a tangy kick, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken just before serving.
Consider marinating the chicken in your favorite dressing overnight for deeper flavor profiles.

Baked chicken breasts are a fantastic dish that blend ease and delicious taste, making them a perfect choice for a weeknight meal or special occasion. Feel free to experiment with the spices and sides, making this recipe your own. I hope you enjoy every bite of these succulent chicken breasts as much as we do!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use skin-on chicken breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! While skin-on chicken breasts will require slightly longer cooking time, they can add a delicious, crispy finish. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

How can I tell when my chicken breasts are done baking?

The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast; it should read 165°F (74°C) with no pink remaining. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into the chicken to check for pinkness; the juices should run clear.

What sides pair well with baked chicken breasts?

Baked chicken breasts pair nicely with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad for a well-rounded meal. You can even make a flavorful grain bowl with quinoa or farro for a healthy twist.

Can I make these baked chicken breasts ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and brine the chicken ahead of time. Simply store your seasoned, raw chicken in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. If you’re making it for meal prep, cooked chicken can be stored as leftovers for several days, making it easy to whip up salads or quick dinners throughout the week.

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Baked Chicken Breasts

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Savor the flavor of these Baked Chicken Breasts, featuring boneless skinless chicken coated in a delightful blend of spices and butter. This recipe is perfect for a quick, healthy dinner that everyone will love!

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

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Instructions

If your chicken breasts are pre-brined, skip to step 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of lukewarm water and 1/4 cup kosher salt. Stir until most of the salt is dissolved, then add 2 cups of cold water or ice cubes. Add chicken breasts and brine for 15 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Rinse and dry the chicken afterward.
Preheat the oven to 450°F.
Arrange the chicken in a single layer in a baking dish. Brush melted butter or olive oil on both sides. In a separate bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, then sprinkle on both sides of the chicken.
Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For a golden brown finish, broil on high for the last 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
After baking, transfer chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Let rest for 5-10 minutes.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Brining the chicken helps keep it moist and flavorful. Make sure to rinse off the brine before cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through without overcooking.