If you’re looking for a simple dinner that’s healthy, delicious, and packed with flavor, this baked chicken breast recipe is the perfect choice. With a handful of pantry spices and just a few minutes of prep, you can create tender, juicy chicken that’s perfect for weeknight meals, meal prep, sandwiches, salads, wraps, or pasta dishes. The secret is baking the chicken at a high temperature while using a simple seasoning blend that locks in moisture and creates a flavorful crust.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Juicy and tender every time.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients.
- High in protein and naturally low carb.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
- Perfect with vegetables, rice, potatoes, or salad.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- Fresh lemon wedges for serving
How to Make Baked Chicken Breast
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels.
- If one breast is much thicker than the other, gently pound it to an even thickness for even cooking.
- Brush both sides of the chicken with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
- Place the chicken breasts in a lightly greased baking dish or on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 18–24 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken.
- Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh lemon juice and serve warm.
Tips for Juicy Chicken
- Always pat the chicken dry before seasoning.
- Bake at a high temperature for the best texture.
- Don’t overcook the chicken.
- Let it rest before slicing to keep the juices inside.
- Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long should I bake chicken breast?
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 18–24 minutes, depending on thickness. - How do I keep baked chicken breast from drying out?
Use olive oil, avoid overcooking, bake at high heat, and allow the chicken to rest before slicing. - Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Season the chicken several hours ahead or meal prep cooked chicken for quick lunches and dinners.
