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Best Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

Make the perfect juicy chicken breast every single time! The best way is to use a higher temperature and a tasty marinade. This an easy recipe for every occasion!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Marinate
30 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 4 -6 servings
Calories: 320 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • kosher salt and black pepper to taste
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Grease a shallow baking dish with butter, or line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat it with butter- set aside. 
  2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using). For marinade variations, see the blog post. 
  4. Place chicken in a large bowl and rub the olive oil and spice mixture all over the chicken breasts, coating them evenly. You can also place the chicken breasts in a plastic bag and massage the outside of the bag to coat the chicken. Let marinate for 30 minutes. 
  5. Remove chicken from plastic bags and place in a single layer on the prepared baking dish or baking sheet. Bake chicken breasts for 23-30 minutes for large breasts and 17-20 minutes for medium breasts until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). You can check the temperature by inserting an thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast. See notes for more. 
  6. Remove the pan from the oven and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Slice and serve with any sides you choose or use to make a chicken salad or chicken wrap. 

Notes

  • Chicken Breast Thickness Baking Time at 425°F
  • TOP TIPS
  • Use a meat thermometer: Invest in a reliable meat thermometer to ensure accurate cooking. It will help you determine the exact internal temperature of the chicken breasts and prevent overcooking.
  • Pound the chicken breasts: If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, pound them to an even thickness. This promotes even cooking and prevents some parts from drying out while others remain undercooked.
  • Use a marinade or dry rub: Adding flavor through marinades or dry rubs can elevate the taste of the chicken breasts. Marinate them for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) before baking, or apply a dry rub and let them rest for a while to absorb the flavors.
  • Properly season the chicken: Don't forget to season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, or any other desired herbs and spices, before baking. Seasoning helps enhance the overall taste and brings out the flavors of the chicken.
  • Rest the chicken before slicing: After baking, let the chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier and more tender meat.
  • Consider using a meat mallet or rolling pin: If you want a quicker cooking time, you can flatten the chicken breasts slightly using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This helps them cook more evenly and reduces the risk of drying out.
  • Monitor cooking time: Keep a close eye on the chicken breasts while they are baking, especially during the final few minutes. Overcooking can quickly lead to dry chicken, so it's important to check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer for accuracy.
  • 1/2 inch: 16-18 minutes
  • 1/2 inch: 16-18 minutes
  • 1 inch: 18-22 minutes
  • 1 inch: 18-22 minutes
  • 1 1/2 inch: 22-26 minutes
  • 1 1/2 inch: 22-26 minutes
  • 2 inches: 25-30 minutes
  • 2 inches: 25-30 minutes

Nutrition Information

Calories 320kcal (16%) Carbohydrates 1g (0%) Protein 24g (48%) Fat 24g (37%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Polyunsaturated Fat 3g Monounsaturated Fat 16g Trans Fat 0.01g Cholesterol 72mg (24%) Sodium 136mg (6%) Potassium 443mg (13%) Fiber 0.5g (2%) Sugar 0.1g (0%) Vitamin A 124IU (2%) Vitamin C 2mg (2%) Calcium 26mg (3%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4-6 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 320

% Daily Value*

Calories 320kcal 16%
Carbohydrates 1g 0%
Protein 24g 48%
Fat 24g 37%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g 18%
Monounsaturated Fat 16g 80%
Trans Fat 0.01g 1%
Cholesterol 72mg 24%
Sodium 136mg 6%
Potassium 443mg 9%
Fiber 0.5g 2%
Sugar 0.1g 0%
Vitamin A 124IU 2%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 26mg 3%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.