Oven Baked Chicken Breasts
Juicy, Tender Chicken Every Time
Chicken breasts have a reputation for drying out, but they don’t have to. This simple oven baked chicken breast recipe gives you juicy, flavorful chicken with just a handful of pantry spices and about 20 minutes in the oven.
Whether you’re making dinner for the family, prepping lunches for the week, or looking for an easy protein to add to salads, wraps, pasta, or grain bowls, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights but versatile enough to keep in your meal prep rotation.
The best part? No complicated techniques or marinades required—just butter (or olive oil), a simple seasoning blend, and a hot oven.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 16-18 mins
- Total Time: 21-23 mins
- Servings: 5
Ingredients:
- 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 Tbsp of salted butter or olive oil
- 1 tsp of salt
- ½ tsp of pepper
- ½ tsp of garlic powder
- ½ tsp of smoked paprika
Get the full printable instructions with measurements at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.
🍋 Questions You Might Have…
How do I keep chicken breasts from drying out?
Cook them just until they reach 165°F and let them rest before slicing. Overcooking is the biggest reason chicken becomes dry.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Absolutely. Either works well and helps the seasoning stick to the chicken.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! These baked chicken breasts are perfect for meal prep and can be used in meals throughout the week.
Can I change the seasoning?
Definitely. Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, taco seasoning, or your favorite spice blend all work beautifully.
Step-By- Step Instructions:
Step 1: Set the oven to 400º F.
Using a basting brush, brush both sides of the chicken with the butter or olive oil.
Mix all the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a bowl until combined.
Sprinkle evenly on top of the chicken breasts and both sides.
Step 2: Bake for 16–18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. The safest and most reliable way to know they’re done is by using an instant-read thermometer. Once the thickest part reaches 165°F, remove them from the oven.
*Caution-chicken will be hot when removing from the oven.
🍋 Simply Made Tips…
✔ Try to choose chicken breasts that are similar in size so they cook evenly.
✔ If one breast is much thicker than the others, gently pound it to an even thickness before baking.
✔ Don’t skip the resting time. It makes a noticeable difference in how juicy the chicken stays.
✔ A meat thermometer is one of the easiest ways to avoid overcooking chicken.
🍗 Before You Go…
For more simple chicken recipes that work with everyday ingredients, visit our roundup of easy family dinners.
Oven Baked Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
- 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (150g each)
- 2 Tbsp butter (melted)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Set the oven to 400º F.
- Using a basting brush, brush both sides of the chicken with the butter or olive oil.
- In a bowl, mix all the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until combined. Sprinkle evenly on top of the chicken breasts evenly and on both sides.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165º F using a meat thermometer and is no longer pink inside. Transfer to a clean plate and serve warm. * Caution: chicken will be hot when removed from the oven.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: All nutrition values are per serving and approximate. They will vary depending on products and quantities used.
