Best Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
This baked chicken breast recipe makes the best baked chicken! Follow my simple 3-step method with 3 ingredients for the most juicy, tender, and delicious baked chicken breasts.
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, it’s not the most appetizing when it’s tough and dry. This recipe has no tough chicken 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 scrumptious! And from the many requests I get for chicken breast recipes, I knew you would enjoy it, too.
This simple, classic chicken dinner recipe 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. It is a staple recipe I often serve with our favorite side dishes or house salad.
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!
Ingredients
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
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 drizzle olive oil into the pan and drizzle it on the chicken. You can use an equal amount of melted butter if you do not have olive oil.
Seasonings
I prefer to use my homemade 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, parmesan, and parsley. Feel free to season your chicken to suit your tastes! We also love them brushed with delicious BBQ sauce!
Tips for the Best Baked Chicken Breasts
- Start with fresh chicken breasts or chicken that has been fully thawed, if frozen.
- Follow the Simple 3 Step-Method: Prep, Cook, and Rest along with the instructions.
- I use a high temperature with a shorter baking time for the most juicy baked chicken breasts. When the chicken cooks faster to reach its desired internal temperature, it helps seal in all those delicious juices!
- If possible, use an internal meat thermometer to check the temperature instead of slicing into the chicken to check for doneness. This keeps the juices sealed inside.
- The “Rest step” is important! Allowing the chicken to rest for a bit after cooking results in tender, juicy chicken.
How to Make Juicy Baked Chicken Breasts
Preheat. Preheat the oven to 450º F. Arrange the rack to the middle position.
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 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 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, 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.
Meal Prep Tip!
Bake a large batch of chicken to use throughout the week in salads, sandwiches, and other meals. Freeze to use within 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
The chicken should be completely thawed for the chicken breasts to be tender, juicy, and delicious. If using frozen chicken, thaw it completely by placing it in your refrigerator overnight.
It results in a much juicier chicken breast. The chicken reaches the temperature it needs to be done in a shorter time frame and keeps the juices inside the breast meat for a more tender, delicious baked chicken breast.
Some Favorite Sides to Serve with Chicken Breast
More Easy Chicken Recipes
Here’s my recipe for the BEST juicy, delicious Baked Chicken Breasts. I hope you love it, too!
Best Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Ingredients
- olive oil, or butter
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Stone House Seasoning, or your favorite seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat. Preheat the oven to 450º F. Arrange the oven rack to the middle position.
- Prep. Pat the chicken breast dry with a paper towel. Drizzle a little olive oil into my skillet (if I’m making a few), 9×13 baking dish (if I’m making a medium batch), or sheet pan (if I’m making a larger batch). 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 into the oven.
- Cook. 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 it's done. The juices should run clear if the chicken is done. The time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
- 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 is resting under the foil tent. Then, serve and enjoy.
Notes
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Enjoy!
Robyn xo
This is a delicious way to bake chicken breasts! They come out tender and juicy. I think the high heat followed by tenting is the key. I added several spices and a good shake of Parmesan…just great!
Thank you, Vicki. I haven’t tried these with added Parmesan but sounds good.
I have not made it yet, but I would like to know, what is the yellow spice or whatever that I see sprinkled o the Chicken Breasts? it looks like grated lemon???? Thanks
Ruby, I sprinkle my Stone House Seasoning on the chicken. I hope you try this recipe. If you do, let me know how you like it.
This is my go-to recipe for any cooked chicken recipe. I don’t like rotisserie – grocery chicken. This is fantastic.
Thanks, Anne. I use this chicken for so many different dishes, too.
This my new go-to way to cook chicken! I can’t believe how moist it is. I don’t put salt on it because I have high blood pressure, but it is so flavorful with garlic powder, onion powder, and dried sage.
Adrien, thanks. I’m so glad you enjoy this chicken recipe.
Oh my word! The moistest chicken breasts I have ever made. Added my seasoning to taste, but followed exactly otherwise. Took suggested added time for larger home cut breasts. A keeper recipe.Thank you
Thanks so much, Di! I’m happy you loved this recipe.
I am loving your recipes and bought your cookbook. Keep up the good work.
Thanks so much, Kay. I hope you enjoy the cookbook.
I found this recipe in my recipe box buried. I made this for dinner tonight. I had forgotten how easy, juicy and delicious the chicken had turned out , family enjoyed eating juicy chicken, I used Mrs. Dash seasonings with canola oil. Chicken recipe will be on dinner rotation, Thank you for this recipe.