This Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe uses very simple techniques to create ultra juicy chicken breasts with an incredible spice rub.
I love to pair this easy baked chicken breast with my Parmesan Roasted Broccoli and Baked Potatoes for a complete meal.
This recipe is my tried and true method for cooking the BEST chicken breasts in the oven every time. You’re going to fall in love with this easy technique.
Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Yes, it’s true, you CAN have tender and juicy white meat chicken that’s BAKED in the oven!
Ingredients Needed For Baked Chicken Breast
Chicken breast consists of all white meat, which is very lean and, if not cooked properly, can become tough and dry. Here’s what you’ll need in order to whip up some juicy chicken breasts in the oven. You can find the full list of ingredients located in the recipe card below.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – check out my baked chicken thighs here!
- Olive oil
- Seasonings – I’m sharing my favorite chicken rub in the recipe, but you can ultimately season with whatever you like.
How To Bake Chicken Breasts
The trick to mastering ultra tender chicken (whether baked, grilled or cooked on the stove top) is all thanks to these 3 easy steps…
- Even Thickness
- High Heat
- Resting
By following these simple steps you’ll be enjoying juicy baked chicken breasts right out of your oven every time.
POUND CHICKEN
Start by using a heavy rolling pin or meat mallet to pound your chicken breast to an even thickness.
SEASON
Season liberally with my special seasoning blend (in the recipe card below).
BAKE
Bake chicken breast for just 20 minutes at 425 degrees F, then let rest for 5 minutes under foil before slicing.
Do I Need To Pound Chicken?
Is it necessary to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before baking?
Yes!
It is absolutely necessary if you want juicy oven baked chicken. Here’s why…
The natural shape of a chicken breast is teardrop, with a thicker, meatier portion at the bottom of the teardrop. Chicken must be cooked to 165 degrees F before safely consuming. If you do not pound the chicken down, the thicker portion will take longer to cook to the safe temperature, while the thinner section of chicken breast will get overcooked and result in a dried out, choke-it-down chicken breast.
The BEST Chicken Seasoning
I spent many, many years working on perfecting my go-to chicken seasoning. It’s both sweet and smoky, while not being too overpowering. The simple, yet complex flavors blend perfectly together and are great served alongside any side dish you’re serving with your baked chicken.
Chicken Seasoning Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make your baked chicken taste like a million bucks!
- Brown Sugar – the sugar helps to tenderize the chicken, trust me, it’s a good idea.
- Chili Powder – adds a delicious smoky flavor, plus gives great coloring to chicken
- Parsley – great for adding a balanced herb flavor
- Salt – the seasoning of life
- Pepper – because it goes with salt
- Garlic Powder – adds delicious flavor
- Onion Powder – compliments the garlic powder
- Cumin – this really gives the chicken something special
Combine the spices together and rub generously into the chicken breast before baking.
PRO TIP: I will usually double or triple the seasoning blend and store any extra in a zip close bag or spice jar for the next time I’m baking chicken.
How Long To Bake Chicken Breasts in The Oven?
Make sure your oven is preheated to 425 degrees F before baking. Cooking at a high temperature will help to lock in those juices, resulting in tender, juicy chicken every time.
Cooking Size Chart
- 4 to 6 ounce chicken breasts – 18 minutes
- 7 to 8 ounce chicken breasts – 20 minutes
- 9 ounce and above – 22 minutes
Remember to use an instant read meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
How Long To “Rest” Chicken Breast
One of the biggest rookie mistakes when baking chicken is to immediately slice right into it after it’s done cooking. Chicken breast is a muscle and what happens to a muscle when it gets cooked? It tightens up!
If you cut into the chicken right away it will be tough and chewy, and all the juices that you worked so hard for will immediately run out… resulting in dry, tough chicken.
Let chicken breasts rest for 5 minutes under a loose sheet of foil before slicing.
Easy Side Dishes To Serve With Oven Baked Chicken
Chicken is one of the most versatile proteins. It pairs perfectly with just about any side dish. Serve it sliced up, shredded, or whole for a pretty presentation. We usually slice all the chicken up before serving so it’s easy for my kids to eat.
Here are my go-to sides for baked chicken…
- Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
- Baked Potatoes (oven) or (instant pot)
- Cucumber Tomato Salad – perfect for a light dinner on a warm day
- Creamy Corn Salad
- Vegetable Rice Pilaf
- Caesar Pasta Salad
Easy Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipes:
I have so many delicious baked chicken recipes that I’m sure you’ll find one you really enjoy!
- Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts
- Salsa Chicken and Rice
- Chicken Caprese Skillet
- Spinach and Herb Baked Chicken Breast
I’m confident that you’ll get fantastic results with this recipe as long as you follow the tips and method I’ve shared here.
Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 (7 to 8oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp brown sugar, light
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp parsley flakes
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cumin
Instructions
- Pre heat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with non stick spray.
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment paper and pound to an even thickness. Drizzle both sides of chicken with olive oil.
- Combine seasonings and sprinkle generously over both sides of the chicken breasts. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and cover loosely with foil for 5 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
PIN THIS IMAGE TO SAVE THE RECIPE
Tres Leches Cake Recipe
Allison
Can I use tenderloins instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?
Shawn
Yes, that should work! You’ll just need to adjust cook time as they’ll cook faster than chicken breasts.
Adriana
My husband and I eat a lot of chicken breasts for dinner, I usually try to season them with a different flavor profile each time so we are not bored with the same flavors. I also have mainly two cooking methods to make sure they are juicy; 1) pan fry/steam, 2) bake in parchment paper packet. I wanted to try something different and came across this recipe and decided to try it. It was a huge success! It has a BBQ flavor, almost like my favorite BBQ chips. My husband loved it so much, he requested I print the recipe to keep on hand. He was still commenting how good it was a few hours after dinner (eating food is his favorite…lol). My husband also was thinking how great this will be on salad and in his chicken wraps he likes to have for lunch occasionally. In other words, I will be making this again, and I recommend this to anyone who wants a tasty and juicy chicken breast
Shawn
That’s so great to hear Adriana! I’m glad you found the recipe and are enjoying it!
David Mehaffey
Good recipe, interesting flavor. Can you brine the chicken prior to cooking and if you can, do you brine before or after the pounding/thinning part? I find brined chicken grills the best and I plan to grill this once weather cooperates here in midwest. Thank you.
Shawn
If you want to brine the chicken, pound it thin first and then brine! Should be great!
Deanna
This has become my standard baked chicken breast recipe! Sometimes I leave out the cumin since my kids don’t like it, but I love that the chicken can be sliced and used in salads, pasta, tacos., rice dishes….you name it! Thanks so much!
Shawn
I’m so glad you are enjoying the recipe Deanna!
Stephanie
This might be a silly question, but the nutritional facts are per 1 chicken breast correct ?
Shawn
Not a silly question at all! I’ve found that 4 chicken breast (large ones) are plenty to serve my family of 6. So the nutrition facts are actually for about 2/3 of a chicken breast. Hope that makes sense!
Ann
I am planning on making this recipe for dinner tonight. Sounds delicious, but wondering if I should turn down the oven to 350 degrees when I put the chicken in the oven to bake?
Shawn
Nope, cook at 425 degrees F.
Ashley Ramirez
So sorry my last comment was done using voice text and it didn’t work so well. My question should have said I currently do not have any dried parsley, what could I use as a substitute?
Shawn
You can leave out the parsley.
Jennifer Warren
I hate dry chicken. So I was ready to test this recipe. I can say it is true to it name! This chicken was a hit in my house full of picky eaters.
Shawn
Fantastic! So glad you guys all enjoyed the chicken Jennifer!
Randy
This is by far the easiest and juiciest chicken breast I have ever had!
Shawn
So glad you enjoyed it Randy!
Michael
Thanks Shawn! You so cute.
Erick
Taste like taco seasoning on chicken
Shawn
I think you’re tasting the cumin! 🙂
Renira
This looks amazing. I have everything except cumin and we’re on lockdown so I can’t run to the store. Any suggestions? I was thinking I would add an extra 1/2 tsp of the chili powder. Thanks!
Shawn
Hey Renira, you can either leave the cumin out, or if you’d like add in that extra chili powder! 🙂
Becky
So juicy and good. I used a spice mix I got in New Orleans instead of chili & onion powder and did not use the cumin because I did not have these on hand. Husband raved over it so it will be a regular for us. Aloha
Shawn
So glad you enjoyed it Becky!
Babs
This was so tender and juicy, my husband raved over it! Thank you we will be having this again. My husband wants to use the rub on baby back ribs, I think they would be great!
Shawn
Yes! This rub is actually a modified version of my rib rub, so he’s right on track! Check it out here: Instant Pot Baby Back Pork Ribs
Michael
Today is my wife’s birthday and I used your recipe for family dinner. It was amazing! wife and son both loved it.
Thanks Shawn very much!
Shawn
Happy birthday to your wife! So glad you all enjoyed the chicken!
Cindy
Very easy and tasty. I made these because I already had everything in my pantry. Doubled the rub recipe as suggested by other reviewers. Be sure to pour the juices/sauce from the pan over the chicken before serving. It takes it to another level.
Shawn
So glad you enjoyed it Cindy!
Angie
I made this tonight exactly as the recipe called for. I used 3 large chicken breasts. It was amazing! There was just enough sweet to spice ratio. My husband and daughter both loved it too. We paid it with a cheese rice and green beans. Absolutely delicious dinner.
Shawn
Sounds like an amazing dinner! So glad you all enjoyed it!
Susan Malone
I just made the best juicy chicken breast in my life!!! And Im 55. YUM
Shawn
Standing ovation over here!! Way to go Susan! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!!
Nick L
Shawn, Great Recipe! Quick question…What is the 2 tsp of Olive Oil for? I dont see an application for it in the recipe. Thanks.
Jeanne Bedard
Olive oil is used to coat chicken before seasoning.
Sara
I am forever on a quest for chicken breasts that dont end up dry and my family will actually eat. These were perfect! My kids gave me permission to “make this chicken again” – ha!
Shawn
That’s great to hear Sara! So glad you all enjoyed it!
Shawn
Drizzle over the chicken before seasoning! Enjoy!
Mary Ann
Hi Shawn. Thank you for this really delicious recipe. I made it a few times already & used it in different dishes. Once mixed in salad with a lemon dressing for a light dinner for 4 & once as a main dish with vegis & pasta on the side. My children & husband really liked it. I will try with peppers in fajitas next time.
Shawn
I love that! So glad you’re enjoying it Mary Ann!
Dawn
I dont have any olive oil at the moment and I’m on lockdown what else could I use in place of it
Shawn
You can use vegetable oil, canola oil or avocado oil too!
KELLIE AUCOIN
This is an amazing chicken recipe. We’ve made it just as it and also used it for chicken tacos. It was absolutely yummy with homemade mashed potatoes and also with air-fried brussel sprouts with bacon. Thank you so much! We have this at least once a week! Curious, what’s your favorite side dish with this?
Shawn
So glad you’re enjoying it Kellie! My favorite side dish with this chicken is a freshly steamed veggie and my fluffy mashed potatoes. But it really goes so well with just about anything!
Rosemary
I don’t have chilli powder. Can I use paprika?
Shawn
I don’t think you’ll enjoy the flavor of it using paprika, but you could give it a try? Maybe a smoked paprika would be better?
Kristina
Do i bake this uncovered? Or covered?
Shawn
Bake uncovered. You’ll cover loosely with foil after they’ve baked.
Maheen
Hi Shawn!
Im a University Student and my apartment doesn’t have an oven.
Can I cook (fry) the Chicken Breasts in a pan on the stove instead ?
Shawn
Hi Maheen! You can definitely cook the chicken on the stove top. Just make sure you still pound the chicken to an even thickness first. I would coat the pan with a little oil over medium heat and cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side. Remove from heat and cover loosely with foil for a few minutes before slicing!
Maheen
Thank you so much Shawn! Just tried the recipe out exactly how you said ‘coat the pan with a little oil over medium heat and cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side. Remove from heat and cover loosely with foil for a few minutes before slicing’.
And it turned out AMAZING!
My housemates LOVED it.
Cant wait to try more of your recipes!
Shawn
That’s great to hear Maheen!
Kristi Shell
Delicious!
SMP
This is an outstanding chicken recipe! I’ve been looking for some chicken help and this is just what I was hoping to find. Thanks for sharing!
Steve
Forgot the stars!
Definitely Five!
Steve
Amazing and quick! Thank you so much, Shawn.
We’re on lockdown like a lot of folks.
I was looking for recipes for chicken breasts that required ingredients I had in the house. My new “go to” for chicken!
I’ll be looking here for more recipes for sure.
Stay well, everyone!
Shawn
So great to hear Steve! I’m glad you found this recipe and hope you enjoy many more!
Beth
I loved loved loved this recipe !! I love to cook and I am always being told to do it professionally. So I am quite the entrepreneur when it comes to cooking ,and this chicken breast recipe is by far one of the best out there. Great flavor and was tender and juicy. Served ours over a bed of 4 cheese pasta and a veggie medley of cauliflower, carrots, and broccoli on the side.
Shawn
So glad you enjoyed the recipe Beth! 🙂
Robin
This recipe was a hit with the whole family, which is rare. lol
I was wondering if you thought this would work as a chicken and rice type meal? Do you think I would have to make extra coating? Could you use the drippings over rice? Sorry, I’m trying to be creative while we’re all staying in. Thank you for all the great recipes!!
Shawn
Hey Robin, if you’re looking for some chicken recipes that have sauce and go well over rice, give these a try!
Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry
Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Salsa Chicken Rice Skillet
Instant Pot Orange Chicken and Rice
Cassie
Chicken breasts are usually super dry, but these are so juicy! Love the recipe, the seasoning blend is perfect.
Shawn
So glad you enjoyed the chicken Cassie!
Megan
Question – With the chili powder and cumin, is this a spicy dish? I’m excited to make this but my eaters are primarily older(65+) and I worry about the spice factor?
Shawn
Cumin is not spicy, and really I don’t think chili powder is either… but I might be more immune to it? Make sure you’re using Chili powder and not Chipotle Chili Powder. If you are still concerned, you can reduce or omit the chili powder.
Paul
Love this chicken… made it keto friendly by using monk fruit sweetener . Wife loved it also. Thanks for the recipe.
Shawn
Great idea! Thanks for the tip Paul!
Danica
This is a Winner! Juicy, tasty, flavorful. Family of 4, all asked me to make this again soon! Very easy for a delicious dish, the sides that can go with this are endless.
Shawn
Awesome! So glad you enjoyed the chicken Danica!
Elena
Great recipe! Chicken is tender and juicy. Thank you!!!
Shawn
So glad you enjoyed the chicken Elena!
Patrick
I simply loved this recipe, thanks for bringing it to us in so detail.
Regards.
Shawn
That’s great to hear Patrick! Thanks for your comment!
James
Recipe is great but without portions on the spice mix it is a guessing game. First time making this and it was super spicy, because I used too much chili. I would sincerely appreciate the spice mix ratio!
Shawn
Hi James! The measurements are listed in the recipe card above the comments section.
dee
This is absolutely my new go-to chicken breast recipe. YUM! I took out about 3 minutes early and let breathe. Perfect!
Shawn
Right on! So glad you enjoyed it Dee!
Leslie
As of tonight, this is my new favorite chicken recipe. I love chicken, but baked chicken breasts are dry more often than not. I had tenderloins and so I skipped the flattening. They turned out perfectly, juicy and tasty. I love the seasonings, too, especially the cumin and chili powder. Thank you so much!
Shawn
That’s great to hear! Thanks Leslie!
Heather
Hello I only have chicken tenderloins in hand. It comes in a package usually of 5 pieces. Can I still use those ?
Shawn
Just make sure you still pound them to an even thickness. Also, they will cook faster, so check on them sooner.
Amanda Osborne
This was the best chicken I have ever made! It was rich in flavor and very juicy. My picky 9 year old loved it and my husband and daughter, who usually drowns things in barbecue sauce, said it didn’t need anything else. I will definitely make this again!
Anna
My husband and I both loved this recipe! It was so juicey and flavorful. We enjoyed it with avocado and lettuce on a mini chabatta roll. Thanks so much. Always looking for tastey ,fast recipes.
*****
Shawn
Sounds fantastic! Thanks for the comment Anna!
Ilia Smith
Great recipe. The chicken was very juicy. My hubby and I will be using this recipe for our diet!
Willie
Great recipe! My wife and kids loved it.. will be trying more of your recipes soon
Shawn
Fantastic! So glad you enjoyed it Willie!
Liz
It was really good. I googled best chicken breast recipe and this came up and looked good. I had everything on hand except cumin so I used paprika ♀️
I doubled the seasonings for 1.5lbs of chicken due to the suggestion in a comment bc I wanted to make sure it wasn’t bland and it was perfect! So delicious.