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Home / Recipes / Dinner / Chicken / Oven Baked Chicken Breast

Oven Baked Chicken Breast

30 mins
| 61 Comments |
4.98 from 135 votes
Jump to Recipe 01/05/22 | Updated: 02/27/22 | by Nora
Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe Image Pin

This is the best way to make oven baked chicken breast: The chicken is generously seasoned, then bakes to juicy perfection! Perfect for meal prep or to whip up an easy and healthy entrée without a lot of work.

overhead view of three oven baked chicken breasts in white casserole dish

Ever since I shared my Oven Baked Chicken Thighs, they’ve been a favorite here on the blog. Same with my Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe… So I figured it was about time to share an easy and tasty recipe for baked chicken breast.

I know chicken can be really bland a boring, but not if you make it like this! It turns out juicy and flavorful, and it can really stand as an entrée all by itself.

There’s also a delicious pan sauce that forms while the chicken bakes, and it tastes great tossed with rice, pasta or over mashed potatoes. A real weeknight dinner winner!

slice of baked chicken breast speared on fork

Ingredients you’ll need

Here is a visual overview of the ingredients in the recipe. Scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities!

ingredients for baked chicken breast with text labels
Ingredients for Oven Baked Chicken Breast: Chicken breast, olive oil, butter, brow sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, ground paprika, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.

Ingredient notes

  • Chicken: I used boneless, skinless chicken breast. If you choose to use any other cut, the baking time will be different from the recipe.
  • Butter: You can skip this ingredient if you really want to avoid butter. Either replace it with olive oil or skip it altogether. I will say that the chicken is a little less juicy and the seasoning isn’t quite the same without it. But it does still comes out well.
  • Brown sugar: Feel free to use regular sugar if you don’t have any brown sugar on hand. I prefer light brown over dark brown here. You can skip it if you absolutely want to, but it does really make quite a difference to the taste of the chicken.
  • Seasonings: The seasoning is my favorite the way I wrote it down in the recipe. But you’re absolutely free to skip anything you don’t like, or experiment with your own ideas.

How to bake chicken breast in the oven

1. Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap. Using a rolling pin or the flat side of a mallet, gently pound them to even thickness, about 0.5 – 0.75 inches.

  • female hand using rolling pin to pound chicken breasts between plastic wrap
    pound chicken to even thickness

2. Rub the chicken breasts all over with olive oil. Combine all of the seasoning and the brown sugar in a small bowl and sprinkle on both sides of the chicken.

  • rub with oil
  • seasoning mix in white bowl with fork
    combine seasoning
  • seasoned chicken breast on white plate
    season chicken breasts

3. Place the chicken in a 9×13 inch casserole dish (we’re waiting for a kitchen remodel and my 9×13 inch dishes were all packed up when I took these photos… so I divided my chicken between two 7×11 inch dishes and it worked just fine).

Top each chicken breast with a dab of butter, then bake for 18-20 minutes, until the internal temperature reads 165°F. I like to turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes to add some nice browning, just watch closely so it doesn’t burn!

  • three seasoned, unbaked chicken breasts topped with butter slices in white casserole dish
    top with butter
  • three seasoned, baked chicken breasts in white casserole dish
    bake
  • overhead close up view of three oven baked chicken breasts in white casserole dish
    serve!

If you’re not making the chicken ahead to store for later, I highly recommend serving it immediately. That’s when it’s the absolute juiciest and tastiest!

frontal view of baked chicken breast in white casserole dish

Recipe tips

  • I know the flattening/pouding seems like an unnecessary extra step, but I promise it DOES make a difference, so I highly recommend you stick to it.
  • Make sure to season the chicken all over, front and back. That’s how you get the most flavor into every bite.
  • Do not overbake the chicken. I highly recommend a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F, it’s the most accurate way to cook any kind of meat.

Recommended internal temperature for chicken

Wondering when your chicken is done and safe to be eaten? I highly recommend investing in (the following is an affiliate link an I earn a commission for purchases made through it) a meat thermometer. I check pretty much everything I cook and bake with mine to make sure I’m at the accurate temperature.

The US government’s food safety website recommends cooking all poultry to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Make ahead/leftover tips

This recipe is ideal for meal prep, you can store the baked chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The same goes for leftovers.

To use, either dice them up or shred to use in a casserole, in any dish that calls for leftover chicken/turkey/rotisserie chicken or in a soup; or slice them to serve over a salad. Here are some great ideas to use up leftover chicken:

  • Chicken Taco Salad
  • Chicken Quesadillas
  • Chicken Enchiladas
  • Chicken Pot Pie
  • Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Serving ideas

The beauty of this recipe is how versatile it is! You can serve it with many different starch and vegetable combinations. Here are some of our favorites:

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto
  • Bacon Pea Pasta
  • Roasted Broccoli or Air Fryer Broccoli
  • Roasted Asparagus or Air Fryer Asparagus
  • Sautéed Zucchini
overhead view of sliced baked chicken breast and broccoli pasta on white plate

More easy chicken recipes

  • Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
  • How to Make Shredded Chicken
  • Whole Roasted Chicken
  • Crispy Oven Fried Chicken
  • Air Fryer Chicken Wings
  • Balsamic Chicken Marinade

PS If you try this recipe, please leave a review in the comment section and add a star rating in the recipe card – I appreciate your feedback! Follow along on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram.

Printable Recipe Card
overhead view of three oven baked chicken breasts in white casserole dish
Save Recipe Saved!

Oven Baked Chicken Breast

This is the best way to make oven baked chicken breast: The chicken is generously seasoned, then bakes to juicy perfection!
Recipe by Nora from Savory Nothings
made it? tap the stars to add your rating!
4.98 from 135 votes
Print Add Review

Recipe details

Prep 10 mins
Cook 20 mins
Total 30 mins
Servings 6 servings
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients
 

  • 2 pounds chicken breast boneless and skinless
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon butter diced

Instructions
 

  • Prep: Heat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
  • Flatten: Place chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap. Using a rolling pin or the flat side of a mallet, pound chicken to about 0.5 – 0.75 inch thickness. Rub olive oil all over flattened chicken breasts.
  • Season: Combine all remaining ingredients EXCEPT for butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle all over chicken, then lightly rub it in.
  • Bake: Place seasoned chicken in prepared casserole dish. Top each chicken breast with a slice of butter. Bake at 400°F until internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 18-20 minutes. Finish chicken under broiler for 1-3 minutes, until nicely browned. Serve immediately.
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Notes

Ingredient notes

  • Chicken: If you choose to use any other cut than specified, the baking time will be different from the recipe.
  • Butter: Feel free to replace with olive oil or skip altogether at the expense of some juiciness and flavor.
  • Brown sugar: Feel free to use regular sugar if you don’t have any brown sugar on hand. You can skip it if you absolutely want to, but it does really make quite a difference to the taste of the chicken.
  • Seasonings: The seasoning is my favorite the way I wrote it down in the recipe. But you’re absolutely free to skip anything you don’t like, or experiment with your own ideas.

Recipe tips

  • I highly recommend you don’t skip the flattening, it makes a big difference to the end result.
  • Do not overbake the chicken. I highly recommend a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F, it’s the most accurate way to cook any kind of meat.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 225kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 32gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 102mgSodium: 582mgPotassium: 594mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 274IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg
Nutrition is an estimate.

More recipe information

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nora Rusev from Savory Nothings
About Nora 
When I got married to my professional chef husband, I realized I had to step up my game in the kitchen. Now I share my favorite foolproof family recipes here on Savory Nothings: Chef-approved, kid-vetted and easy enough for everyday home cooks like you and me!   Learn more.

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Comments

  1. Emily J says

    November 08, 2022 at 3:58 am

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious and so easy! We just did it with veggies on the side but I can’t wait to make it again in other recipes!

    Reply
    • Nora says

      November 15, 2022 at 12:35 pm

      I’m so glad, Emily!

      Reply
  2. Jenny says

    November 01, 2022 at 9:30 pm

    Very delicious! I forgot to add brown sugar in the spice blend so I ended up sprinkling it atop the pats of butter and it was bomb!

    Reply
    • Nora says

      November 15, 2022 at 1:00 pm

      I’m so glad, Jenny. And what a great way to add the missing sugar.

      Reply
  3. nancy says

    September 11, 2022 at 3:52 am

    Holy smokes, this was simple and delicious.
    thank you!

    Reply
    • Nora says

      September 18, 2022 at 12:39 pm

      I’m so glad, Nancy!

      Reply
  4. Ciny says

    September 09, 2022 at 12:15 am

    Was very very good! We enjoyed and the rest I will put in my Alfredo sauce for another! This is a keeper!

    Reply
    • Nora says

      September 18, 2022 at 12:36 pm

      I’m so glad, Ciny! Great idea with using the leftovers for an Alfredo dish, yum!

      Reply
  5. Sue says

    July 19, 2022 at 12:11 am

    5 stars
    My husband decided he wants wraps to take to work for lunch instead of made ahead meals – cooked up a bunch of this amazing chicken to put in his wraps – he is in awe!!! Thank you! I add salad, avocado, pesto, provolone and sour cream – awesome!!!!

    Reply
    • Nora says

      July 23, 2022 at 10:49 am

      That sounds so delicious, Sue! I’m glad my chicken recipe was of help for great work lunches 🙂

      Reply
  6. Kass says

    July 11, 2022 at 10:40 pm

    5 stars
    Easy to make ahead and let precise seasonings work through the chicken for an evening super dinner for guests.

    Reply
    • Nora says

      July 23, 2022 at 11:02 am

      I’m so glad, Kass!

      Reply
  7. N says

    June 25, 2022 at 4:31 pm

    5 stars
    Recipe worked for me. Very juicy, had asparagus, rice, and spinach on the side.

    Reply
    • Nora says

      June 27, 2022 at 12:23 pm

      I’m so glad!

      Reply
  8. Hannah says

    June 21, 2022 at 12:24 am

    5 stars
    Absolutely love!!! Made it tonight for the first time and everyone agreed it needs to be a staple in our household. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Nora says

      June 27, 2022 at 12:29 pm

      I’m so glad, Hannah!

      Reply
  9. Maureen says

    June 12, 2022 at 2:27 am

    3 stars
    Seasoning didn’t work for us. Thank you though

    Reply
  10. Kevin Helton says

    May 24, 2022 at 4:29 am

    This was the best flavor bomb! We used the same seasoning for the Brussel sprouts and it was amazing! All the kids ate every bit of chicken there was none left!

    Reply
    • Nora says

      May 24, 2022 at 3:53 pm

      Sounds like such a great idea with the Brussels sprouts, Kevin! Glad everyone enjoyed it.

      Reply
  11. Loretta says

    May 06, 2022 at 1:32 am

    Wow!! This dish was absolutely as juicy as promised. (I followed the recipe to the letter.) So delicious and easy to prepare. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Nora says

      May 10, 2022 at 6:38 pm

      I’m so glad, Loretta!

      Reply
  12. Rachel says

    May 05, 2022 at 2:46 am

    5 stars
    AMAZING! Seasoning absolutely perfect and the thought to use brown sugar? Absolutely perfect! The smell of it first off was very mouth watering, but the taste? My god it’s like I just went to heaven 😅 my bf said it also smelled and tasted amazing! Definitely keeping this recipe on hand! Thank you Nora!!

    Reply
    • Nora says

      May 10, 2022 at 6:39 pm

      I’m so glad the recipe was such a hit, Rachel!

      Reply
  13. Lora Phillips says

    March 28, 2022 at 1:36 am

    5 stars
    Fantastic recipe seasoned just perfect! My husband and I loved it.

    Reply
    • Nora says

      April 08, 2022 at 9:37 pm

      I’m so glad, Lora!

      Reply
  14. Ed says

    March 20, 2022 at 2:56 pm

    Can you taste the suger . Does it make the chicken taste sweet . Thank You

    Reply
    • Nora says

      March 21, 2022 at 9:49 pm

      Ed, it mostly helps with browning and with adding depth of flavor. It doesn’t add a strong sweet flavor. But if a combination of sweet and savory food is something you are sensitive to and don’t particularly enjoy, you’re probably better off leaving it out. Hope this helps!

      Reply
  15. Vivian says

    March 19, 2022 at 10:19 pm

    5 stars
    Thanks for recipe!

    Reply
    • Nora says

      March 21, 2022 at 9:53 pm

      Glad to be of service, Vivian!

      Reply
  16. Dilantha Punchihewa says

    March 19, 2022 at 7:26 am

    5 stars
    So delicious. Very easy and quick. My family loved it. Thank you very much for sharing.

    Reply
    • Nora says

      March 21, 2022 at 9:53 pm

      I’m so glad, Dilantha!

      Reply
  17. MotherSquid says

    February 28, 2022 at 2:37 am

    5 stars
    Made this tonight because I was in a hurry & had BSCB. Super easy to make, really fast & you likely have everything on hand. A GREAT BSCB recipe, would work w any cut of chicken. Just wish there wasn’t so much filler chat on these “QUICK” recipes!!

    Reply
    • Nora says

      March 06, 2022 at 1:37 pm

      I’m so glad you like it! As a side note, I like to believe I chat very little in recipes and instead put a lot of helpful info for kitchen newbies. You can always hit the “jump to recipe” button at the top and get only the concise recipe 🙂

      Reply
  18. Kyle Kesatie says

    February 17, 2022 at 2:40 am

    5 stars
    This chicken is delicious! Best baked chicken recipe I have ever found. It has the perfect amount of flavor and was nice and moist. Even my husband (who doesn’t usually like baked chicken) and my picky toddler (who turns her nose up at everything) said that they liked it a lot; any recipe that makes my toddler say that she likes it is a win in my book!

    Reply
    • Nora says

      February 18, 2022 at 2:03 pm

      I’m so glad, Kyle! And same over here, a picky 5 year old and a picky husband who both REALLY like this chicken 😂😉

      Reply
  19. Eliza says

    January 15, 2022 at 3:44 pm

    5 stars
    At first I thought that’s too much salt, but my hubby convinced me to follow the recipe.
    And it was so awesome. Great flavor. SO juicy chicken breast and now it’s on our list for next week again. Thank you

    Reply
    • Nora says

      February 05, 2022 at 2:39 pm

      I’m so glad, Eliza!

      Reply
  20. MDargis says

    January 11, 2022 at 3:55 am

    4 stars
    this was really good! Instead of pounding the chicken, I cut the breasts into thirds, lengthwise. The seasonings are excellent and I think the brown sugar really sets this apart.

    Reply
    • Nora says

      January 12, 2022 at 9:27 am

      That’s a great idea – and I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe!

      Reply
  21. Leslie says

    January 08, 2022 at 11:19 pm

    Hi, Nora
    Should i turn the chicken breast over during cooking or just leave it alone? Also, i dont have a meat thermometer. How could i test the chicken breast to know if its ready?
    Thanks,
    Leslie

    Reply
    • Nora says

      January 09, 2022 at 7:17 pm

      Leslie, there’s no need to turn the chicken over. You can just leave it alone 🙂 as far as doneness goes, it takes about 12-14 minutes to cook smaller breasts (around 6oz each). It takes 14-16 minutes for medium breasts (about 8oz each). And it takes about 16-20 minutes for large breasts (about 10oz each. If you gently push the chicken, it should feel like the thick part of the palm of your hand. To make totally sure, you’ll have to cut open the meat and check for doneness inside, the meat should be white and no longer pink. Juices should run clear. Hope this helps!

      Reply
  22. Sarah says

    January 07, 2022 at 10:33 am

    5 stars
    Perfect! Don’t have anything else to add, recipe is exactly right the way it’s written. Whole family loved. Served with roasted broccoli and brown rice. Made a great and healthy meal. Next time I’ll try your broccoli pasta to go with it, looks delish as well!

    Reply
    • Nora says

      January 07, 2022 at 10:50 am

      I’m glad your family liked the chicken, Sarah! I hope you’ll enjoy the broccoli pasta, too 🙂

      Reply
  23. Jason says

    January 07, 2022 at 10:30 am

    5 stars
    Yep, new favorite found for my weekly meal prep, I doubled the recipe for my gf and me and added some cayenne pepper and chili flakes for heat. Kept sugar to 1tbsp despite doubling the recipe, and it worked out great while reducing sugar a bit. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Nora says

      January 07, 2022 at 10:49 am

      I’m so glad, Jason! Thank you for sharing your tweaks to the recipe, sounds delicious!

      Reply
  24. Emmalyn says

    January 07, 2022 at 10:24 am

    5 stars
    Wow!! Tried this on a whim and so glad I did, came out so good. Chicken was not dry at all, very flavorful and VERY juicy.

    Reply
    • Nora says

      January 07, 2022 at 10:48 am

      I’m glad to hear it, Emmalyn!

      Reply
  25. Carol says

    January 07, 2022 at 10:21 am

    5 stars
    Came out perfect, my new go to! Thx for sharing the recipe

    Reply
    • Nora says

      January 07, 2022 at 10:48 am

      I’m so glad, Carol!

      Reply
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Nora Rusev from Savory Nothings

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Hi, I'm Nora! I wasn't always a good cook, but then I fell in love with a professional chef and learned my way around the kitchen. Now I share all my secrets to effortlessly great food here on my blog, bite-sized for home cooks just like me and you.

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