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Baked Chicken Breast

You'll love this method for Baked Chicken Breast—it delivers tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned chicken every time! Baked chicken breast keeps well and is great for meal prep. Whether you serve it as a main dish, over a salad, in casseroles, wraps, or sandwiches, this recipe is incredibly versatile.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 196
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast about 4 medium pieces
  • 1 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper or added to taste
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil avocado oil, or melted butter

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F with a rack in the center of the oven. Pound the chicken breasts between plastic wrap to an even thickness. Place the chicken breast on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between them for the air to circulate.
  2. Brush with oil – Pat dry the chicken again if needed, then brush all sides with oil, melted butter, or use an oil spray.
  3. Season – in a small bowl, combine the salt, garlic powder, paprika, and ground black pepper. Sprinkle the mixture all over the chicken.
  4. Bake at 400˚F for about 18-22 minutes (*See time chart below) or until chicken reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. Rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Baking Time Chart for Chicken Breasts:
  • 1/2-inch thick: 16-18 min
  • 3/4-inch thick: 20-22 min
  • 1-inch thick: 24-26 min
Variations:  
  • BBQ – use a BBQ dry rub seasoning mix
  • Lemon-Pepper – zest of 1 lemon, salt, pepper, garlic powder
  • Spiced – Chili powder, Cajun seasoning, or Taco seasoning
  • Italian Herb – oregano, thyme, basil, parsley, rosemary, or Italian seasoning
 
Storage Tips:
  • Make Ahead – chicken can be oiled, seasoned and refrigerated up to 24 hours ahead. Bring to room temp 15 min before baking.
  • Refrigerate cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days
  • Freeze for up to 3 months.