{"id":20875,"date":"2025-02-10T07:01:00","date_gmt":"2025-02-10T12:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/addapinch.com\/?p=20875"},"modified":"2025-02-10T07:01:38","modified_gmt":"2025-02-10T12:01:38","slug":"simple-baked-chicken-breast-recipe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/addapinch.com\/simple-baked-chicken-breast-recipe\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Baked Chicken Breast Recipe"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This baked chicken breast recipe<\/strong> makes the best baked chicken<\/em>! Follow my simple 3-step method<\/strong> with 3 ingredients<\/strong> for the most juicy, tender, and delicious baked chicken breasts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> 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 <\/strong>recipe! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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As much as I love chicken, it’s not the most appetizing when it\u2019s 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!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

My baked\u00a0chicken breast recipe is tender, juicy<\/strong>, and scrumptious! And from the many requests I get for chicken breast recipes,\u00a0I knew you would enjoy it, too.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This simple, classic\u00a0chicken dinner recipe<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>makes the perfect healthy comfort food.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 <\/a>or chicken tortilla soup<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let me tell you how simple and easy it is to make!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ingredients<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ingredients<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

To make the most delicious baked chicken, you\u2019ll need 3 ingredients<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chicken<\/strong> Breasts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I like to use fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts<\/strong>. However, if your chicken is frozen, it is best to let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight until it is fully thawed<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Olive Oil<\/strong><\/strong> or Butter<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seasonings<\/strong> <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I prefer to use my homemade Stone House Seasoning<\/a>. It is simply a blend of kosher\u00a0salt, black\u00a0pepper, and granulated garlic. At the most basic, I recommend using salt<\/strong> and black\u00a0pepper<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also season with\u00a0Italian Seasoning<\/a>,\u00a0Ranch Seasoning<\/a>, or even\u00a0Taco Seasoning<\/a>, depending on how you plan to use your oven-baked chicken breast\u00a0in recipes. Some people also like to use paprika,\u00a0onion powder, oregano, parmesan, and parsley. Feel free to season your chicken to suit your tastes!\u00a0We also love them brushed with delicious BBQ sauce<\/a>!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Tips for the Best Baked Chicken Breasts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  1. Start with fresh chicken breasts or chicken that has been fully thawed, if frozen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Follow the Simple 3 Step-Method: Prep, Cook, and Rest<\/strong> along with the instructions. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. I use a high<\/strong> 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!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. 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. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. The “Rest step<\/strong>” is important! Allowing the chicken to rest for a bit after cooking results in tender, juicy chicken. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    How to Make Juicy Baked Chicken Breasts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Preheat. <\/strong>Preheat the oven to 450\u00ba F. Arrange the rack to the middle position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Prep<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    First, or Step 1 is to Prep<\/strong> 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\u00d713 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Photo<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Cook<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Step 2 is to Cook<\/strong> the chicken. Bake chicken breasts until the internal temperature registers 160\u00ba 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Photo<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Rest<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The last and very important Step 3 is to let it Rest<\/strong>. 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<\/strong> the juicy chicken breasts with your favorite sides and enjoy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How to Bake Bone-in Chicken Breast<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    To make this recipe with bone-in chicken, you’ll follow the same instructions as you would for boneless (with one special tip<\/strong>!). The cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your chicken. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Here’s my Special<\/strong> Tip<\/strong>: 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Storage Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    To make ahead and to store. <\/strong>Allow to cool and then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To freeze.<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    Meal Prep Tip!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Bake a large batch of chicken to use throughout the week in salads, sandwiches, and other meals. Freeze to use within 3 months.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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    Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    Can frozen chicken breasts be baked in the oven?<\/strong>

    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. <\/p> <\/div>

    Why bake the chicken at such a high temperature?<\/strong>

    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. <\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Some Favorite Sides to Serve with Chicken Breast<\/h2>\n\n\n\n