Baked Chicken Breast is an easy, healthy, and flavorful dish that delivers juicy, tender chicken every time. By using a few simple ingredients like garlic, butter, and a blend of seasonings, this recipe ensures your chicken turns out perfectly cooked and delicious. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or preparing a quick dinner, this baked chicken breast recipe will become your go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Baked Chicken Breast recipe is simple yet full of flavor. The combination of garlic, butter, and Italian seasonings creates a mouthwatering aroma while keeping the chicken juicy. The parchment paper ensures that the chicken retains moisture throughout the baking process, resulting in a tender texture. Plus, with only a few ingredients, it’s a quick and hassle-free way to make a healthy meal the whole family will enjoy. It’s versatile enough to be served with a variety of sides like vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

Olive oil cooking spray
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, fat trimmed off
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
½ teaspoon dried oregano, or to taste
½ teaspoon Italian Seasoning, or to taste
1 tablespoon butter, cut up into 4 pats
Parchment paper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prep: Preheat the oven to 400˚F (200˚C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Prep the chicken: Pat dry the chicken breasts with paper towels. Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Rub each chicken breast with minced garlic.
Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, and Italian seasoning. Place a pat of butter over each chicken breast.
Add the parchment paper: Place a sheet of parchment paper over the chicken breasts. Tuck the edges so that the parchment paper snugly covers the chicken.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 33 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 162˚F to 165˚F.
Rest and serve: Remove the chicken breasts from the oven and transfer them to a serving plate. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving and slicing.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 to 33 minutes
Total time: 40 to 43 minutes

Variations

Add more spices: Feel free to add other spices like onion powder, paprika, or even a bit of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
Cheesy option: Top the chicken with shredded cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy, golden finish.
Lemon flavor: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before baking, or place lemon slices on top of the chicken for a bright, zesty flavor.
Herb infusions: Use fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley to enhance the flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350˚F (175˚C) for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes, but the oven method helps retain the chicken’s moisture.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can! If using chicken thighs, the cooking time may vary slightly, so be sure to check for an internal temperature of 165˚F.

2. What if I don’t have parchment paper?

You can substitute parchment paper with aluminum foil. It will also help retain moisture and keep the chicken tender.

3. How can I tell when the chicken is done?

Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should read 165˚F when fully cooked.

4. Can I cook this chicken at a lower temperature?

While this recipe is designed for 400˚F, you can lower the temperature to 375˚F if you prefer, but it may slightly increase the cooking time.

5. Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?

Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or broccoli around the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Just make sure the vegetables are cut to a similar size for even cooking.

6. Can I freeze the cooked chicken breasts?

Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken breasts for up to 3 months. Let the chicken cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and placing it in a freezer-safe bag.

7. How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add some heat, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes over the chicken before baking.

8. Can I broil the chicken for a golden finish?

Yes, if you want a golden crispy top, you can broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, just be sure to watch it closely to prevent burning.

9. Can I marinate the chicken before baking?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs for 1-2 hours before baking to infuse even more flavor.

10. How long should I let the chicken rest before slicing?

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and tender.

Conclusion

Baked Chicken Breast is an easy and versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste. The combination of simple ingredients like garlic, butter, and seasoning ensures a flavorful, juicy result every time. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a meal for guests, this recipe delivers perfectly cooked chicken that’s sure to impress.