This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
If you’ve ever struggled with dry, flavorless chicken breast, fear no more! I’ve got a fail-proof method that will give you perfectly juicy and tender chicken every time. And the best part? It’s super easy to make and customize with your favorite seasonings. So let’s dive into the world of oven-baked chicken breasts!
A few weeks ago, I asked my Instagram followers if they’d be interested in learning the best ways to bake proteins in the oven. The response was overwhelming, with many of you sharing your protein-cooking mishaps and longing for foolproof methods. Well, I’ve got your back!
Today, I want to focus on the number one most requested protein: chicken. Specifically, boneless skinless chicken breasts. These versatile pieces of meat can be a bit tricky to work with, but with my 5-step method, you’ll be able to achieve juicy, flavorful chicken breasts every single time.
Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe | 1-Minute Video
Baked Chicken Breast Ingredients:
To make this recipe, you’ll need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Fresh is preferable, but if you’re using frozen chicken, make sure to completely thaw them first.
- Butter or olive oil: I personally love the flavor of butter, but olive oil works just as well.
- Kosher salt: An essential ingredient for our brine and seasoning.
- Seasonings: I’ve included a simple blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in the recipe. However, feel free to use any dry seasoning blend you prefer.
How to Bake Chicken Breasts:
Alright, let me spill the secret to perfect chicken breasts: the B.B.R.R.R. method!
-
Brine (Step 1): Brining is a must if you want juicy chicken breasts. It’s super easy, takes only 15 minutes, and makes a world of difference. Simply fill a bowl with lukewarm water and dissolve salt in it. Let your chicken breasts brine in the saltwater for at least 15 minutes, then rinse and pat them dry.
-
Brush (Step 2): Brush your chicken breasts with melted butter or your preferred cooking oil. This not only prevents sticking but also adds a delicious golden crust to the chicken.
-
Rub (Step 3): Season your chicken breasts with a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can always customize the seasoning to your liking.
-
Roast (Step 4): Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Roast the chicken breasts for approximately 15-18 minutes, depending on their thickness. Cooking at high heat ensures a crispy crust while keeping the meat tender and juicy. To be sure of the chicken’s doneness, use a cooking thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
-
Rest (Step 5): This step is crucial. Allow your chicken breasts to rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into them. This ensures that the juices distribute evenly throughout the meat, resulting in maximum tenderness and flavor.
How to Season Baked Chicken Breasts:
While the classic paprika-garlic-pepper seasoning is always a winner, feel free to experiment with other dry seasoning mixes. Try Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, Za’atar seasoning, taco seasoning, or even everything bagel seasoning. The choice is yours!
How to Use/Serve Baked Chicken Breasts:
Of course, you can enjoy these perfectly baked chicken breasts fresh out of the oven. However, you can also slice, shred, or dice them for use in other recipes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Chicken Souvlaki
- Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti
- Enfrijoladas
- Healthy Curry Chicken Salad
- Asian Chicken Chopped Salad
- Herb-Loaded Chicken Noodle Soup
- 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili
- Creamy Chicken Marsala Soup
- Easy Chicken Posole Verde
How to Store Baked Chicken Breasts:
If you have any leftovers (which I doubt), you can store the baked chicken breasts in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. I recommend shredding, dicing, or slicing the chicken before freezing for easier use.
Side Dish Recipe Ideas:
Looking for some delicious side dishes to serve with your baked chicken? Here are a few of my favorites:
- Everyday Salad or Our Family’s Favorite Salad
- Scalloped Potatoes, Mashed Potatoes, or Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Perfect Roasted Brussels Sprouts or Roasted Asparagus
- Berry Fruit Salad or Winter Fruit Salad
More Baked Protein Tutorials:
If you enjoyed learning how to bake chicken breasts, be sure to check out our other tutorials for baking pork chops, salmon, tofu, whole fish, steak, and shrimp. We’ve got you covered for all your protein cooking needs!
At Ekilove, we’re all about making cooking fun and delicious. So why not give this oven-baked chicken breast recipe a try? Your taste buds will thank you!
