Easy Simple Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe
If you’ve ever struggled with making chicken breasts that turn out dry or bland, you’re not alone. Many home cooks shy away from baking chicken because they fear it will come out tough. But here’s the good news—when done right, simple baked chicken breasts can be juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. This recipe is straightforward, beginner-friendly, and uses pantry staples, making it perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners.
Whether you’re looking for a quick protein option to toss on salads, shred into sandwiches, or serve with roasted vegetables, this baked chicken breast recipe will become your go-to. Let’s walk through everything you need to know to nail it every single time.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Simple Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe
- Juicy and tender: Proper seasoning and the right cooking temperature ensure you never end up with dry chicken.
- Healthy: Lean protein that fits into many diets, from low-carb to high-protein meal plans.
- Versatile: Works as the star of the plate or as an ingredient in other dishes.
- Beginner-friendly: No complicated steps, no special equipment required.
This is one of those recipes you’ll cook once and then keep making again and again because of how easy and reliable it is.
Ingredients for Simple Baked Chicken Breasts
Here’s what you’ll need to make perfectly baked chicken breasts. These ingredients are simple, affordable, and likely already in your pantry:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for color and mild sweetness)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or oregano (optional, for a herby flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the ideal temperature to bake chicken breasts quickly while still keeping them juicy.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the oil and seasonings stick better and ensures a nice golden exterior.
Step 3: Season Generously
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board or tray. Brush both sides with olive oil. Then sprinkle the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme evenly over each breast. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—chicken breasts are mild and benefit from bold flavors.
Step 4: Arrange on a Baking Dish
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer on a baking dish or sheet pan lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Make sure they aren’t crowded together; this helps them cook evenly.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Simple Baked Chicken Breasts
Even though this recipe is straightforward, a few small tricks can make all the difference:
- Use a meat thermometer: It’s the best way to avoid undercooked or overcooked chicken. Once it hits 165°F, it’s safe to eat.
- Pound the chicken breasts: If they’re uneven in thickness, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them with a mallet or rolling pin. Even thickness means even cooking.
- Resting is key: Cutting into the chicken too soon will release all the juices. Letting it rest ensures it stays moist.
- Don’t overbake: Overcooking is the number one reason chicken turns out dry. Keep a close eye on the oven timer.
- Add a sauce for extra flavor: A drizzle of lemon butter, honey mustard, or even barbecue sauce can take it up a notch.
Variations to Try
The beauty of simple baked chicken breasts is how customizable they are. Here are a few delicious variations you can try:
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the seasoning mix.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle cayenne pepper or chili powder along with the paprika for heat.
- Italian Style: Use Italian seasoning instead of paprika and thyme. Serve with marinara sauce and mozzarella for a baked chicken Parmesan vibe.
- Garlic Butter Baked Chicken: Swap olive oil for melted butter and increase the garlic powder to 2 teaspoons.
- Honey Mustard Chicken: Whisk together 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard and 1 tablespoon honey, then brush it over the chicken before baking.
Ingredient Substitutions
Don’t worry if you’re missing an ingredient—here are some easy swaps:
- Olive oil → Use avocado oil, canola oil, or melted butter.
- Paprika → Try smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
- Garlic powder → Use 2–3 minced garlic cloves instead.
- Dried thyme → Substitute with rosemary, oregano, or basil.
These substitutions ensure you can always make this recipe with what you have on hand.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Resting Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Each chicken breast is a full portion, but you can slice them and use them in salads, sandwiches, or pasta to stretch the servings further.
What to Serve with Simple Baked Chicken Breasts
One of the best things about simple baked chicken breasts is how versatile they are. Because the flavor is mild yet satisfying, you can pair them with just about any side dish, making it easy to build a balanced meal no matter what’s in your pantry. Here are some delicious serving ideas to inspire you:
Classic Vegetable Pairings
Roasted vegetables are always a winning choice. Try roasting broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a colorful and nutritious side. Steamed green beans or sautéed zucchini are lighter options that work equally well.
Comfort Food Favorites
When you want something hearty, pair your chicken with mashed potatoes, creamy scalloped potatoes, or even roasted sweet potatoes. These sides balance the lean protein with rich, satisfying flavors.
Healthy Grain Options
If you’re aiming for a more balanced, health-conscious meal, rice, quinoa, or couscous make great partners. Whole grains soak up the juices from the chicken and add a nutty, wholesome flavor. Brown rice or wild rice can bring extra texture to the plate.
Fresh and Light Sides
Simple salads are perfect when you want something lighter. A crisp Caesar salad, mixed greens with vinaigrette, or even a Greek salad with cucumbers and feta complement the chicken beautifully. Adding a squeeze of lemon over the salad and chicken ties everything together.
Pasta Pairings
For an Italian-inspired dinner, serve baked chicken breasts over spaghetti, penne, or linguine. Toss the pasta with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs for a simple side, or go all out with a creamy Alfredo or tomato-based sauce.
Bread and Extras
Warm dinner rolls, garlic bread, or cornbread can round out the meal if you’re serving a crowd. For an extra burst of flavor, serve the chicken alongside a dipping sauce like honey mustard, ranch, or chimichurri.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
One of the best things about baked chicken breasts is that they store and reheat beautifully. Perfect for meal prep!
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To avoid drying out, reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or slice and reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth.
Meal Prep Ideas
This recipe isn’t just for dinner—you can use baked chicken breasts for a week’s worth of meals:
- Chicken salad sandwiches
- Protein for lunch bowls with rice and veggies
- Shredded chicken tacos
- Added to pasta or casseroles
- Topping for Caesar salads
Cooking a batch at once means you’ll always have healthy protein ready to go.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not seasoning enough: Chicken needs seasoning to shine, so don’t skimp.
- Skipping the rest period: Cutting into it too soon lets the juices escape.
- Baking at too low a temperature: Higher heat cooks it quickly and helps lock in moisture.
- Crowding the pan: Space them out so they roast rather than steam.
Conclusion (Simple Baked Chicken Breasts)
When it comes to easy, reliable, and healthy meals, simple baked chicken breasts are hard to beat. They require minimal prep, use basic pantry spices, and can be on the table in under 40 minutes. The beauty of this dish is its flexibility—you can enjoy the chicken as the main star of dinner, slice it into salads for a light lunch, shred it into tacos, or even use it as protein for meal prep throughout the week.
Another reason why home cooks love simple baked chicken breasts is that they’re nearly foolproof once you know the right steps. From preheating the oven to 400°F to letting the chicken rest after baking, each step ensures juicy, tender meat every single time. It’s a technique that gives you consistent results and helps you avoid the common pitfall of dry chicken.
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s healthy, versatile, and family-approved, this one deserves a spot in your regular rotation. With just a few simple tricks—like pounding the breasts evenly, seasoning generously, and using a meat thermometer—you’ll have a dependable go-to dish for weeknights, meal prep, or special occasions.
In short, learning how to make simple baked chicken breasts is one of the best cooking skills you can add to your kitchen routine. This recipe proves that you don’t need complicated ingredients or hours of cooking to create a flavorful, satisfying, and wholesome meal that everyone will enjoy.
