How to Make Juicy Baked Chicken Breasts in the Oven – Simple & Healthy
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.
This baked chicken breast recipe is one of my favorite go-tos when I need a healthy, no-fuss dinner on the table fast. Some evenings are just too hectic with school pickups, figure skating practices, or editing food photos for the blog, and the last thing I want is to spend an hour in the kitchen. This is the kind of recipe that gives me a little breathing room without compromising on flavor.
It’s also a great base recipe if you’re experimenting with other cuts like baked chicken thighs, oven baked chicken tenderloins, or even baked chicken legs—which I love switching in when I want something different. The high-heat method works great across all these variations.
For something a bit more cozy, you can even try serving this with a drizzle of creamy sauces for chicken or bake it in a foil packet with a spoonful of sauce—one of the most underrated ways to cook chicken if you ask me!
It’s become a dependable option when I’m meal prepping for the week or making a quick lunch for my husband. I often pair it with my Easy Coleslaw, Oven Baked Potatoes, or add it on top of my Simple Banana Bread with Walnuts for a sweet-savory lunch twist (yes, really—try it!). If I have leftovers, I’ll dice it up for Packed Lunches for Kids or shred it into Quick Chicken Alfredo Pasta for a cozy second-day meal.
Sometimes I serve it alongside Spinach and Ham Frittata or make a protein-packed plate with Grilled Mexican Street Corn Salad. It’s that kind of versatile—you can dress it up or keep it plain, and it always works.
It’s nothing fancy, but it’s everything I need it to be on busy nights—and I think you’ll find it just as helpful in your own kitchen.
I usually make it when I’ve had a long day and need dinner that feels comforting without a ton of effort. It’s also great for adding to salads, wraps, or even a chicken pasta dish like my Quick Chicken Alfredo Pasta.
Let’s keep it simple and get started!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – From start to finish in under 30 minutes.
- Juicy Every Time – High heat baking locks in moisture.
- Versatile – Serve with veggies, rice, pasta, or shred it for tacos.
- Minimal Ingredients – You likely already have everything in your kitchen!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8×8 Baking Dish – I like using this smaller dish when baking just a couple of chicken breasts. It keeps the juices from spreading out too much, helping the chicken stay moist while baking.
- Silicone Pastry Brush – Makes brushing oil on the chicken easy and mess-free. It gives you better control than pouring or drizzling, so seasoning sticks more evenly.
- Glass Mixing Bowls – I always use these for prepping my salt and pepper mix, and sometimes for tossing the chicken if I’m adding extra herbs or spices.
- Cooking Foil – After baking, I cover the chicken loosely with foil so it can rest. This helps lock in all the juices, making the chicken super tender.
- Meat Thermometer – This is a must! It takes the guesswork out of cooking. Once it hits 165°F, I know the chicken is safe and juicy without being overdone.
Ingredients
- 2 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
Latest Video
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water, then pat them dry with a paper towel.
- In a small bowl, combine the salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken in your baking dish. Use the silicone brush to coat both sides with olive oil, then season both sides with your salt and pepper mix.
- Bake uncovered for 18–20 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
- For a crispier top, broil for an additional 3–5 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and cover loosely with foil. Let rest for 5–10 minutes to allow the juices to settle.
Flavor Tips & Recipe Variations
- Add garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Slice thin for sandwiches or dice for salads.
- Double the recipe and save leftovers for meal prep.
- Pair it with my Easy Coleslaw or Oven Baked Potatoes for a complete meal.
This juicy baked chicken breast is proof that easy can still mean flavorful. It’s a staple recipe I return to over and over again—and I hope it becomes one of your favorites too!
How to Store Cooked Chicken: Storage Tips
Refrigerator
To keep cooked chicken fresh in the refrigerator, store it in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. It can be safely stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Slicing or shredding the chicken before storing makes it easier to portion and reheat later. Place the container on a middle or lower shelf where the temperature is most consistent.
Freezer
To store cooked chicken long-term, allow it to cool completely first. Then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date before placing it in the freezer. Cooked chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months for best quality.
To Reheat
When ready to enjoy your chicken again, choose one of the following methods:
- Microwave: Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Reheat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- Oven: Preheat to 325°F (165°C) and place chicken in an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth or water, then cover with foil. Bake until heated through, usually about 15–20 minutes.
- Stovetop: Add a little oil or broth to a skillet and reheat the chicken over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warm.
Tips for Best Results
- Always check the internal temperature before consuming; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Reheat only the portion you plan to eat. Avoid reheating the same chicken more than once.
- Use portion-sized containers for easier meal prep and quicker defrosting.
Proper storage not only maintains the flavor and texture of your chicken but also keeps it safe to eat!
Meal Prep Recipes
More Easy Dinner Recipes to Try
If you loved this baked chicken breast recipe, here are a few more easy and family-friendly recipes from my blog you might enjoy:
- Quick Chicken Alfredo Pasta – Creamy, comforting, and ready in 20 minutes.
- Spinach and Ham Frittata – A great protein-packed breakfast-for-dinner option.
- Grilled Mexican Street Corn Salad – Sweet, smoky, and loaded with flavor.
- Simple Banana Bread with Walnuts – The perfect sweet treat to round out your meal.
These tried-and-true favorites make dinnertime easier and more delicious—without the stress. Let me know which one you try next!
Baked chicken breast
Ingredients
- 2 Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them completely dry using a paper towel.
- In a small bowl, mix together the salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in an 8×8-inch baking dish. Use a silicone brush to coat both sides with olive oil, then season evenly with your salt and pepper mixture. Flip the chicken and repeat.
- Bake the chicken uncovered for 18–20 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C). For a crispier top, broil for an additional 3–5 minutes at the end.
- Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and cover loosely with cooking foil. Let the chicken rest for 5–10 minutes to lock in the juices before slicing or serving.
Video
Leave a Reply