Here’s a simple, reliable way to make juicy Baked Chicken Breast at home.
Ingredients
- 2–4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika (optional but adds color and flavor)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)
- Lemon juice (optional, for finishing)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with foil/parchment.
2. Prepare the chicken
- Pat chicken breasts dry (this helps them brown better)
- If they are very thick, gently pound them to even thickness so they cook evenly
3. Season well
- Rub chicken with olive oil or melted butter
- Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and herbs
- Coat both sides evenly
4. Bake
- Place chicken in the baking dish in a single layer
- Bake for 18–25 minutes, depending on thickness
- Do not overcook—this is the key to juicy chicken
5. Check doneness
Chicken is ready when:
- Internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F)
- Juices run clear when pierced
6. Rest before slicing
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before cutting. This keeps it juicy.
Tips for juicy chicken
- Don’t skip resting time
- Avoid overbaking (most common mistake)
- Use a meat thermometer if possible
- Brining (saltwater soak for 30 minutes) makes it even juicier
Easy serving ideas
- With rice and vegetables
- In sandwiches or wraps
- Sliced over salad
- With mashed potatoes and gravy