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The Ultimate Juicy Baked Chicken Breast: Simple Method for Tender Results Every Time

Close-up of a perfectly cooked, juicy baked chicken breast slice showing moist white meat and a richly seasoned, browned exterior.

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Learn how to bake chicken breast in the oven so it stays perfectly tender and juicy. This simple, foolproof method uses basic seasoning for a healthy main dish perfect for weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 68 oz each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels. This step helps the seasoning stick and promotes better texture.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and paprika to create your best baked chicken breast seasoning blend.
  4. Rub the olive oil evenly over all surfaces of the chicken breasts.
  5. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken, pressing gently so it adheres well.
  6. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Place one small piece of butter on top of each chicken breast.
  7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The exact time depends on the thickness of your chicken.
  8. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. You are looking for 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) at the thickest part. This is how you bake chicken breast without drying it out.
  9. Remove the chicken from the oven. Let the chicken rest in the dish for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing or serving. This resting period keeps the juices inside.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can add a thin slice of lemon on top of the butter before baking.
  • If you are making this for meal prep, allow the chicken to cool completely before storing it in airtight containers.
  • To achieve a golden-brown top, you can briefly switch the oven to the broiler setting for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

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