Oven Baked Chicken Breast

Oven Baked Chicken Breast

4 servings
Recipe VIDEO above. My tips for a truly juicy, Oven Baked Chicken Breast: a touch of brown sugar in the seasoning which makes the chicken sweat while it bakes so it creates a semi "sauce", and cooking fast on a high temp! Go by the colour of the crust to know when it's cooked through. 

Ingredients

  • chicken breasts)

    , 150 - 180g / 5 - 6 oz each (note 1

    4
  • olive oil
    2 tsp
  • brown sugar
    1 ½ tbsp
  • paprika
    1 tsp
  • dried oregano or thyme

    , or other herb of choice

    1 tsp
  • garlic powder
    ¼ tsp
  • each salt and pepper
    ½ tsp
  • finely chopped parsley

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 425°F/220°C (200°C fan).

  2. 2

    Pound chicken to 1.5cm / 0.6" at the thickest part - using a rolling pin, meat mallet or even your fist (key tip for even cooking + tender chicken).

  3. 3

    Mix Seasoning.

  4. 4

    Line tray with foil and baking / parchment paper. Place chicken upside down on tray. Drizzle chicken with about 1 tsp oil. Rub over with fingers. Sprinkle with Seasoning.

  5. 5

    Flip chicken. Drizzle with 1 tsp oil, rub with fingers, sprinkle with Seasoning, covering as much of the surface area as you can.

  6. 6

    Bake 18 minutes, or until surface is golden per photos and video, or internal temperature is 165°F/75°C using a meat thermometer.

  7. 7

    Remove from oven and immediately transfer chicken to serving plates.

  8. 8

    Wait 3 - 5 minutes before serving, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Pictured with a side of Garlic Butter Rice with Kale.

Oven Baked Chicken Breast

Oven Baked Chicken Breast

23 min4 servings286 cal

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About this Recipe

Tired of dry, bland chicken breasts? This Oven Baked Chicken Breast recipe promises a truly juicy and flavorful main course, perfect for any weeknight meal.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to this succulent Oven Baked Chicken Breast lies in a clever seasoning trick: a touch of brown sugar. As the chicken bakes, the brown sugar helps create a semi-sauce by making the chicken sweat, infusing moisture and flavor. Combined with a fast, high-temperature cook, this method ensures your chicken is tender on the inside with a beautifully crusted exterior.

What you'll experience is a chicken breast that defies expectations—no more tough, rubbery meat. Instead, you'll find each bite wonderfully moist, with a delicate hint of sweetness from the brown sugar and savory depth from the paprika, oregano (or thyme), and garlic powder. The high heat creates an appealing golden-brown crust, adding textural contrast that makes this simple dish feel special. You'll be able to tell it's perfectly cooked by the appetizing color of its crust.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to experiment with your favorite dried herbs; if oregano isn't your preference, thyme works beautifully, or try rosemary for a different aromatic note. You can also adjust the amount of paprika to suit your taste for a milder or bolder flavor. For a touch of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper could be added to the seasoning mix. While not specified, these are common culinary variations.

This versatile Oven Baked Chicken Breast is a fantastic foundation for countless meals, from a hearty family dinner to meal prepping lunches. Serve it simply with a side salad or your favorite roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying dish.

Frequently Asked Questions