Perfect Baked Chicken Breasts

Perfect Baked Chicken Breasts

The simplest, easiest way to bake moist and tender chicken breasts in the oven.

Ingredients

  • butter or olive oil
  • or more boneless

    skinless chicken breast

    1
  • salt and pepper
  • other spices or seasonings

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat the oven to 400°F with a rack in the middle position. Rub the pan and one side of the parchment paper with butter or olive oil; this prevents the chicken from sticking.

  2. 2

    Pat the chicken dry and rub with a little butter or olive oil, if desired. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any other favorite seasonings.

  3. 3

    Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish, spaced slightly apart. You can also tuck herbs or lemon wedges around the chicken for extra flavor.

  4. 4

    Lay the parchment, butter-side down, over the chicken. Tuck the edges into the pan and press the parchment down so that it's snug around the chicken. The chicken breasts should be completely covered with the parchment.

  5. 5

    Transfer the chicken to the oven until the chicken is completely opaque all the way through and registers 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. Start checking after 20 minutes; total cooking time is usually 30 to 40 minutes.

  6. 6

    Serve the chicken immediately, or let it cool and refrigerate for up to a week.

Perfect Baked Chicken Breasts

Perfect Baked Chicken Breasts

45 min181 cal

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About this Recipe

Looking for a foolproof way to get perfectly moist, tender baked chicken breasts every time? This recipe delivers on simplicity and incredible flavor, making dinner effortless and delicious.

This method champions minimal ingredients for maximum impact, ensuring your chicken stays juicy without complicated steps. It’s about letting quality ingredients shine, offering a truly versatile main dish that’s easy to master, even for weeknights.

Prepare for a dinner that’s both satisfying and surprisingly easy to achieve. You'll bite into incredibly tender chicken, subtly seasoned and rich in flavor, whether you choose the luscious richness of butter or the delicate touch of olive oil. This naturally gluten-free dish provides a wholesome, protein-packed base for countless meals, perfectly complementing a wide array of sides without overwhelming the palate.

Beyond just salt and pepper, feel free to explore different spice blends to customize your chicken—think smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or a medley of Italian herbs for a new twist. You can also swap between butter for richness and olive oil for a lighter touch, depending on your preference or what you have on hand.

Perfect Baked Chicken Breasts are a fantastic foundation for any dinner, pairing wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or your favorite grain.

Frequently Asked Questions