Nothing beats a juicy, tender chicken dinner that comes together with minimal fuss. This Simple Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe is exactly that kind of meal—effortlessly delicious and perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings. With just a handful of staple ingredients and straightforward steps, you get perfectly seasoned, moist chicken breasts every single time. It’s the recipe that makes you wonder why you ever complicated dinner any other way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Simple Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe plays a crucial role, keeping the flavors bright and the texture just right. These essentials come together to create a simple yet deeply satisfying dish you’ll want to make again and again.
- 4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds total): Choose even-sized pieces for consistent cooking and tenderness throughout.
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt: The dry brining step uses this to enhance natural chicken flavors while keeping each bite juicy.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right hint of spice and depth without overpowering the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and encourages a beautiful, golden finish on the outside.
How to Make Simple Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe
Step 1: Dry Brine for Maximum Flavor
Start by laying the chicken breasts on a plate or cutting board. Grab about half the salt with your fingertips and sprinkle it evenly from about a foot above, ensuring it distributes nicely. Flip the chicken and repeat on the other side so both are well-seasoned. This dry brine does wonders by drawing moisture into the meat, unlocking deeper flavor and incredible juiciness. While the salt works its magic, set a timer for 15 minutes and preheat your oven to 425°F.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken for Baking
Once the 15 minutes are up, lightly pat the top of each chicken breast dry with a clean paper towel to remove excess moisture—this helps form a lovely crust while baking. Transfer the chicken breasts dry side down to a rimmed baking pan or casserole dish in a single layer. Then, pat the other side dry now facing up. Season with black pepper and drizzle with olive oil, making sure each piece is coated for that inviting golden crust.
Step 3: Bake, Rest, and Revel
Pop the baking dish into your preheated 425°F oven for 20 to 30 minutes. The key is to check the thickest part of the breast using an instant-read thermometer, aiming for at least 155°F to ensure perfect doneness. When done, remove the chicken and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This resting period lets the juices redistribute while the internal temperature gently rises to 165°F, bringing you the most tender and flavorful results.
How to Serve Simple Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary sprinkled over the top add a pop of color and an herbal brightness that complements the warm, savory flavors of the chicken. A wedge of lemon on the side offers a fresh citrus zing that elevates the entire dish.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with a range of sides—from creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted vegetables to a fresh green salad with vinaigrette for a lighter touch. For an easy Mediterranean spin, try serving it alongside couscous or quinoa tossed with olives and cherry tomatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your Simple Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe into thin medallions and layer them over a bed of sautéed spinach or creamy polenta for an elegant meal. Alternatively, dice the chicken and toss it into wraps or salads for a quick lunch that feels anything but basic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover chicken completely before placing it in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay good for up to four days, making it a perfect protein-packed addition to lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken breasts by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. For best taste and texture, use within three months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover chicken gently to preserve moisture—you can warm it in the oven at 325°F wrapped in foil or use a microwave with short bursts of heat, covered, to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of water or broth before warming helps keep it juicy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this Simple Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe?
It’s best to use fully thawed chicken breasts so the cooking is even and the texture remains tender. Cooking frozen chicken directly often leads to uneven doneness and dry edges.
What if I don’t have kosher salt? Can I use table salt instead?
Yes, but reduce the amount since table salt is finer and saltier by volume. Use about half the quantity of table salt to avoid over-salting your chicken.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The most reliable way is using an instant-read thermometer. The thickest part of the chicken breast should reach 165°F after resting. If you don’t have a thermometer, make sure the juices run clear when pierced and the meat is no longer pink inside.
Can I add other spices or herbs to this recipe?
Absolutely! This Simple Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe is a wonderful base that welcomes your favorite seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, or Italian herbs. Just sprinkle them on with the black pepper for a personalized touch.
Is it necessary to rest the chicken after baking?
Yes, resting is crucial. Letting the chicken rest for 10 minutes after baking allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist rather than letting all the flavorful juices escape when you cut into it right away.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone craving a dependable, delicious chicken dinner without the hassle. Easy to prep, quick to bake, and endlessly versatile, it’s a recipe that quickly becomes a favorite in your culinary rotation. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll love how effortlessly satisfying it is.
Print
Simple Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This recipe for baked chicken breasts features a simple dry brine technique to enhance flavor and juiciness, followed by roasting at a high temperature to achieve tender, perfectly cooked chicken. Ideal for a quick and healthy dinner, it serves 4 to 6 and requires minimal ingredients and prep time.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds total)
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Dry brine the chicken: Lay the chicken breasts on a plate or cutting board. Using about half of the kosher salt, sprinkle it evenly over the chicken from a height of at least 1 foot to ensure an even coating. Flip the breasts and repeat the salting to season both sides evenly. Set a timer for 15 minutes and preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the chicken: After 15 minutes, pat the top of the chicken breasts dry using a clean paper towel. Transfer the chicken breasts dry side down to a rimmed baking pan or casserole dish in a single layer. Pat the top side dry as well. Season the chicken evenly with black pepper and drizzle with olive oil to help with browning and flavor.
- Bake, rest, and serve: Bake the chicken at 425°F for 20 to 30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of each breast. The internal temperature should reach at least 155°F before resting. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes; during this time, the temperature will rise to a safe 165°F. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Dry brining helps to tenderize the meat and enhance flavor by allowing the salt to penetrate.
- Using a thermometer is crucial for perfectly cooked chicken and food safety.
- Resting the chicken allows juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier bite.
- Olive oil aids in browning and adds a subtle richness.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 to 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
