Baked Chicken Breast is easy, juicy and ready with 5 minutes of prep. This simple chicken breast recipe will become your go-to! You will be surprised that juicy chicken breast is baked uncovered. 🙂
Our other go-to chicken breast recipes are Instant Pot chicken breast and grilled chicken breast. Also browse over 65 the best chicken recipes on iFOODreal.
Table of contents
Baked chicken breast. It’s no secret chicken is America’s most popular meat and chicken breast is the most sold cut of chicken. There is “a rumor in town” that unlike baked chicken thighs, roasted chicken breasts come out dry. And it is sort of true.
So, I will show you the best way how to bake healthy, juicy and flavorful chicken breast in the oven. With simple spices and no marinating, it will become one of healthy dinner recipes you will make over and over.
Need more help meal planning? Check out iFOODreal healthy meal plans.
Why This Recipe Works
- Juiciest chicken breast ever thanks to our optimal tried and tested oven temperature and cooking method.
- No pounding or brining required makes this quick weeknight dinner or weekend meal prep recipe.
- Only 5 simple spices including salt and pepper make this such an easy chicken breast recipe.
Ingredients for Baked Chicken Breast
I’m from Ukraine where 30 traditional dishes like beef stew and borscht are made with same 15 ingredients. I’m a strong believer in simple cooking. 🙂
- Smoked paprika: There is a big difference between regular and smoked paprika – the smoky flavor. You can use regular paprika but the breast wouldn’t be the same. Find smoked paprika in a supermarket near you, stock up and use up. It is my secret to a flavorful vegetable soup.
- Dried oregano, basil, rosemary or Italian seasoning: You can use either. I used oregano.
- Garlic powder, salt and pepper: Also you can use grated clove of fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. If you love garlic like me and have time.
- Olive or avocado oil: It helps to lock in juices and seasonings stick.
How Long to Bake Chicken Breasts?
For most juicy chicken breasts, it is important to bake them at 450 degrees F and uncovered. Also thickness of chicken breasts and your individual oven will dictate cooking time. Below are general guidelines:
- Under 2 inches thick breasts: Bake for 25 minutes.
- Over 2 inches thick breasts: Bake for 30-35 minutes. Covering chicken breast during baking will result in “boiled” like chicken.
Pro Tip: Ovens do really vary based on age, manufacturer and type. Also convection oven method will cook chicken about 3-5 minutes faster, so adjust time accordingly. Newer ovens come as convection only ovens, so check your manual or settings.
What Is the Best Internal Temperature?
When is chicken ready? When instant read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of meat reads 150 degrees F, it is time to remove chicken breasts from the oven and let them rest under cover. Do not over bake in the oven because chicken will keep cooking with residual heat while resting.
When is chicken safe to eat? As per food safety guidelines, any poultry is safe to consume when internal read thermometer reads 165 degrees F. This temperature is hot enough to kill harmful bacteria that causes food poisoning. If you cook a lot of meat, investing in simple and efficient food thermometer is a great idea!
How to Bake Chicken Breasts in the Oven
This recipe is very easy and quick, that’s why it’s our go-to along with this chicken breast in tomato sauce recipe.
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F: Depending on the oven, it should take about 15-20 minutes. Get it going before any prep.
- Season chicken breasts: Drizzle meat with oil, sprinkle with spices and toss around right in baking dish. There is no need for mixing seasoning in a separate bowl.
- Bake uncovered: For 25 minutes to 35 minutes depending on the thickness. Make sure not to cover chicken breast during baking because it will result in “boiled” like chicken.
- Let it rest covered for 10 mins: This is when meat will reach internal temperature of 165 degrees F and become juicy.
- Slice against the grain: After resting, slice against the grain. Not lengthwise but crosswise. The way that makes short slices. Watch video below for help.
More Tips for Juicy Chicken Breast
- Choose similar size chicken breasts: If you bake 5 oz chicken breast at same time as 9 oz chicken breast, I can guarantee you the smaller piece will come out rubbery and dry by the time larger one is ready.
- Let them rest: Letting chicken rest while covered allows its juices to distribute evenly throughout the meat. This is one of most important steps to juicy chicken breast.
- Follow the recipe: As tempting as it might be to use lower oven temperature, know that baking chicken breast at 350 F or even 400 F will steam it rather than bake. And produce dry meat which we try to avoid.
FAQs
Yes. Follow instructions above and add extra 5-10 minutes to baking time. It is a loose recommendation and depending on thickness, make sure to check with meat thermometer for 150 degrees F internal temperature. Or follow Instant Pot frozen chicken breast recipe instead.
I used 2 lbs or 3 large chicken breasts. There are 8 servings. 1 serving is 1/2 cup and it contains 151 calories. Please note nutritional information is estimated to serve as a guideline only and is located in the recipe card below.
Yes. Preheat air fryer to 380 degrees F and bake for 10 minutes on one side, flip and cook for another 8 minutes or so (depending on thickness) and until internal temperature reads 160 degrees F. Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes covered.
What Goes with Baked Chicken Breast?
Cooked chicken breasts are not only easy to make and healthy but also extremely versatile. Here are a few ideas to use them:
- Whole grains: Our default is quinoa or brown rice. Or serve along 10 minute spaghetti with tomato sauce, lighter and yet creamy mac and cheese or this fresh veggie and sun dried tomato loaded healthy pasta dish.
- Salads and veggies: Choose one of these beautifully wholesome 45 salad recipes. We often make cucumber and tomato salad or avocado corn salad, depending what’s in the fridge. We are Ukrainian-Russian household, for sure. 🙂
- Low carb: If you are watching carbs, I highly recommend to try my cauliflower mashed potatoes that taste so real. Cauliflower fried rice or one of 30 zucchini recipes will give you lots of healthy ideas too.
- Summertime grilling: If it’s warm enough to fire up the BBQ, try these mind blowing grilled vegetables.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftovers or extra batch of cooked and shredded chicken breast has so many uses. Skip sauteing and use instead of ground turkey in Instant Pot lasagna, Instant Pot white chicken chili or even Instant Pot turkey chili. I am obsessed with my pressure cooker! Check out over 40 more Instant Pot recipes to make dinner stress free!
Storing: Refrigerate baked chicken breast for up to 5 days in an airtight container. To keep chicken moist, slice right before serving.
Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months, again in an airtight container. I think it is best to cut, slice or shred your chicken before freezing it. It will thaw faster and you can add it to your meal right away. Thawed cooked chicken is great to make chicken salad, chicken chili, tostadas or use as a topping on cauliflower pizza with sliced red onions and a drizzle of BBQ sauce.
Reheating: Breast will dry out if reheated in the oven. Instead place it in a small pot or skillet that has tight fitting lid and simmer covered on low with a splash of water or broth, until heated through. Basically, steam it.
More Chicken Breast Recipes
Chicken breast recipes make a huge part of our healthy eating lifestyle. Here are a few of our favorites where they are a star of the show:
- Cilantro lime chicken
- Lemon chicken
- Instant Pot chicken and rice
- Tex Mex chicken and zucchini
- Honey garlic chicken
- 5 easy chicken marinades
Have Instant Pot? Check out these pressure cooker chicken recipes and never run out of ideas again!
Baked Chicken Breast {Extra Juicy Healthy Recipe}
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless & skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp avocado or olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. In a medium baking dish, place chicken, drizzle with oil and sprinkle with smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt and pepper.
- Using tongs or hands, move chicken around to coat on all sides evenly (I place bottom of breast on top of seasoned one and then swoosh around).
- Bake for 25 minutes (under 2") to 35 minutes (2"+) or until instant meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 150 degrees F.
- Remove from the oven, cover with foil or lid, and let rest for 10 minutes for the juices to settle (don't skip!).
- Slice against the grain and serve along any side with a salad. Meal prep for the week, use in salads and casseroles.
Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Video
Notes
- I used 3 huge organic breasts.
- You can use regular paprika, however the best chicken is with smoked one. Just buy it.:)
Nutrition
Recipes and images are a copyright of ifoodreal.com. It is against the law to republish recipes anywhere including social media, print and all world wide web. Nutritional info is provided for informational purposes only and to the best knowledge.
Hi! I’m using thinly sliced chicken breasts (chicken cutlets) because that’s all I have on hand at the moment. How long would you suggest cooking it for? Thanks in advance 🙂
I would bake for 12 minutes and go from there.
Does anyone have the Video of this recipe?
It plays in bottom right corner unless you have an ad blocker.
Hey there!!
Love this recipe & I’m pretty sure I already commented a 5 star review but I had a question. If I have 3 chicken breasts (thin) weigh less than 2lbs (like 1.25) do I still bake for 25 mins? I’m afraid of drying them out or over baking….. help 😁😁
If they are visibly thinner than usual then bake for 20 minutes. Can always poke with a knife after 20 and look for clear juices.
Olena,,love this chicken recipe, very quick, juicy and tender, bravo!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the wonderful review!
Best ever
Wonderful recipe
perfect!
I searched for a healthy way to bake chicken and this recipe came up. I’m so glad I tried it. Your instructions and the pictures are so helpful. I can’t believe how easy it was to make something so tender, juicy, eye-appealing, and delicious! I’m go glad to have found this site!
Yay!
Awesome recipe. So simple, so flavourful and so very easy.
A great flavor from the spice blend.
Thank you Toodd 🙂
I haven’t pulled the chicken out yet, but thank you for all the details on baking chicken breasts. It helped me so much with understanding why some of my cooking failed.
You are very welcome Trisha!
Can I put frozen veggies on it while baking?
Hm they might maybe overcook or burn but maybe not. I would try.
Going to be a staple in our house for sure!! I added onions and poured this over Banda angel hair pasta with a little Parmesan. Absolutely incredible and can’t believe how healthy it is.
😋 yummm
Planning to try this tonight! Could you sear them first in a grill pan just for the grill marks?
I would bake them until they are almost cooked and then finish them on the grill.
This recipe is SO easy, and fabulous! I was skeptical about baking it uncovered, but as stated, it was tender and juicy. Definitely makes the list of ‘keepers’. Thanks!
🙂
This recipe is definitely a keeper! Symple, then yet flavorful, plumped, juicy. Served with asparagus and oven roasted spicy carrots. Delicious
Big hit with the whole family!
I just made this tonight! I’ve used your recipe many times, and I love it, which is why I keep coming back to it!! Thank you for your wonderful recipes and commentary, Olena!
You are very welcome Joyce!
Just tried this tonight. I had never baked chicken at this temp…..but it worked very well.
I have a wireless oven therm. and had to actually set temp to 500F to get close to an actual 450F (1978 GE range).
Chicken was juicy and tender. Roasted potato and asparagus with the chicken. Came out well.Thanks.
Thanks for the great feedback, Bob!
Very easy recipe. Extra juicy chicken and really good leftovers.
Thank you for sharing this!
Délicieux!
Love this recipe. Who knew the secret to juicy chicken breast is uncovered, high heat baking? So delicious and so quick! Be sure to follow the last step though.
Yay! Glad you liked it Jeff!
Hello I’m looking to make this recipe and was wondering how it would work in the air fryer?
Hi Olivia! Unfortunately I have not tested this recipe in an air fryer. Perhaps another reader has?
Really great flavor and very juicy. This is a great way to cook breasts in the oven. Love your insight and knowledge on cooking techniques!
Thank you Lila!
Best chicken breast I ever had in the oven. Very juicy!!👍
I have been using this recipe for over a year now, and it’s fantastic! I double it, often preparing it on a Sunday evening to put on our packed lunch salads throughout the week. It’s great hot or cold, and comes out perfectly cooked every time–moist, yet cooked all the way through. I’ve also experimented with different seasonings, but the ones listed are my go-to. The baking technique is foolproof!
Thanks for sharing this Amy! I am sure other readers will appreciate hearing this info too!
Hi Olena!!! I tried this recipe the other night after I loved your shrimp stir fry recipe. I got nothing but compliments on this. I’m very picky about my chicken & honestly right now I only like it shredded due to dryness. Any tips on getting it juicier? Your flavor was spot on and I’m saving it but maybe my chicken breast was too thick? To me it was still a tad dry. I look forward to picking another recipe to try. God bless! ❤
Hi Melanie! I am so glad that you liked the flavor of this chicken. I am not sure why your chicken seemed a bit dry. This recipe always turns out pretty juicy for me. Did you take it out of the oven when the meat thermometer (in the thickest part of the breast) read 150 degrees F? Overcooking in the oven can make it dry. Did you leave it to rest for 10 minutes covered? This is when meat will reach internal temperature of 165 degrees F and become juicy.
Take a look at the video for the recipe to see how I cook mine!
My favorite new recipe, such a good flavor and the chicken was real moist. I used Italian seasoning instead of oregano. My husband loved it for the side I made some Mediterranean Cauliflower rice.
The most moist chicken I have ever cooked. Easy, juicy and quick. I sub smoked paprika with regular paprika and added Cajun spice simply because I didn’t have smoked. Gave the chicken and nice simple kick. I would never thought baking higher temp, shorter time even uncovered would give me the moist chicken. Awesome recipe! ❤️
Yay! So glad you loved the recipe Angela!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with this recipe. I had no idea about cooking chicken at 450. I thought it would dry it out and it was the complete opposite. Now knowing this and how well my chicken turned out with this recipe im not dreading baking chicken. Is it the same concept for pork chops? Thank you again!
Have never tried pork chops this way but considering they are fatty could work!
I just baked chicken for the first time ever and used your recipe. It is so good! Thank you!!
So happy you liked the chicken recipe, William!
I feel incredibly grateful to have found this page. I have been making something different every day. This baked chicken was an immediate hit for my friends and family. Delicious, guilt free, and so so juicy! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Awe, thanks so much! Means a lot, Gustavo!
Hi Olena,
Came across your baked chicken breast recipe tonight and let me just say it was AMAZING!! My family enjoyed…and I’ll def make this weekly! Look forward to trying your cauliflower mashed potatoes next😊
Thanks for sharing…
From a fellow Canadian living in SoCal!
~Tobi
Hey Tobi! So happy that my baked chicken breast was a hit with your family. Thanks for letting me know!
Very easy, quick and delicious!!
This was delicious, I unfortunately didn’t have smoked paprika, used regular paprika and it was still good. Next time I’ll use smoked. This is a keeper
Hi Erin! If you loved the chicken with regular paprika, just wait until you use smoked paprika 🙂
This is the best and easiest way to bake chicken breasts. I used to cook them at lower temperature for a longer period of time and they would usually be dried out and stringy unless I steamed them.
I used olive oil and seasoned them with Italian seasoning. They were wonderful and very moist because of the waiting. I made extra to put in the freezer and when thawed they were moist and wonderful to use in other recipes.
Thanks for the awesome feedback Diana!
I made 4 frozen chicken breasts without seasoning using your suggestion on how long to cook chicken etc. I was hoping for juicy chicken breasts but they dried out quite a bit. I made them at 450 for 35 mins (cause of frozen) and covered them immediately for 10 mins. What did I do wrong?
All ovens vary. I have 2 and one bakes hotter than the other one. I would bake them for less time. Also quality of chicken breasts matters too, it varies from brand to brand.
Made this today. Was super easy, moist and delicious. Loved it and is a keeper recipe!
Wonderful!
I tried this recipe and it was very good. My family loved it, because it was so moist and juicy and had a good flavor.
Awesome!
We tried this recipe today, following as instructed, it turned out AMAZING!! It was very moist and juicy not the slightest bit dry! 5/5 star recommended! Wondering if this would work with cilantro?? 😀🤔💭
Awesome. Check out my cilantro lime chicken https://ifoodreal.com/cilantro-lime-chicken/
Holy cow. Life changing chicken. That is all. 🤯
Life changing?! Love it!!!
Made this recipe last night and it was super delicious and definitely a five star rating however I decided to print it and noticed that the purple markings à the bottom of the page will eat up all of the coloured ink in my printer, would it be possible to eliminate that ink gobbler as it’s on all of your recipes?
I
That’s awesome, Marielle. Purple stripes are part of the website and will not print. Print area is in a thin frame around the recipe. Just hit Print Recipe button and not your webpage though.
Great Recipe!
This was awesome. Really tasty & satisfying family meal that made me look like I’d been cooking for hours. And you’re right it was very juicy.
I served with your beautiful cucumber, yogurt and dill salad & left over Kale, blue cheese and walnut salad – perfect for a super hot day here in Sydney Australia. Thank-you again😊
Hi Kim! Thank you for your review. I am daydreaming about a hot sunny day in Australia while we are starting our Canadian winter!
I have never liked chicken breast because it’s so dry BUT this recipe is awesome! Easy, moist, tasty when hot and cold – thank you for sharing:)
Yay! So happy this recipe made you change your mind about chicken breast!
AMAZING! Flavourful, juicy and tender. I used frozen chicken breasts. Definitely a keeper! First time using smoked paprika and I am very pleased. What a delicious flavour!
I am so happy that you liked the recipe Jaime! Love the smoked paprika flavor too!
Made this for dinner tonight & it was delicious ! Great recipe!
Just baked for dinner. Wonderful and juicy. Best if recipe is followed as written. The use of SMOKED paprika is recommended. Definitely will use this recipe again! Thanks.
Happy this recipe will be a keeper for you Judy!
I made this tonight and it turned out great. No more dry chicken. This recipe is a keeper.
Made this last night and it came out amazing I’m am totally going to save this recipe and do it again
Yay! Love hearing this Amber 🙂
It was so great for my busy night.
Can’t wait to try more of your recipes!! Thanks
You are very welcome!
Made this delicious chicken breast for dinner tonight. Served it with steamed broccoli and basmati rice. Was new to smoked paprika spice. It really makes all the difference! I’m grateful for your foolproof recipes that are easy to follow and turn out as described. Thanks a lot! More often than not our “What’s for dinner?” question will now be solved by you. 😉
Hi Anne! Your review made my day! I am so happy to help answer the dinner question. Thanks for taking the time to write your feedback:)
I am looking forward to try this recipe.
Hi Marjorie! I would love to hear what you think of the chicken once you have made it 🙂
I’ve been searching for some time for a great boneless chicken recipe and this fits the bill. It smells delicious while baking which is another plus. Thank you
That’s great to hear Sali.
This is the BEST way to cook chicken breasts! We used the smoked paprika/ oregano seasoning and baked at 450 degrees per the recipe. The chicken was sliced and used on top of a salad. It was moist and the seasoning was perfect. I will definitely be using this recipe again.
Thanks for the awesome review Linda!
This is an amazing method! I just used salt and pepper, then when it was finished I sliced and added to rice and steamed veggies and drizzled homemade sesame sauce on top for a healthier version of sesame chicken. Was soooo good!
That’s great to hear Lacey!
I’m making this delicious recipe for the second time. After a heart attack this summer, I’ve had to learn a lot about healthy cooking. I was so grateful to find a recipe that didn’t make chicken breast taste like sawdust. Tanks so much for sharing!
You are very welcome Julie. Wishing you all the best!
So happy I found this blog and Olena seems so wholesome 🙂
I am excited to try this tonight. I want to loose weight. I will be searching for more of your healthy recipes.
God Bless.
Love it!
Wow. That was the best chicken breast I ever had in my life.
Always skeptical with large b/s chicken breasts, as they have always been dry. I made 2 breasts weighing in at 1.23 lbs. Followed directions to a tee and these were the most tender, moist and juicy baked chicken breasts I have ever tasted. Thank you for the best recipe without a doubt.
I’m so happy to read this! Thanks for your positive feedback, Karen!
Can you use this method for a skinless turkey breast? If so, approximately how many minutes per pound or Kg.
Hi Peggy! Check out my turkey roast recipe:
https://ifoodreal.com/boneless-turkey-breast-roast/
Husband doesn’t like paprika. Maybe a little chili pepper?
Sure!
Great recipe continue the emails THANKS!!
You’re welcome Lavell!
This is now my go too recipe for delicious chicken. So easy to make. I coat both sides of the chicken with the spices and add frozen broccoli or cauliflower around the beasts and cook them all together. The veggies soak in the juices and give them flavor!
I am so happy this recipe is on regular rotation at your house Brenda!
I can’t believe so simple a recipe could be this good Gave it to friends who love it too.
Love this. Thanks for commenting Joan!
Thank you I love chicken and this was the juciest everHowie
Love it! It is simple, easy, and delicious!
Best chicken I ever made – very juicy! My grown children said they wish I had known about this recipe while they were growing up and still eating at home. And it’s SO simple too.
I like that you like keeping cooking simple, easy and tasty. So helpful.
Oh one thing would make it even easier….celcius temperatures for baking in Australia.
I will keep that in mind Jenni!
Delicious
I made this recipe but modified the spices using cinnamon chipotle rub and natures seasoning. I wasn’t able to get it to come to temperature after removing from oven at 150° so I did place back in oven until it reached 165°. Juicy and tasty!
That’s great! Thanks for sharing April!
I randomly came across this recipe while trying to find something quick and easy to make. My fiancé and I have made this chicken dinner probably 7x in the past month – month and a half. It’s delicious, easy eTo deviate & customize your your liking, and OMG the juiciness…AMAZING! Don’t hesitate.. make it now!
Thanks for the amazing review!
Absolutely AMAZING! It turned out so good and the whole family loved it! Even the picky eater! It was juicy and full of great flavor! It was super easy to make and super fun to eat! Definitely making this again!
Yay! Glad this was a hit with your family Tabitha!
Chicken turns out PERFECT! ??
Yummy
I can’t wait to try this recipe the smoked paprika makes a big difference. I am just curious about cleaning of chicken breasts. Do you clean them with water or anything before you cook them ? I know there is a divide about what to do , old school cleaned them but do you? Thanks I gues I would like to know what others do as well .
You are right. We always cleaned in Ukraine. I don’t do it now because it gets cooked anyways.
I tend to wash the chicken as well simply to remove any bacteria on the surface.
This recipe is delicious. After trying this recipe, I will not cook my chicken breast any other way. Very tasty and super moist. Yum! I can’t wait to try your other recipes.
Fantastic! Glad you enjoyed the recipe, Miriam. Please don’t be shy to leave me a comment with a star review once you make any recipe. Have a great weekend!
Delicous! I normally hate boneless, skinless chicken breast.
Very, very good. I think next time I will try thyme.
Thyme would be a nice spice too, Donna!
Looks very juicy. Would it work with plain paprika ?
Sure! The flavour may be a little different, but it should still taste good!
Love this recipe. I am recently retired at 61. Prior to retirement, my husband always did most of the cooking, but now I am trying to cook more. I found your site and am enjoying your recipes. I never liked cooking meats before retirement, but I am making this chicken tonight for the 2nd time, because I know it will turn out great! Thanks!
I am so happy to hear this Kay! Cooking should be fun and easy!
Love your recipes!
Haven’t tried everything yet but will definitely have them served throught the week!
Cheers!
Awe, you are so welcome! So happy to hear you are enjoying my recipes, Rol.
Great food. Lots of people will like this recipe.
Thank you ,Olena.
Olga
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Olga! Thank you for the wonderful review!
omg would rate this 100 loved it awesome recipe.it was awesome and has an awesome mount of calories thank you…
Fantastic! Glad you enjoyed the recipe, Peri!
Good morning Oleni how are you and your family doing?
Thank you for sharing all of your delicious, healthy meals. I can cook poultry and meat dishes for my son-in-law and my grandson. My daughter and I only eat fish. Would you have any fish recipes you can share with me and also vegetable recipes. I do not know where you got my email address from but I do not care because of my passion for cooking I am very grateful to you for sharing your fabulous recipes.
I am overweight perhaps I can lose weight by using your cooking methods.
Thank you, looking forward to receiving more recipes in the future.
You and your family stay safe and continue to stay healthy.
Hi Ilona! Glad you are enjoying my site. I do have many salmon and vegetable recipes. Just look up under the search bar! Let me know if you have any more questions!
So much flavor, easy to prepare and quick as well. This will be our new go to chicken recipe.
I am so happy to hear this Lon!
Delicious!
Favorite way to make chicken breast. Made this countless times!!!
That’s awesome to hear Oksana!
I loaded my pan up with four chicken breasts and loads of vegetables. will the vegetables cook without putting at least foil or something over the top. So use to putting a lid over so the carrots and potatoes gets softened.
I would cook veggies separately the way you are used to cooking.
I will try this for sure with quinoa , and my kids love chicken. Thank you.
Hi Clara! Please don’t be shy to leave a comment and star review once you have tried the recipe!
Could I use smoked garlic and normal paprika for the same result?
Can’t be bad.:)
I made this chicken yesterday and my whole family loved it!! Even my picky 3 year old couldn’t get enough! It was so juicy and delicious!! Thank you for the recipe!
Love hearing this Mandy!
Frankly I would give it 6 Stars if I could …it is super delicious!
Do you know any good food for someone who lives alone and needs to cook single servings…tired of left overs or eating the same thing all week.Any ideas? Thank you!
Greetings Olena, I am also from Ukraine. I stumbled upon your recipie the other day and I love it.
So glad you found my site and liked the chicken recipe!
The best healthy, fast, simple way to bake chicken breasts! I used this a month ago but then didn’t
recall where the recipe was from. Have been searching and being disappointed to not have
written down. I am 65 and have made chicken breasts usually in the broiler, or if the weather
allow, outside in a smoker using mesquite or hickory wood pieces added to charcoal. I will
not use light fluid but instead use one of those chimney starters and the flavor is amazing.
However when unable to cook outdoors, the baked chicken recipe you shared is wonderful.
I love that you stress healthy and simple!!!! Thank you so much
Glad to hear that you enjoy cooking your chicken breast this way! Yes, healthy and simple is the way to go!
This was so good! The kids said it tasted like we were at a restaurant!!
Sounds like a win!
For some reason my chicken took an extra 10 minutes to reach 150. Then it didn’t reach 165 after covering so I had to throw it back in for a couple more minutes.
Made it! Thank you so much and was easy to do and good for meal prep 🙂
You are welcome Mikaela!
Great basic chicken recipe. I bake a bunch of it, cut it up, and freeze for later meals.
Fantastic 🙂
The best baked chicken breast recipe.
No fail, always tender and delish!
Way to nail this Olena!
Awe thanks so much Wendy!
This is my go-to easy, healthy and absolutely delicious chicken recipe. I love that I can cook frozen chicken breast using this recipe and they come out perfectly. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
OMGosh, that’s great! I labeled it Crack Chicken. Thank you very much!
Thank you, Ms. Osipov, for this helpful recipe. I tend to end up with dry chicken when I cook it in the oven, which is a direct result of frequently cooking “off the cuff” as opposed to following recipes every time. I like simple food as well: it’s for this reason that I would rarely go out to eat for dinner. Perfectly good pieces of meat, poultry, fish, and vegetables often get over-seasoned or over-salted in restaurants at $25+ per plate. I’d rather pay for a good cut and cook it at home!
Hi Jason! I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed my chicken recipe 🙂
When you say 35 minute (+2) do you mean 35 minutes for each chicken breast?
35 minutes for all chicken breasts that you have in the dish, 1 or 5 – doesn’t matter. 2″+ is for that thick and thicker breast itself.
Easy and tasty. Thank you for this gem!
You are welcome James!
I click on your site to find out what temperature to pre heat oven.
Don’t see it. How long to bake – don’t see it.
You’re telling me to bake until the temp is such and such.
How the heck do I know what the internal temp is.
I want temp to pre heat and HOW LONG to bake chicken breasts.
You don’t provide the kind of information most people need to
bake chicken, and you didn’t. I won’t be back.
Emma, perhaps you didn’t scroll down to the actual recipe card. Here are my recipe instructions (directly from the website) that clearly outline both what to preheat the oven at and how long to bake the chicken.
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
2. In a medium baking dish, place chicken, drizzle with oil and sprinkle with smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt and pepper. Using tongs or hands, move chicken around to coat on all sides evenly (I place bottom of breast on top of seasoned one and then swoosh around).
3. Bake for 25 minutes (thinner) to 35 minutes (2″+) or until 150 degrees F internal temperature. Remove from the oven, cover with foil or lid, and let rest for 10 minutes for the juicies to settle (don’t skip!).
Hi Olena – does this recipe work for very thin sliced chicken cutlets?
You would have to bake them less. I would check after half time the recipe calls for.
Extremely juicy and flavorful.
Really enjoyed it, the chicken was really juicy not dry and boring
Thanks for the positive feedback Wendy!
I don’t cook! Looked up healthy chicken breast recipe and this was the first one I looked at an tried. AMAZING!!! I had never cooked chicken before in my life!! Seriously so easy an sooo GOOD!
So happy you found the recipe, made it and liked it Jennifer! Happy cooking!
The chicken is so nice, tasty and easy to do. Thanks Olena
You are so welcome Biance!
I only have 1lb of chicken breast. Will the cook time remain the same??
Yes!
Thank you! This turned out amazing!
You are so welcome!
Simple, easy to follow and tastes wonderful!
I would give this recipe 100 stars if I could! My 10 year old daughter just made it, pretty much by herself and it’s amazing! Husband was speechless how good it tasted. Thank you 🙂
I am so happy to hear that your family enjoyed this recipe! Love that your 10 year old daughter was the one who made it too!
I couldn’t believe you could cook chicken at 450 degrees and have it turn out moist, but this recipe is great! It comes out so moist and good!
Now you can believe it Janet!
I loved this combo of spices for baked chicken. The info provided me with a no-fail chicken breast. I’ve made the chicken twice in a two week time. Once the chicken breasts stood on its own, the second time as a shredded version in chicken tamales. The family loved it and clearly I will be using it over and over! Thanks!
Woohoo! That’s great Karyn. Have a lovely weekend!
Juicy! Tasted great. ,,, and easy!
A question … approximately how much black pepper do you use? I’m a new cook, and am never sure if have it right. Thanks
Honestly I just start grinding over chicken and eye ball. I use a grinder and can’t measure. Think how much pepper you would like over your food you know when a server at a restaurant offers it to you, start with that and adjust. You will get a hang of it soon.
Moist. Tender. Flavorful. Delicious. OMG. I never rate a recipe. Never. Ever. This was amazing and oh so simple! From past epic fails, I vowed to never bake boneless skinless chicken breasts again. I have allocated skin/boneless breasts to chicken salads. BUT since I happen to have ALL the ingredients on hand, I decided it was a “sign” and braved baking chicken breasts again. This is DEFINITELY A KEEPER !!! Thank you!
So happy that you took the risk and tried my chicken recipe Caroll!
I might have missed it but what’s the calorie content of this chicken? It’s delicious, by the way, the spices are perfect, this is my meal prep chicken recipe from now on
Nutritional info is located at the bottom of each recipe card. For this recipe, there is 151 calories per 1/2 cup of chicken!
Just started, but sounds good thanks.
What temp, 450.?
Yes. There is full recipe card if you scroll or click Jump to Recipe.
Delicious! Nice tender chicken!
Great recipe!
Absolutely great recipe, will become a family standard now. Easy, yummy, cheap… can I ask for more?
Hey Kali! Glad you enjoyed this recipe. I hope you found other recipes on my site to be easy and yummy too!
Love Love Love this recipe! I make it at least once a week. We have as main course, as is, the first night. Then I freeze some and make the rest in quesadillas on 2nd night! Thank you!
Thanks for the positive feedback Shan! What a great idea to cook one night and use the chicken for other meals on subsequent nights. Way to meal plan!
Hello, from Thailand! Looking forward to making this healthy meal for my boyfriend and I tomorrow for dinner along with a cucumber salad. Thank you!
Hi Crystal! Please don’t be shy to let me know how you enjoy the recipes!
Hy l love your recipes l will try to do it.
Please don’t be shy to leave me a comment with a star review once you make any recipe. Have a great week!
Was as delicious as it was described. I am not a meat eater, but cook for others & this was well received!!
Yay! So happy to hear!
Sounds so good I’m definitely going to try this I’m trying to loose weight and I’m a very picky eater
Hello from Australia! I made this for lunch today for friends and it was absolutely delicious. I had been going to use ordinary paprik,a but your note to get the smoked paprika “just buy it!” persuaded me to get some last minute – I was very glad I did as the taste was worth it. As someone else said in the comments, I too would normally never have cooked it at such a high temperature and uncovered, but I will definitely cook chicken breast like this again 🙂
Hi Roni! Thank you for the positive feedback. I love hearing that my chicken breast recipe is being cooked all the way in Australia! So glad that you went with the smoked paprika!
Thank you! I’ve been cooking for decades and needed a refreshing idea for simple baked chicken. This recipe and your technique tips were outstanding! I’ll be making this part of my go-to dinner rotation.
So glad to hear you enjoyed making the baked chicken, Laura!
I love this recipe comes out perfect every time
WOW….we just had the most delicious dinner. I followed your ‘Baked Chicken Breast’ recipe exactly…. and it could have won a prize for being moist, awesome presentation, and very flavourful!
I prepared a salad and steamed some baby carrots and my husband followed your recipe for baked potatoes in the Instant Pot. Another great recipe. It was a Sunday Dinner on a Thursday.
Thank you Olena. I’m in my 70’s and done alot of cooking over the years, and I would never have cooked chicken breasts without a cover and at 450 degrees. For sure I’d have had a cover and had the oven at 325 degrees. It goes to show that with a little help one can learn at any age.
Bonnie! So happy to hear that you and your husband have enjoyed a few of my recipes! We never stop learning!
Delicious! Used Bell & Evans bone-in breasts cooked to 150 degrees & 1t minced garlic per breast with generous amounts of the seasonings. As a side, cut thick slices of green & yellow squash, tossed with EVOO & same seasonings plus caraway seeds. Covered those, cooked in oven alongside chicken dish. After chicken rested, tossed veggies in chicken drippings & served together. Quick, healthy, & scrumptious.
Your version sounds amazing, Jessie!
Was a nice change from plain baked chicken. My husband’s tastebuds are still off-kilter with seasonings, from the chemo and radiation prior to his stem cell transplant. A bit too much garlic for him, but he was able to eat it. I’m glad I Googled and chose your recipe to try. Thanks for posting it!
I’m so happy to read this! Thanks for your positive feedback, Kathleen!
Easy and delicious!
So happy to hear you enjoyed, Anthony!
Super good!! My young kids loved it! THank you!
You are very welcome, Kim!. The best when kids eat what moms make.
Thanks, this is very good
You are very welcome, Harold.
Great recipes
I am making it yet again but using breast with bone. I am excited to see how they turn out. Yum !
Should be good, Joyce. That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite!
very easy and delicious recipe!
Yummy! I added extra roasted garlic (cause we ❤ garlic!). Thanks for the covering the chicken after bake tip!
There can barely ever be too much garlic situation.:)
My go to recipe for baked chicken. Always turns out delicious!
❤️?Awesome!!!
Can you use vegetable oil if you do not have the olive or avocado oil??
Sure!
Yeah!
Happy to hear.:)
Thank you for introducing me to a new paprika. My family loved this recipe.
So happy to hear, Jenny!
Hi Olena, l watched your video on baked chicken. It looks so yummy. I went out to my grocery store and looked for smoked paprika … hubbie said get paprika. I continued to look a d finally found it. Yeah! Making this chicken breast tonight. So very grateful. ~Joyce
I seriously spelt your name correct. Forgive plz.?❤?
No worries, Joyce. 🙂
Yes smoked paprika makes huge difference. I use it all the time to add flavour without extra calories.
My go to chicken breast recipe. I use it all the time for lunch prepping for the week!
That’s awesome to hear, Sue.
I loved this tender juicy chicken. Easy and quick.
Fantastic to hear!!!
Made this chicken recipe and will definitely make again. It was quick and easy and the chicken was tender and juicy. This recipe is a keeper.
Awesome!
❤️❤️❤️
???
Unbelievably moist and delicious. I have made this recipe several times, shared it with others, and it never fails to come out perfectly!
Thank you for your wonderful review, Amy!
This is by far the best chicken recipe I’ve ever tried. I’ve made it every Sunday for the past two weeks as part of my meal prep for the week. The only thing I do differently is add a package of Italian salad dressing mix for additional flavor. Very impressed! Thank you!
Thank you for your wonderful review!!!
I made this tonight for my family and the missionaries. This is the absolute best chicken I have ever made! Thank you so much for sharing your recipe! It’s simply amazing.
You are very welcome, Emily!
I will ALWAYS make chicken this way now, and will try many different combos of seasoning. The biggest take away from this recipe is the well made point of covering with aluminum foil and resting for 10 to even 15 minutes…sooooo moist and juicy!!!! The leftovers will be fantastic for my go to lunch salads. I ended up goofing and somehow used double the amount of spice needed
(thinking I had twice as much chicken, but did have about 2 lbs! ) – so to fix the too much seasoning, I gave each piece a good rub and rinse under fairly warm water. Perfect save for my error. Steamed fresh carrots with buttered rice. Fabulous!!!
Oh no. Next time. 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Tess! Thank you for the wonderful review!
Easy and delicious!!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Laura! Thank you for the wonderful review!
I’ve made this recipe several times and absolutely love it! The chicken always comes out moist and tender, and is perfect eaten alone or added to other recipes.
Thanks for sharing your feedback, Analia.
This receipe is on point. I used Garlic Paste instead and Parsley Flakes instead of the Oregano and it was Beautiful. Only if i could upload a picture. Mmmmmm yummy. Thanks mama Olena.
You are welcome, mama Anita. 🙂
Can this chicken be used in a variety of recipes? How will the seasons change up the recipe?
This baked chicken recipe is very versatile. You mean seasonings? It is just a well seasoned chicken like a rotisserie, for example, that goes with anything. 😉
I’ve made this twice this week! One of my new go-to recipes for meal prep, me and my kids all love it.
Fantastic! Glad you enjoyed the recipe, Tom.
I finally baked chicken that was juicy. Thank you so much!!!
Haha that is a win. Very welcome, April!
i was looking for a way to bake chicken breasts without a lot of calories. I tried your recipe. It was delicious! So juicy. We loved it! I will certainly make it again.
Happy to hear, Kathie.:)
All of these recipes sound wonderful. I cook dinner for two families each of 2 older adults.
I am going to try the Baked Chicken Breast as it sounds so hood.
Looking forward to the emails too
Thankyou
Welcome and so happy to hear, Claudia! Please don’t be shy to leave me a comment with a star review once you make any recipe. Have a great week!
Nice and juicy. The family loved it.
I made this last night – my very fussy 8 year old LOVED it. I was stunned!! It was delicious and I’ll definitely be making it again!
That’s awesome! Why not? Real food is delicious. Many times all it takes is just to offer and one to try. 🙂 My kids friends come and eat and love most of our food although they never tried it before.
Baking chicken has always been my least favorite way to prepare it because it comes out so dry. Your advice of higher temp (I always cooked @ 350) for shorter time and letting it rest produced the juiciest chicken I’ve ever made! My dad said “wow!” and my kids cleared their plates. Thank you for my new menu staple!
Hi Kira! I am happy to hear that you found the recipe helpful and that your family loved it! Higher temp is the way to go for juicy chicken!
This was deliciousssss!!! This was my first time baking chicken breast and no one got salmonella! But all jokes aside best recipe for a healthy lifestyle 🙂 thank you so much for sharing this
No lol why would you?! Salmonella is overrated as long as you cook meat to at least 150 degrees F. You are very welcome.:)
So so juicy! Tastes perfect. Will definitely be a staple
That is the best compliment to a baked chicken breast. 🙂 Glad you enjoyed!
This was absolutely delicious ?. Thank you for sharing this recipe!!
You are very welcome, Michelle!
Thank you so so much for this great recipe, Olena! It tastes so good, it changed the way I see chicken breast (I used to relate it to boring and dry diet recipes). I added some onions to the baking dish – they got all caramelized and tasted great with the chicken juices.
Onions sound fantastic! Good to know and so happy you gave a chicken breast second chance.:)
Perfect balance of seasoning and bake time producing tender, juicy chicken. Next batch I will try substituting Garam Masala — a favorite spice blend of my daughter.
Garam masala sounds amazing! Glad you enjoyed my recipe!
Haven’t made this yet but plan to in the next week or so it looks yummy
Please let me know how you like it.:)
My boyfriend absolutely despises chicken and I’m far from a fan of chicken breast. But we just started a diet together and decided we need to be more open minded. This is the first chicken breast recipe and to put it simple… this recipe is a keeper! We both have a newfound love for chicken! This recipe is simple and easy to put together and it’s beyond delicious! Thank you so much for sharing it!
Fantastic! Glad you enjoyed the recipe, Julia!
Who thought chicken could be so moist! I make these up Sunday night and toss in my salad at lunch. Another staple recipe for me
Yay!
Olena, in the Notes you said you used 3 huge breasts, but in actual recipe it’s 2. So does the amount of seasoning change for the 3 breasts? Thanks!
It is 2 lbs = 3 breasts.
Thanks, Olena! Sorry for being inattentive while reading the recipe :)…
Oh gosh, no worries. I do it all the time.
Wonderful way to prepare chicken! The coating adhered and the flavorful and juicy chicken was delicious! The directions were excellent- the tender chicken carved so easily. Loved it!
Fantastic! Glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Perfect and delicious juicy chicken! Thanks!! ?
You are so welcome, Tania!
Delicious juicy chicken!!! Thank you!
Awesome recipe!!! My little one love it!!! He ate more then I did it’s fore sure!
Awe, cutie pie. That’s awesome to hear, Oksana!
Was very moist and had excellent flavor. Had no left overs
Yay! That’s fantastic to hear!
I’ve made this recipe three times with rice. The family loves it, the chicken has flavor and is not dry due to the seasons used. It a quick meal on busy week days.
Fantastic! Glad everyone enjoyed the recipe, Cher!
I made juicy chicken and it was great. Gone in no time. I also made cucumber tomato salad to go with it. That also was excellent. Would go good with anything you put with it. Made toco shrimp. Could not stop eating it. The sauce was very creamy. Could not tell it was not full of fat.
This is my go-to baked chicken breast recipe when I don’t have time to thaw them. The chicken always turns out juicy and seasoned deliciously! Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe.
Yay! From frozen? Awesome!!!
Where has this blog been my whole life? I wish I could cook everything at once but that isn’t a sound idea. Me and my hubby have been trying to eat healthy. What brought me to your blog was your salad recipes and here I am 30 pages in and can’t stop except to comment. Thank you for your dedication and hard work! You have a new follower.
Welcome, Sana! That is so good to hear!:) Please make a few a recipes at a time (not the whole blog at once haha) and I would love to read your feedback on each of them. Be healthy!
I only added more spices and the juice left with the cooked chicken was fantastic. Possibly it was the chicken breasts themselves but as tasty as they were, they were still tough. I used Springer Farms brand skinless & boneless breasts: no GMO, antibiotics etc. I hate hard to chew chicken. Can you make a recommendation? Love your site!
Hmm, only thing I could think of is to try different brand of chicken.
Excellent recipe! Anyone who’s tried it asks for the recipe.
I have made this several times. My family love it. I am 79 years old and love learning new tricks from young women like you.
Love your web site and have tried many of your recipes. Thanks for teaching us old dogs new tricks.
Awe, you are so welcome! So happy to hear you are enjoying my recipes! And thanks for your kind words. Please don’t be shy to leave me a comment with a star review once you make any recipe. Have a great week!
68 yrs old here and I agree. So glad to find Olga’s site. Just made my first recipe and learned a lot.
I like your office you seem like a person that will go far in your life i bet it is beautiful there i live in arizona it is very hot here even in the winter sometimes is warmer then normal iam originally from california and ended out here with my 5 kids i lost my husband to brain tumors hes been gone about 18 years now i think of him everyday he loved my cooking though so much for that you seem like a very nice smart women i cant wait to try your recipes have a great day
This recipe was beautiful, so juicy and flavourful! Thank you for sharing :).
Love this recipe! Chicken is tender and juicy every time. I cook it often in the mornings and my children take fresh chicken sandwiches to school instead of deli meat!!
That’s smart! Try my baked turkey breast instead of deli meat as well.
Love this recipe… I make it weekly for food prep for my lunches!
What temperature should I cook it at?
450. Scroll down to the recipe itself and you will see detailed instructions.
I love love this simple and delicious baked chicken recipe. I love smoked paprika.
And left over chicken is great cut up and put in a fresh green salad. I give it a five star rating. Thank you!
My whole family of picky eaters loved this recipe. It was easy and time friendly.
Awe, you are so welcome! So happy to hear you enjoyed my baked chicken breast!
I’m making this tonight! I’ll let you all know how it turns out!
But just curious… do you happens to know the nutrition facts on this recipe?
Please do. It’s inside the recipe.
So much flavor with almost no effort a only a few ingredients. Will be become a regular meal in our house.
Yay! I love this chicken breast recipe too! Smoked paprika is everything when it comes to making healthy chicken tasty.
I forgot to ask, the juice that is left after cooking the chicken is soooo good, if I wanted more of it to pour on top, would I add more oil?? It was so delicious I wish I had more.
So happy to hear, Cristina! I know, right?! I always pour some of that juice over my quinoa! I think if you add 1/2 cup water or broth to the bottom of the pan before cooking you will have more sauce. Bake uncovered. You don’t want to steam baked chicken breast in lots of liquid.
I made this today & wow, it was delicious and yet so simple to make. Super moist and tender. My chicken breasts were pretty thick so cooking at 30 minutes was actually good. Going to make this again and again… thank you for sharing!
Hi, if I use chicken thighs instead, so I use the same oven temperature, time and cover the chicken?
Thanks
Hi Caroline. Pretty much if boneless! If bone in then at 450 for 30-40 mins or until 160 degrees – I have this baked chicken thighs recipe for instructions.
You mention the freezing time cooked….. What is your recommendation for thawing?
I would say to thaw one whole baked chicken breast will take 2-3 hours on a counter or overnight in the fridge. I usually thaw on a counter. Chicken is already cooked. Just make sure when freezing breasts are not in one big blob – lay them flat. This way they will thaw fast.
Thank you for the recipe, my husband and I absolutely loved it. It was so easy to prep and I’ve never baked such a tender and juicy chicken before! It’s definitely my favorite healthy chicken dish. I’m looking forward to trying more of your recipes very soon.
You are very welcome, Tammy! Glad you enjoyed this baked chicken breast recipe. We love it too. So easy and juicy!!!
Easy to prep and the whole family enjoyed. Thanks for helping keep life simple but good!
Oh, yay! So glad you enjoyed my baked chicken breast. Yes, “simple” is definitely the keyword to survive as life seems to get busier and busier.:)
Delicious! I used Penzey’s smoked paprika.
Awesome!!! Any smoked paprika works. I prefer the one without silicone dioxide. Just fyi they put a bunch of preservatives in smoked paprika. Who would think, right?! I end up buying organic.
My new favorite way to make chicken! It’s so juicy and the flavor is amazing.
So glad you liked it!:)
Very easy to assemble and cook.
Spice was tasty, but chicken was dry. Will try again, but with less time in the oven.
Thank you Olena,
I’ve been looking for a quick healthy recipe that’s delicious and the kids love. Finally found it!
You are very welcome, Andre!:)
This is the best chicken breast recipe ever. Easy, delicious and juicy! We ❤️ it! It’s baking right now…
Yay. Go figure the previous comment lol…
This baked chicken recipe is what I have been looking for for years! It is the most juicy, moist, flavorful baked chicken I’ve had. It tastes great reheated which makes it absolutely perfect for meal prepping! This is now a staple in our home. Can’t go wrong with this super easy recipe.
This was delish. I was skeptical but prepared and baked exactly like the recipe. Most tender and moist chicken we have had in a long time. The breasts were huge and I baked 40 minutes, let them rest for 10 minutes. Thanks, this one is a keeper.
Excellent chicken!
Best, easiest and quickest way to make oven baked chicken. It’s not dried out at all and has a lot of flavour. I have made this recipe three times already, my now go to quick week night recipe. Thank you
Yay. We love this one too. When I am out of ideas I always make this baked chicken breast. Glad you love it!:)
This is easy and delicious
Really good! Not spicey, but lots of flavour. Easy and fast! will make again.
This chicken is so flavorful and juicy. My new go to recipe for baked chicken! My husband has refused to eat baked chicken for years, but he inhaled this dish. Thank you!
My new go-to favorite baked chicken breast recipe! Delicious and so easy to make.
Yay!
Excellent chicken! Great idea. Thanks again for the recipes and clean eating principles- my energy level and positivity has increased exponentially!!
So glad l stumbled upon your website!!
My pleasure! Eating whole foods makes a huge difference how you feel. I think I would be hybernating if I ate processed white carbs like majority of NA.
Thank you! I didn’t know how to bake juicy chicken breast until your recipe.
You are welcome.:)
So juicy!