Baked chicken breasts are a household favorite, and for good reason. This recipe highlights tender, juicy chicken enveloped in a blend of simple yet vibrant seasonings that elevate the dish from mundane to memorable. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a comforting dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests on a special occasion. What’s even better? They can be on your table in under an hour, making them one of the easiest things to whip up when you’re strapped for time.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Baked Chicken Breasts
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Baked Chicken Breasts

I still remember the first time I made baked chicken breasts. I was an inexperienced cook, unsure of my abilities. But as I followed the steps, my confidence grew. The aroma wafting through my kitchen was a glorious mix of savory and smoky scents that made my mouth water in anticipation. When I took that first bite, I knew I had found a secret weapon in my cooking repertoire—one that has become a go-to for busy nights and family gatherings alike. If you’re looking to bring some excitement to your dinner routine, this recipe will not disappoint!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This dish can be on your table in just 55 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite is packed with a delightful blend of garlic and smoked paprika that’s simply divine.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The crispy, golden top is sure to impress your family or guests.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for meal prep, served over salads, or paired with your favorite side dishes.
Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free with olive oil.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose breasts that are uniform in thickness for even cooking. If they vary, pound them out for consistency.
1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil: This adds richness and helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning; kosher salt dissolves well and enhances the chicken’s natural flavors.
1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper: Provides a subtle heat that complements the other flavors.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory punch without the hassle of peeling and mincing fresh garlic.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste, adding an exciting twist to ordinary chicken.

How to Make Baked Chicken Breasts

Brine the Chicken: If your chicken breasts haven’t been pre-brined, enhance their natural juiciness by brining them. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of lukewarm water with 1/4 cup kosher salt until most salt absorbs. Then add 2 cups of cold water or a few ice cubes to cool it down. Submerge the chicken breasts and let them soak for 15 minutes. If you have time, you can refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Once brined, rinse the chicken under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high heat allows for a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy—a crucial factor for the perfect baked chicken breasts.

Prepare for Baking: Place the brined chicken breasts in a single layer in a large baking dish. Brush each side with 1 tablespoon of melted butter or olive oil, ensuring even coverage. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over both sides of the chicken.

Bake the Chicken: Bake for 15-18 minutes, checking for doneness as cooking times can vary based on the thickness of your chicken breasts. A reliable cooking thermometer should read 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part to ensure safety. For an extra touch, turn on the broiler for the last 3-5 minutes to achieve a beautiful golden crust while keeping a close watch to prevent burning.

Rest the Chicken: After baking, remove the chicken from the oven and transfer it to a clean plate. Loosely tent it with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This step locks in the juices, making each bite succulent and flavorful.

Serve and Enjoy: Slice the chicken, serve warm, and relish your delicious homemade baked chicken breasts!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover baked chicken breasts, let them cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you wish to freeze the chicken, double-wrap it with plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Note the texture may slightly change upon reheating—adding some broth can help refresh it.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overcooking: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption and optimal juiciness.
Uniform Thickness: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness guarantees that each piece cooks evenly, minimizing the risk of drying out.
Flavor Variations: For added depth, consider marinating the chicken in your favorite dressing or adding fresh herbs before baking.
Cook in Batches: If you’re making several chicken breasts, don’t overcrowd the baking dish; give them enough space to cook evenly.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless breasts?

Absolutely! Bone-in chicken requires a longer cooking time—typically around 30-40 minutes—for the meat to cook through fully. Always check the internal temperature for safety.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika can also work. While it won’t have the same smoky flavor, you could add a dash of liquid smoke or a pinch of cayenne for a bit of heat.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can brine and season the chicken up to a day in advance, storing it in the fridge until ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

How can I tell when my chicken is done?

The most reliable method is to use a meat thermometer. When inserted into the thickest part of the chicken breast, it should read 165°F. This ensures your chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.

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Baked Chicken Breasts

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Author: Nadia
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Baked Chicken Breasts are a simple yet delicious dish. With juicy chicken, a flavorful spice mix, and easy preparation, they’re perfect for a quick family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

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Instructions

If the chicken breasts are pre-brined, skip the brining step. Combine 2 cups lukewarm water and 1/4 cup kosher salt in a large bowl until the salt is mostly dissolved. Add 2 cups of cold water or ice to cool it down. Submerge chicken breasts in the brine for 15 minutes or refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Rinse the chicken with cold water and pat dry.
Preheat the oven to 450°F.
Arrange chicken breasts in a large baking dish in a single layer. Brush both sides with melted butter or olive oil. In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sprinkle this seasoning evenly on both sides of the chicken.
Bake the chicken for 15-18 minutes, or until fully cooked and no longer pink, using a thermometer to check that it has reached 165°F in the thickest part. For a crispy top, broil for 3-5 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
Remove the baking dish from the oven, transfer the chicken to a clean plate, and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in advance.
Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
This dish goes well with a side of vegetables or rice.