Easy Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

Cooking oven chicken breast is one of the easiest ways to get healthy, tasty protein into your diet. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or new to the kitchen, cooking chicken breast in the oven is a simple, stress-free way to create a delicious meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying. With just a few ingredients and some basic steps, you can whip up an oven-baked chicken breast in no time.

The key to successfully cooking oven chicken breast is to take your time and follow a few basic guidelines. This article will show you how to make incredibly moist, juicy chicken that is packed with flavor every time. You’ll learn the best way to season your chicken, how to cook it to perfection, and some tasty ways to serve it up for your family or guests. So, let’s get started and get you on your way to creating delicious oven chicken breast!

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal, oven chicken breast should definitely be on your menu. This versatile protein can be flavored in numerous ways and cooked to perfection with just a few simple steps. Keep reading to learn how to make oven chicken breast like a pro.

Choose the right chicken breast

The first step to making delicious oven chicken breast is choosing the right cut of meat. Look for boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are even in thickness. This will ensure even cooking and tender meat. If possible, opt for organic or antibiotic-free chicken for a healthier and tastier meal.

Season it up

To add flavor to your oven chicken breast, start by seasoning it with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs you prefer. You can use a pre-made spice blend or create your own by mixing garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and other seasonings. Rub your seasoning mixture all over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly.

Add some marinade

For an even juicier and more flavorful chicken breast, you can marinate it for a few hours before cooking. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs in a zip-lock bag or a shallow dish. Add your chicken breast and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or even overnight.

Preheat your oven

Before you put your chicken into the oven, make sure your oven is preheated to 375°F. This will ensure even cooking and help keep your chicken juicy.

Prepare your baking dish

Place your marinated or seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish, making sure they’re not touching each other. You can also add some vegetables to the dish, such as onions, bell peppers, or potatoes, for a one-pan meal.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature will depend on the thickness of your chicken breast. Generally, it takes 20-25 minutes to cook a chicken breast that is around 1 inch thick. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

Baste it

Halfway through the cooking process, baste your chicken breast with some of the juices in the baking dish. This will help keep the meat tender and moist.

Let it rest

Once your oven chicken breast is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to distribute evenly throughout the meat.

Slice it up

Using a sharp knife, slice the chicken breast into thin slices. This will make it easier to serve and add to dishes like salads, sandwiches, and wraps.

Enjoy your oven chicken breast

There’s no need to wait any longer, enjoy your oven chicken breast with your favorite sides and sauces! This dish is perfect for meal prepping, and you can refrigerate or freeze any leftovers for later.

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Section 2: Preparing the Chicken Breast

1. Choose High-Quality Chicken Breast

Before making oven chicken breast, make sure that you have selected high-quality chicken breast. Look for fresh and organic chicken breast. Always opt for reputable brands and stores to ensure that you are getting high-quality chicken breast.

2. Clean and Rinse the Chicken Breast

Make sure to rinse thoroughly the chicken breast before cooking it in the oven. Gently clean the chicken breast under cold running water, making sure to remove all dirt and debris. Once cleaned, pat dry the chicken breast with paper towels.

3. Season the Chicken Breast

Seasoning your chicken breast is crucial in making it delicious. You may simply use salt and black pepper, or add your own blend of herbs and spices to add more flavor. Rub the seasoning to both sides of the chicken breast and gently massage it, so that the spices get into the meat.

4. Marinate the Chicken Breast

Marinating chicken breast is optional, but it can make the chicken breast more juicy and flavorful. You can make your own marinade using vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, and your favorite spices. Marinade the chicken breast for at least two hours in the refrigerator.

5. Trim Excess Fat

Trimming excess fat from the chicken breast is important as it can add unwanted calories and saturated fats. Use a sharp knife to trim any visible fat from the chicken breast before preparing it.

6. Pound the Chicken Breast

Pounding the chicken breast can help it cook more evenly and quickly, making it less likely that it will dry out. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breast to an even thickness.

7. Butterfly the Chicken Breast

Butterflying chicken breast is another way to make it cook more evenly. Cut the chicken breast horizontally in half, but not all the way through, so that it opens up like a book. Flatten the chicken breast using a meat mallet or rolling pin.

8. Prepare the Baking Dish

Spray the baking dish with cooking spray or lightly coat with oil to prevent the chicken breast from sticking. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

9. Arrange the Chicken Breast in the Baking Dish

Place the chicken breast in the baking dish, making sure they are not touching each other to ensure even cooking. For more flavor, put a piece of butter or herbs over each chicken breast.

10. Bake the Chicken Breast

Bake the chicken breast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the breast. Remove the chicken breast from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. Enjoy your oven chicken breast with your favorite sides!

Preparing the Chicken Breast

Once the chicken has been seasoned, it’s time to prepare it for the oven. Follow these simple steps to ensure you end up with perfectly cooked chicken breast:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Before placing the chicken in the oven, make sure to preheat it first. Preheating the oven allows it to reach the desired temperature before the chicken goes in, which ensures that it cooks evenly. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and give it at least 10-15 minutes to heat up.

Step 2: Choose a Baking Dish

Select a baking dish that can comfortably fit the chicken breast(s) without them touching each other, which helps the chicken cook evenly. If you don’t have a baking dish, a sheet pan or casserole dish would work just fine.

Step 3: Add Moisture

To help keep the chicken moist during cooking, add a small amount of liquid to the bottom of the dish. This can be chicken broth, white wine, or even just plain water. Pour about 1/4 cup of liquid into the bottom of the dish and spread it around evenly.

Step 4: Place the Chicken Breast

Place the chicken breast(s) into the baking dish, skin-side up. If you have any leftover seasoning, sprinkle it over the top of the chicken for extra flavor.

Step 5: Cover and Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil, making sure it’s tightly sealed around the edges, then place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). For an extra crispy skin, switch to broil for the final 3-5 minutes of cooking.

Following these simple steps will ensure you end up with tender, juicy chicken breast every time. Remember to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving – this allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

Enjoy Your Oven Baked Chicken Breast!

Now that you know how to make delicious oven baked chicken breast, it’s time to put your skills to the test. Whether you are cooking for your family or guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Remember to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure it’s moist and tender. Thanks for reading and happy cooking! Don’t forget to check back soon for more easy, lifelike recipes.