Dinner

Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

ByCharlotte Montgomery December 17, 2025December 17, 2025

Introduction

This oven baked chicken breast recipe is a simple and delicious way to prepare tender, juicy chicken with a flavorful spice blend. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it combines a touch of sweetness with savory herbs and spices for a well-balanced taste.

The image shows four golden-brown cooked chicken breasts on a white plate, each breast with a slightly crispy texture and visible black pepper and herb seasoning speckled on top. One chicken breast has a small square of melting butter placed near its center, adding a small glossy shine. There is a light layer of melted butter or sauce pooling around the base of the chicken, enhancing the rich color and moist appearance. Some small green parsley flakes are scattered on top of the chicken for garnish. The plate is set against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon ground paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon butter (diced)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
Step 2: Place the chicken breasts between plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness of about 0.5 to 0.75 inches. Rub olive oil evenly over the chicken.
Step 3: In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Coat each chicken breast thoroughly with this seasoning mix.
Step 4: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the casserole dish. Top each piece with a slice of diced butter.
Step 5: Bake the chicken for 18-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For a nicely browned finish, broil the chicken for an additional 1-3 minutes.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, marinate the chicken in olive oil and spices for 30 minutes before baking.
You can substitute Italian seasoning with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme if you prefer.
Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Using a meat thermometer ensures your chicken stays juicy and safely cooked.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a low oven to keep it from drying out. This chicken can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows several golden-brown cooked chicken breasts placed close together on a white plate. Each piece has a slightly crispy, textured top layer seasoned with visible black pepper and herbs, creating a speckled pattern. A small melting pat of butter sits on one chicken breast, adding shine and moisture to the surface. Tiny bits of green herbs are sprinkled lightly over the chicken, giving small color contrast. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with warm light highlighting the juicy and tender texture of the chicken. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?

This recipe is best with boneless chicken breasts because they cook evenly and quickly. Bone-in breasts will require a longer baking time and may need to be adjusted accordingly.

What can I serve with oven baked chicken breast?

This chicken pairs well with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.