Introduction

Baked chicken breast is a simple, healthy, and flavorful meal that comes together quickly. With a blend of Italian seasoning and paprika, this dish offers a deliciously seasoned protein perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Baked Chicken Breast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon seasoned salt (or table salt)
1 teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a rimmed baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken breasts, olive oil, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, paprika, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
Step 3: Transfer the coated chicken breasts to the prepared pan and bake uncovered for 21 to 26 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 4: Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer to a plate or cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Step 5: Slice the chicken and drizzle with the pan juices for extra flavor before serving.

Tips & Variations

For juicier chicken, brine the breasts in salted water for 15-30 minutes before seasoning and baking.
Swap Italian seasoning for your favorite herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
Add minced garlic or lemon zest to the seasoning mix for extra aroma.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly without drying out.

Storage

Store leftover baked chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to avoid drying out. This chicken also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Yes, but bone-in breasts will require a longer baking time. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

This recipe is naturally dairy-free, so no changes are needed to keep it free of dairy products.

Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.5 from 108 reviews

This simple and flavorful Baked Chicken Breast recipe offers juicy, tender chicken seasoned with Italian herbs, paprika, and a hint of salt and pepper. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, it bakes quickly in the oven and is easy to prepare with basic ingredients.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 21-26 minutes
Total Time: 31-36 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)

Seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon seasoned salt (or table salt)
1 teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Lightly grease a rimmed baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent the chicken from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Prepare Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken breasts with olive oil, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, paprika, and black pepper. Toss everything together well to make sure each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
Bake Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking pan, ensuring they are spaced evenly. Bake uncovered for 21 to 26 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer to a plate or cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the juices redistribute inside the meat, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
Serve: Slice the chicken breasts and drizzle them with the pan juices for maximum flavor, then serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
For additional flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning mix for 30 minutes to an hour before baking.
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Adjust seasoning to taste or add garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth.

Keywords: baked chicken breast, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken, oven baked chicken, simple dinner