Are you looking for an easy chicken breast recipe that will become your go-to for weeknight dinners? Whether you’re in the mood for something quick and savory or want to impress your friends and family, this dish checks all the boxes.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a cooking novice or a seasoned pro – this simple step-by-step guide will show you how to make the best baked chicken breasts around. In just a few steps, you can transform basic ingredients into a delicious dish packed with flavor and moisture.
We’ll show you exactly how to get it right, from start to finish – no guesswork required!
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
When it comes to making the best baked chicken you'll want to make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment on hand before getting started let's run through what you need:
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter or other cooking fat of your choice
- A tablespoon of minced garlic (or two cloves of fresh garlic)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (optional)
Equipment:
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil
- Knife and cutting board
- Small bowl for herbs (optional)
Prep the Chicken Breast
The key to a delicious dinner is good preparation. To start your baked chicken breast recipe off on the right foot, you'll need to get the chicken ready first. Begin by heating up the oven to 350°F.
Once that's done, prep the chicken breast by gently patting it dry with a paper towel. Then, season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper and any other herbs or spices that you like. If you wish, you can also brush it lightly with olive oil for extra moisture and enhanced flavor. Place the seasoned chicken breast in a baking dish or on a baking sheet and put it in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
At this stage, your chicken is almost ready! All it needs now is a little bit of love before being ready to serve.
Baking the Perfect Chicken Breast
Now it's time to bake the perfect chicken breast! Preheat the oven to 375°F and while it's warming, carefully lay the chicken breasts onto a baking sheet or tray, making sure they have some space between them.
Once laid into place, you can use the following tips to ensure you get juicy, perfectly cooked chicken every time:
- Brush the tops of the chicken breasts with a bit of oil or butter to prevent them from drying out while they bake.
- Sprinkle salt, pepper and any other desired seasonings over the top of each one.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until done.
- To test for doneness, poke each chicken breast with a thermometer at its thickest point—the internal temperature should read 160°F.
Toppings and Marinades to Add Flavor
Now that you've prepped your chicken breasts, it's time to choose toppings and marinades to add flavor to your chicken. The beauty of this recipe is that you can customize it to suit just about any cuisine.
Toppings
Toppings are an easy way to give your baked chicken breast tons of flavor. Here are some ideas:
- Parmesan cheese
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Sliced olives
- Chopped nuts
- Dried fruit, like raisins, apricots, or cranberries
- Chopped herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, or chives
- Diced onions or shallots
- Garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and other seasonings
Marinades
Marinades infuse protein with flavor and tenderize the meat at the same time. There are many marinade options out there; try a few before settling on one. Consider ingredients like olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce—or even ginger beer or tequila! Experiment away and make something unique.
Serving Suggestions for Your Baked Chicken Breast
Now that you have your perfectly baked chicken breast, what do you do with it? Well, there are a variety of delicious and creative ways to serve up your chicken. Here are some of our preferred serving recommendations:
Taco Salad – Fork-tender pieces of chicken breast make the perfect topping for your favorite taco salad. Top it off with your favorite Mexican-style toppings.
Chicken Tacos – Shredded chicken breast makes an equally delicious taco filling as it does in a salad! Top it off with some chopped lettuce and tomatoes, sour cream, and guacamole if desired.
Stuffed Peppers – Turn this classic Italian dish into an easy one-pan dinner by stuffing bell peppers with the cooked chicken breast and adding other ingredients like rice, tomatoes and cheese. Bake for 20 minutes, just until the peppers is soft and the cheese has melted.
Chicken Soup – Got extra cooked chicken? Cube it up and add it to your favorite soup — noodle, bean or vegetable — for a quick, delicious meal in minutes!
Some Tips Making the Perfect Baked Chicken Breast
Making sure that your baked chicken breast is cooked all the way through and juicy on the inside can be tricky, so here are some tips to get you started:
Start with Cold Chicken
Before you do anything else, take your chicken out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes. This helps make sure the baking time is even throughout.
Add Flavor
Once your chicken has come to room temperature, it’s time to flavor it. Add whatever seasonings, spices or herbs you like — salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika — whatever you’d like. Coat your chicken breasts in a light layer of oil or butter before and after seasoning for extra flavor and moisture. You can also add a bit of lemon juice or vinegar for a zesty kick.
Bake Low & Slow
When it comes to baking chicken breast, low and slow is always key if you want juicy meat. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup later. Place your seasoned chicken breasts in the dish and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes — keep an eye on it so that it doesn’t burn!
Let It Rest
Letting your cooked chicken breasts rest when they come out of the oven helps give them time to cool down slightly, while also letting their juices redistribute so they stay moist when cutting into them. Allow 5-10 minutes of resting time before serving or slicing up the meat for salads and wraps
Conclusion
Ultimately, making the best baked chicken breast is about getting the basics right. Make sure to start with quality ingredients like a flavorful marinade or rub and use a thermometer to ensure that your chicken is cooked to the proper temperature with the right technique and a few helpful tips you can whip up restaurant-quality baked chicken breast in no time. Get cooking and enjoy the delicious results!
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