Juicy Baked Chicken Breast (Oven, 25 Minutes)
Tender, juicy oven-baked chicken breast with a simple seasoning. Exact oven temperature, timing and the trick that stops it from drying out.
Published
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Total
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
The secret to juicy baked chicken breast is high heat, an even thickness and not one minute too long in the oven. At 220 °C (425 °F) most breasts take 16–22 minutes.
Use leftovers in a healthy chicken salad or a chicken stir-fry.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts (about 180 g / 6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 220 °C (425 °F).
- If the breasts are uneven, pound the thick end to an even 2 cm (¾ inch) so they cook evenly.
- Rub with oil and season all over with the salt and spices. Place in a baking dish.
- Bake for 16–22 minutes, until the thickest part reaches 74 °C (165 °F).
- Cover loosely with foil and rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
Nutrition per serving
- kcal
- 265
- Protein
- 41 g
- Carbs
- 1 g
- Fat
- 10 g
Tips
- A quick brine makes a big difference: 30 minutes in 1 litre of water with 2 tbsp salt, then pat dry.
- Take it out as soon as it hits 74 °C (165 °F). Overcooking is the only reason chicken breast gets dry.
- Sliced leftovers are perfect for salads, wraps and our healthy chicken salad.
