Oven Roasted Chicken Breast comes out juicy, tender, and packed with bold flavor when you follow this simple method. With a quick brine and pantry spices, you get golden, delicious chicken every single time.
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Why You’ll Love This Oven Roasted Chicken Breast
Juicy and Tender Every Time
This Oven Roasted Chicken Breast stays moist because you brine it first. As a result, the meat absorbs extra moisture and holds onto it while baking. Even if you usually struggle with dry chicken, this method changes everything.
Moreover, baking at 425°F creates a lightly crisp outside while keeping the inside soft and juicy.
Simple Pantry Seasonings
You only need basic spices like paprika, garlic powder, and dried herbs. However, when you mix them together, they create rich, savory flavor.
Because the seasoning blend coats every side, each bite tastes balanced and satisfying.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
This Oven Roasted Chicken Breast works beautifully for weekly meal prep. In fact, you can cook a batch and use it all week.
Slice it for salads, wraps, or grain bowls, and dinner comes together fast.
Ready in About 1 Hour
Although it tastes impressive, this recipe stays simple. Prep takes about 10 minutes, then brine for 20 minutes or longer if you have time.
After that, bake for about 25 minutes and dinner is ready.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Chicken and Brine
Start with 1 to 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Then, combine 4 cups of lukewarm water with ¼ cup salt for the brine.
The brine helps this Oven Roasted Chicken Breast turn out juicy instead of dry. Even 20 minutes makes a big difference.
Olive Oil
You need 1 tablespoon olive oil. First, rub it over the chicken before seasoning.
Because oil helps spices stick, you get better flavor and a richer color while baking.
Homemade Seasoning Blend
Mix ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon onion powder. Then add dried thyme, basil, rosemary, parsley, and a pinch of cayenne.
Together, these spices create a warm, savory flavor that makes this Oven Roasted Chicken Breast taste comforting and bold.
Optional Garnish and Flavor Variations
Fresh chopped parsley adds color and freshness. Meanwhile, you can swap herbs based on what you love.
If you like smoky flavor, add extra paprika. If you want more heat, increase cayenne slightly.
How to Brine Chicken Breasts for Maximum Juiciness
Why Brining Works
Brining allows the chicken to absorb seasoned water before cooking. As a result, the Oven Roasted Chicken Breast stays tender inside.
Salt also helps the meat hold moisture during baking.
How Long to Brine
Let the chicken sit in the brine for at least 20 to 30 minutes. However, if you have more time, refrigerate it for up to 2 hours.
Longer brining deepens flavor, yet even a short soak helps.
Rinsing and Drying the Chicken Properly
After brining, drain and rinse the chicken well. Then pat it completely dry with paper towels.
Dry chicken browns better in the oven, so do not skip this step.
How to Make Oven Roasted Chicken Breast Step by Step
Preheat the Oven to 425°F
First, preheat your oven to 425°F. This temperature helps the Oven Roasted Chicken Breast cook evenly while forming a golden exterior.
Mix the Seasoning Blend
While the oven heats, stir all seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. Meanwhile, set aside olive oil and dried chicken.
Having everything ready makes the process smooth and stress free.
Season the Chicken Evenly
Place the chicken in a baking dish. Then rub each piece with olive oil.
Next, sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over all sides and press gently so it sticks.
Bake Until Internal Temperature Reaches 165°F
Bake uncovered for 22 to 25 minutes. However, check early if your pieces are thinner.
Insert an instant read thermometer into the thickest part. Once it reaches 165°F, remove it from the oven.
Optional Broil for Golden Color
If you want deeper color, switch the oven to high broil for 3 to 4 minutes.
Watch closely so the Oven Roasted Chicken Breast does not overcook.
Rest Before Slicing
Let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. During this time, juices redistribute through the meat.
As a result, every slice stays moist and flavorful.
How Long to Bake Chicken Breast at 425°F
Adjusting for Thickness
Most Oven Roasted Chicken Breast pieces bake in 22 to 25 minutes at 425°F. However, thicker breasts may need a few extra minutes.
If needed, pound thicker areas to even them out before cooking.
Using an Instant Read Thermometer
A thermometer gives the most accurate results. Insert it into the thickest section and look for 165°F.
Because ovens vary, always rely on temperature rather than time alone.
Visual Cues for Doneness
Cooked chicken looks opaque and white inside. Also, juices run clear when sliced.
Still, temperature remains the safest guide.
Tips for Perfectly Roasted Chicken Breast
Even Out Thickness Before Baking
If one end looks much thicker, gently pound it to match the thinner side. As a result, your Oven Roasted Chicken Breast cooks evenly.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time
Resting keeps juices inside the meat. Therefore, wait at least 10 minutes before cutting.
Customize the Seasoning Blend
You can adjust herbs and spices easily. For example, try Italian seasoning or extra garlic for bolder flavor.
Avoid Overcooking
Overcooked chicken turns dry quickly. So, check temperature early and remove it right at 165°F.
Serving Ideas and Ways to Use Leftover Chicken
Salads, Wraps, and Sandwiches
Slice Oven Roasted Chicken Breast over fresh greens for a quick lunch. You can also stuff it into wraps or sandwiches for easy dinners.
If you love citrus flavor, try this Perfect Lemon Chicken Recipe for Quick, Flavorful Dinners for another bright option.
Soups, Tacos, and Bowls
Dice leftovers into soups or tacos. Meanwhile, you can add it to rice bowls with roasted veggies.
For bold flavor, check out this Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe for another simple idea.
Simple Side Dish Pairings
Serve Oven Roasted Chicken Breast with roasted potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a simple side salad.
If you want cozy comfort food, you might enjoy this Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Comfort Dinner.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
Refrigerating for Up to 4 Days
Store cooked Oven Roasted Chicken Breast in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 4 days.
Then, slice as needed for quick meals.
Freezing for 3 to 4 Months
You can freeze cooked chicken for 3 to 4 months. Wrap tightly and store in freezer safe bags.
Later, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating Without Drying Out
Reheat gently in the oven or microwave with a splash of water or butter. Also, cover the dish while warming.
This helps keep the chicken moist instead of dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should you bake chicken breasts in the oven?
Bake Oven Roasted Chicken Breast at 425°F for 22 to 25 minutes. However, always check for 165°F internally.
How to roast a chicken breast?
First brine the chicken, then season it well. Next, bake at high heat until fully cooked and let it rest before slicing.
What’s the rule for roasting chicken?
Cook at a steady temperature, season generously, and rest before cutting. Most importantly, cook to 165°F.
Do you cook chicken at 180 or 200?
You can cook at 180°C or 200°C, but 200°C gives better browning. In this recipe, 425°F delivers great color and juicy results.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- Chicken Pitas with Herby Ranch Easy Dinner Idea
- Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies Slow Cooker Meal
- French Onion Chicken Easy Cozy Dinner
Conclusion
Oven Roasted Chicken Breast gives you a reliable, juicy dinner that works for busy nights and meal prep. Because you brine first and bake at high heat, you get tender meat and bold flavor every time.
If you love easy chicken ideas, save more inspiration on my Pinterest page at pinterest and keep dinner simple and delicious.
Oven Roasted Chicken Breast
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl For brining the chicken
- Baking dish To bake the chicken evenly
- Instant-read thermometer To check for 165°F internal temperature
Ingredients
- 1 to 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups lukewarm water
- ¼ cup salt (for brine)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt (for seasoning blend, optional)
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ¼ teaspoon dried parsley
- ⅙ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- In a large bowl, combine lukewarm water and 1/4 cup salt. Submerge the chicken breasts and let them brine for 20 to 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- While the chicken brines, mix salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, basil, rosemary, parsley, and cayenne in a small bowl.
- Drain and rinse the chicken, then pat it completely dry with paper towels.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish. Rub each breast with olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over all sides.
- Bake uncovered for 22 to 25 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reaches 165°F.
- For deeper color, switch to high broil for the last 3 to 4 minutes, watching carefully.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve.
