This oven baked chicken breast is the definition of a weeknight win—simple, fast, and bursting with flavor. With a smart mix of brown sugar, garlic powder, and herbs, each bite is incredibly juicy and packed with savory-sweet goodness. It’s a foolproof go-to recipe for anyone who’s ever struggled with dry, bland chicken.
Perfect for pairing with salads, rice, or roasted veggies, this dish stands out because it creates its own subtle glaze while baking—no sauces needed. Plus, it’s a high-protein, low-effort option you can easily meal-prep ahead. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this chicken breast brings the flavor without the fuss.
Full Recipe:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5–6 oz each)
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2 tsp olive oil
Seasoning:
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1 ½ tbsp brown sugar
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp dried oregano (or thyme)
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¼ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
Optional Garnish:
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Fresh chopped parsley
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Pound chicken breasts to 0.6″ (1.5cm) thickness for even cooking and tenderness.
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In a small bowl, mix all seasoning ingredients.
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Line a baking tray with foil and parchment paper.
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Place chicken breasts smooth side down on the tray. Drizzle with 1 tsp oil and rub in gently.
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Sprinkle half the seasoning on the chicken.
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Flip the chicken, drizzle remaining oil, rub again, and coat with the rest of the seasoning.
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Bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (75°C).
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Rest chicken 3–5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 18 minutes | Total Time: 28 minutes
Kcal: 286 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Oven Baked Chicken Breast is a Kitchen Essential
Chicken breast has long held a reputation as a healthy and versatile protein, but it’s often criticized for being dry and flavorless. That changes entirely with this Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breast recipe. Developed with simplicity and everyday home cooking in mind, this method delivers tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort—making it a must-have in every cook’s repertoire.
This particular recipe became a sensation because it manages to be both foolproof and full of flavor. It’s one of the most requested dishes by readers of RecipeTin Eats and has even earned its place in a published cookbook. Why? Because it consistently delivers moist, golden-brown chicken that pairs well with almost anything, from fresh salads to creamy mashed potatoes.
The Secret Behind the Juiciness
What truly sets this recipe apart is a simple seasoning blend that includes brown sugar. The brown sugar might sound unusual for a savory dish, but it plays a dual role: helping the chicken to caramelize beautifully while also locking in moisture. When the chicken bakes at a high temperature, the sugar interacts with the proteins on the surface, forming a golden crust that prevents the juices from escaping. This technique is what transforms a standard piece of poultry into something mouthwateringly good.
Another overlooked but essential step is pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. By doing this, each piece cooks uniformly, preventing thinner sections from drying out while the thicker parts finish cooking. It’s a small step with a big impact—leading to a more consistent texture and tenderness throughout.
Perfect for Weeknights or Meal Prep
Time is often the barrier between busy people and home-cooked meals. Fortunately, this baked chicken recipe fits seamlessly into tight schedules. With only about 10 minutes of prep and 18–20 minutes of baking, you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. That makes it an ideal option for working professionals, students, or parents juggling multiple responsibilities.
It’s also an excellent choice for meal prep. The chicken stores well in the fridge for several days and can be sliced or diced into various meals: tossed into salads, folded into wraps, or served over grains. The simplicity of the seasoning also means it won’t clash with other flavors if you decide to mix things up later in the week.
Flavorful Yet Adaptable
While the recipe is designed to be flavorful straight out of the oven, it also lends itself well to customization. The herbs can be swapped—try rosemary, basil, or thyme instead of oregano. You could even add a pinch of chili flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Moreover, the brown sugar-garlic base creates a savory-sweet profile that works beautifully with side dishes of all kinds. Pair it with a light cucumber salad for a fresh contrast, or go with garlicky mashed potatoes for comfort food indulgence. For a balanced plate, include steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts. The adaptability of the flavor means this chicken can go from a simple weekday dinner to a component in a more elevated weekend meal.
A Nutritional Powerhouse
From a nutritional standpoint, this oven baked chicken breast checks all the boxes. It’s low in carbohydrates, making it keto- and paleo-friendly, while still being high in protein, which is crucial for muscle repair and satiety. The fat content is minimal, especially since it doesn’t require butter or heavy oils to stay moist.
For those watching their sodium intake, the amount of salt used is moderate, and you can easily reduce it further without significantly compromising taste, thanks to the herbs and caramelization from the sugar. It’s also naturally gluten-free, which means it fits into a wide range of dietary plans without requiring modifications.
Culinary Tips for Best Results
To ensure optimal flavor and texture, a few best practices can take this recipe from good to great. First, always start with room temperature chicken breasts if possible. Cold meat goes into the oven unevenly and may result in an overcooked exterior with an undercooked center.
Using a meat thermometer is also highly recommended. Chicken breast is safe to eat at 165°F (75°C), and removing it from the oven as soon as it hits that temperature ensures it stays juicy. Another pro tip: let the chicken rest after baking. Resting allows the juices to redistribute through the meat rather than spilling out when you slice it immediately.
Lastly, don’t skip the garnish. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives not only adds color and contrast but also enhances the overall flavor with a fresh, herbaceous note.
Why This Recipe Is So Popular
The popularity of this recipe isn’t accidental. It has all the hallmarks of a winning dish: simple ingredients, quick preparation, and outstanding results. More importantly, it meets people where they are in their cooking journey—whether they’re new to the kitchen or seasoned home chefs.
The built-in flexibility also helps it appeal to a wide audience. It works for picky eaters, health-conscious individuals, and flavor lovers alike. With just a few tweaks, it can also be made suitable for specific diets such as Whole30 or low-FODMAP, making it inclusive and versatile.
Its consistent success also makes it a perfect go-to when you’re cooking for guests. There’s nothing fussy or intimidating about it, and yet the final dish looks and tastes impressive enough to serve at a dinner party.
Conclusion: A Staple Recipe Worth Repeating
In a world filled with elaborate meals and Instagram-worthy food trends, the simple baked chicken breast reminds us that everyday dishes deserve just as much love. This Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breast is more than just a basic meal—it’s a culinary technique wrapped in a humble presentation.
From its expertly balanced seasoning to its short cooking time and nutritional benefits, this recipe is a cornerstone of practical, delicious home cooking. Once you’ve tried it, there’s a good chance it will become a regular feature in your weekly meal plan—not because it’s fancy, but because it works. And in the end, that’s the true measure of a great recipe.
Let this recipe be your foundation, and then make it your own. Add your favorite spices, pair it with new sides, or simply enjoy it as is. Either way, it’s sure to satisfy.
