Baked chicken breasts are the weeknight staple that can be juicy and flavorful instead of dry and bland. All you need is chicken, olive oil, and a seasoning blend, plus a hot oven and a few simple tricks.
This three ingredient baked chicken breasts recipe is the easy baked chicken breast method you can rely on every time. It is a quick dinner for meal prep, salads, sandwiches, and busy nights.
Recipe at a Glance
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes (plus 5 minutes resting) |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Category | Dinner / Chicken |
Why You’ll Love These Baked Chicken Breasts
- Just 3 ingredients and 25 minutes
- Juicy and tender with a golden exterior
- Endlessly flexible with any seasoning blend
- Perfect for meal prep, salads, and sandwiches
- Hands-off cooking with easy cleanup
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 to 8 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons your favorite seasoning blend (such as Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, or garlic-herb), plus salt to taste if the blend is unsalted
How to Bake Chicken Breasts So They Stay Juicy
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. If the breasts are thick, pound them gently to an even thickness of about ¾ inch so they cook evenly.
- Rub the chicken with the olive oil, then coat both sides generously with the seasoning blend.
- Place the chicken on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between the pieces.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
- Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute.
Tips for the Best Easy Baked Chicken Breast
- Use an instant-read thermometer; it is the surest way to avoid dry chicken.
- Pound or butterfly thick breasts so they cook evenly.
- Pat the chicken dry so the seasoning sticks and the surface browns.
- Do not skip the resting time.
- For extra juiciness, brine the chicken in salted water for 20 to 30 minutes first.
Variations to Try: Baked Chicken Breast Ideas
- Use lemon pepper and a squeeze of lemon for a bright flavor.
- Top with a slice of mozzarella and marinara for the last 5 minutes.
- Use taco seasoning for chicken tacos, bowls, and salads.
- Brush with BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes of baking.
How to Store It
Refrigerate cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave with a splash of water or broth. Freeze sliced or whole cooked breasts for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should baked chicken breasts reach?
Chicken breasts are safely cooked when the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
How long do you bake chicken breasts at 425°F?
Boneless, skinless breasts usually take 18 to 22 minutes, depending on thickness.
Should I cover chicken breasts with foil when baking?
No. Baking uncovered gives a golden exterior. Cover loosely only if they are browning too quickly.
Why is my baked chicken dry?
Overcooking and uneven thickness are the top causes. Use a thermometer and pound the breasts to an even thickness.
Three Ingredient Baked Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet.
- Step 2: Pat the chicken dry and pound to an even thickness of about ¾ inch.
- Tip: Even thickness means even cooking.
- Step 3: Rub with the olive oil and coat with the seasoning blend.
- Step 4: Arrange on the baking sheet with space between pieces.
- Step 5: Bake 18 to 22 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Tip: Use an instant-read thermometer.
- Step 6: Rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Choose a salted seasoning blend or add salt to taste.