This is the most popular of all chicken breast recipes that I’ve ever published. It’s a JUICY Oven Baked Chicken Breast sprinkled with a magic simple seasoning, baked until caramelised. It’s simple, fast and incredibly tasty! This is a reader-favourite alongside Honey Garlic Chicken, this epic Parmesan Crusted Chicken and crispy Garlic Chicken.
This is a reader-favourite recipe included by popular demand in my debut cookbook “Dinner”!
A JUICY Baked Chicken Breast!
Though I always stand firm that brown meat is better than white – more flavour, more juiciness – lean chicken breast is a regular in my shopping trolley, week after week.
So today, I’m sharing my recipe for how I make Oven Baked Chicken Breast.
We can never have too many really great quick chicken breast recipes!
As simple as it sounds, if you whack a seasoned breast in the oven without thought, the chances are you’ll be chewing your way through dry chicken, furiously squirting over copious amounts of ketchup to try to salvage it.
It doesn’t need to be that way. Enter – a fabulous simple, magic chicken seasoning for baked chicken breast:
The Chicken Breast Seasoning
Made with just brown sugar, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper, the secret ingredient in this is brown sugar:
Makes more seasoning, so you can coat the breast thoroughly and give it a beautiful crust without overpowering it with lots of spices that need longer to cook than chicken breast does; and
Makes it juicy – the chicken sweat while it bakes, so you end up with wetness that makes the chicken more juicy than the usual baked chicken breast.
Yes it adds sweetness but don’t worry, this baked chicken breast is still savoury!
How long to cook chicken breast
A medium chicken breast will take 18 – 20 minutes to bake at 220C / 425F. Cooking it hard and fast at a high temperature is the secret to gorgeous caramelisation and ultra juicy chicken inside. No dried out breast around here!!
The seasoning for this chicken is actually a really great indicator for when the chicken is cooked to perfection. Basically, once the surface of the chicken is caramelised, it’s cooked to perfection inside so get it out of the oven!
My last tip for a truly great Baked Chicken Breast is to pound it to even thickness, either with a rolling pin, meat mallet or even with your fist (very therapeutic). This has the double effect of even cooking as well as tenderising the meat.
The secret behind this baked chicken is the simple, magic seasoning
Most popular of all chicken breast recipes!
This Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breast is the single most popular of all chicken breast recipes I’ve ever shared.
But don’t believe me. Have a browse below of what others have to say!
Try serving this with a side of Garlic Butter Rice with Kale, pictured in post. One pot carb + veg side, with kale made delicious! Otherwise, try a flavoured Rice Side like Tomato Basil Rice or Mushroom Rice.
If you’re in the mood for potatoes, try this Lemon Potato Salad, a classic creamy Potato Salad or a lighter No-Mayo Red Potato Salad with Charred Corn and Bacon.
And for something fresh, Spring Salad or Creamy Cucumber Salad with Lemon Yogurt Dressing would go with the chicken beautifully. Else, simply drizzle steamed greens or a garden salad with Italian Dressing, Balsamic or French Vinaigrette. – Nagi x
More chicken breast recipes readers love!
Honey Garlic Chicken Breast – Super easy, super delicious!
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast – No breadcrumbs needed!
Chicken Kiev – A retro classic! Crumbed and fried chicken breast stuffed with oozing garlic butter …
Browse all chicken recipes
Baked Chicken Breast recipe
WATCH HOW TO MAKE IT
This recipe features in my debut cookbook Dinner. The book is mostly new recipes, but this is a reader favourite included by popular demand!
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Oven Baked Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts , 150 – 180g / 5 – 6 oz each (Note 1)
- 2 tsp olive oil
Seasoning:
- 1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme , or other herb of choice
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
Garnish, optional:
- Finely chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F/220°C (200°C fan).
- Pound chicken to 1.5cm / 0.6″ at the thickest part – using a rolling pin, meat mallet or even your fist (key tip for even cooking + tender chicken).
- Mix Seasoning.
- Line tray with foil and baking / parchment paper. Place chicken upside down on tray. Drizzle chicken with about 1 tsp oil. Rub over with fingers. Sprinkle with Seasoning.
- Flip chicken. Drizzle with 1 tsp oil, rub with fingers, sprinkle with Seasoning, covering as much of the surface area as you can.
- Bake 18 minutes, or until surface is golden per photos and video, or internal temperature is 165°F/75°C using a meat thermometer.
- Remove from oven and immediately transfer chicken to serving plates.
- Wait 3 – 5 minutes before serving, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Pictured with a side of Garlic Butter Rice with Kale.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
Recipe originally published March 2018. Updated for housekeeping matters in March 2019, no change to recipe.
* The story and details of the Handcrafted Japanese Knife giveaway that originally accompanied this recipe when published was moved into a separate post because the Giveaway has finished.
LIFE OF DOZER
It’s just hanging there, taunting him. He sniffs at it, suspiciously….
Hello Nagi!… This is an Awesomely generous giveaway! I am a 76 year old . As the Mom of 3 sons ( two of whom are Graduates of the Culinary Institute of America,) and a grandaughter of a Apprentice trained chef from Alsace Lorraine ,I have been “into cooking ” most of my life. This knife would surely find a good “Forever Home”with me. Thank you for the opportunity.
I would love a good sharp knife. I have the worst luck with knives.
Hi Nagi! I first have to just say how much I LOVE your recipes. They are ALWAYS spot on, I know exactly what to expect, taste, etc. We have very similar tastes for sure, so by now I have made over 50 of your recipes! I always come back to you when I need dinner ideas. Thanks so much for all you do!
P.S. I would be honored to receive that amazing knife!
Much love,
Michelle
xo
Hi Nagi
I would love a good knife as my friend came to cook in my kitchen the other day and she rummaged in my drawer for a GOOD knife. She had to make do with a knife that I thought was good!! I wish I captured the expression on her face!!
I use a paring knife a lot and one fillet knife for meat. Having this great looking knife might bring my friend to cook in my kitchen again and probably help me a lot too!!! Thank you!
Ps I am heading to Japan tomorrow for my nephew’s wedding!! He’s marrying a gorgeous Japanese girl on the 24th March in Kobe. My first time in Japan and I will definitely look into some knife shops!!
I want this knife!!
Love your blog! My son actually turned me on to it. I’d love to own a work of art like that knife. I know I would use it daily. Thanks for being my recipe go to.
Love, love, love your recipes!! Its been a life changer! I don’t have to worry and browse, they always turn out perfect. I am excited about the knife!
Mmmmmm…I just decided what we’re having for supper tonight! And yes, indeed, that is a mighty fine lookin’ knife! I’d put it to work, for sure!
Hi Nagi! I am going to make this recipe this weekend. And winning the Chef’s knife and sharpening stone would be sweet. I do like the finish on the blade. Thank you!
I love your recipes and the photos of your dog Dozier. I had a golden retriever once upon a time and that is what Dozier looks like to me. …I would love to have that knife – it is the essential kitchen tool and makes food preparation faster! Thanks for all your witty commentary about life and food!
Nagi: I have been receiving your e-mails since November 10 2015. I am greatly impressed by your work and results. I would love to own a cooking knife from the other side of the world. I have had great results from your recipes although there are a few that I alter a bit to suit my own weird taste buds. Please keep me in mind for the knife, I can promise it a great place of importance in my kitchen Best Regards & Keep up the good work Ed C
talk about a dream of a knife! I would LOVE to win it! *millions of heart eyes* 🙂
ps – I love that you have brown sugar as one of the ways to flavor meat, I use it all the time with spices for a grilled salmon rub. It’s wonderful!
I have just retired and now have the time to make all the recipes that are more time consuming as well as the easy ones. I have more time to entertain and would love a quality knife to use. Love your recipes!
Yes I would LOVE to win this knife! Love your recipes, some of them are staples at the cottage and are regularly requested by family. Keep up the good work, I always get excited when I see an email form Nagi! Will be trying this Baked Chicken recipe this week, looks delicious, as all of your recipes are! Your next giveaway, how about a flight to Australia to come see you!! LOL
Beautiful sharp knives make a huge difference when cooking. A blunt knife can ruin a cut of meat or make a vegetable bruised. I have to say l love loving my knives and this would go to a great home and be looked after well as l could never afford such beautiful knife 😊
I love that Knife, but I really love your recipes. I always go to you first to try something new for my family and a beautiful knife like that would be wonderful to use while making your recipes. 🙂
A chef’s knife is the best tool in the kitchen,if you have a good one. I know the Japanese are the best and
this would be the last one I’ll ever need or use.
I love your website. I haven’t had much luck cooking Asian recipes, but the few I have tried from your website have all been delicious! I would love to add this knife to my kitchen too!
I would love to win the knife. Here is a knife based Haiku for your consideration (with a reference to the office):
Dwight likes Nakiri
But Usuba is better
For Benihana
I absolutely love this knife store in Japan. I accidentally stumbled upon it my first time in Tokyo and had to revisit the second time because of the quality and get one for my mom. I would love to win this for my mom. She’s the most selfless person I know and she loves cooking for others.