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….
I love your recipes. I would like to the knife.
I just tried cutting my thumb off, last Monday. I need this knife. I have made lots of your recipes, they are delious. Tfwall62@hotmail.com
Oh this sounds soooo good, I can’t wait to try it. Would this work on chicken breast with skin on too ? I’m going to see.
That knife is absolutely stunning, I need a new Chefs knife badly. Mine is so old and used, and it’s got big dents in the blade that I haven’t been able to get out.
It sure would be nice to have such a beautiful knife to treasure.
Thank you
With a son starting his cooking career and a daughter moving out of home – how would I decide which one to gift it to – I may have to keep it!
Love this recipe. AND WANT THE KNIFE! Mind you there haven’t been too many of your recipes I haven’t loved. Bring ’em on!!
I totally want that knife! Beautiful damascus pattern on the blade, and a lovely wooden handle as well.
Yummy. Made the chicken breasts last night. Absolutely flavourful. Would love to have this knife in my kitchen. All my current knives are old and constantly need sharpening.
oh my mouth drools everytime I see these Japanes knives, but I can’t afford it. It is always just a wishful thinking to have one.
Thank you. I love you’re recipes, they are the only ones that stays in my inbox forever, for easy reference.
Hi Nagi!
Firstly, I’d like to comment on how much I enjoy your recipes, I am always inspired.
My downfall are my Global knives, they’re just not up to scratch, so I’d LOVE to win your fancy handcrafted Japanese Chef’s knife. Love the wooden handle, no more slipping 🙂
CHOP CHOP!
Hi Nagi,
You should see me in the Kitchen I need every help I can get. I would love to own and win one these wonderful knives. Also a big thank you for your web site and your wonderful recipes are so good.
Catherine Stanley
I’ve had the pleasure of serving at Yokota Air Base in Japan. Purchased many items, such as stereo equipment, and a “Sunny XL”car, by Nisson, Japan is a beautiful country. Buying from the street vendors was always a night time feast. Japan to me signifies quality, honor to the elderly and respect (which you don’t see in the states). After two years had to leave, very sad day knowing what I was leaving behind and where my destination was, very sad. Have delighted to find you and the delightful recipes, my passion is cooking, would love and honor a authentic Japanese Chef’s knife. It would be held in the highest respect and care. Next would be a rice cooker, I remember visiting homes at 1 am, (to bring a popason who over indulged in the beer), his wife would not be too pleased with him, but she would provide a bowl of rice. The happiest time in my life, Japan (also the birth of my son). Thank you
I have always wanted a great set of knives and this would be a wonderful start as well as a super birthday present (March 20). Please enter me and thank you for all of your work to get your wonderful recipes to us.
Hey Nagi, that’s dinner settled tonight served with the spinach and almond rice. What an absolutely bomb of a giveaway. Would love love love this amazing beautifully crafted artisan Japanese knife especially since I would not be able to indulge myself in such a luxury kitchen item. Know it would be a dream to use…and the sharpening stone as well.
Hi Nagi,
I have been following your food recipes for a while (never commented though, my bad!) and they are all so so amazing! As a broke graduate student, I make do with an old, blunt knife when cooking and never could convince myself to save up and invest in a proper knife… I always end up spending my money on food outings and ingredients (not so smart of me). This knife you’re giving away looks like the dream knife I have always wanted, so it would truly be an honour to receive it; and it would definitely be put to good use, you can trust me on that 😉
PS: I can’t get enough of Dozer, please post more pictures.
Warm wishes,
Charlotte
Would love to find out how a real knife works. Have been using a set from Costco, 6 knives for 13.00 dollars. Oh well.
I enjoy your blog and your recipes. And would love to own this knife!
Hi Nagi, how generous of you! The knife looks amazing, I’ve been looking for a great knife but alas when i go shopping for one it’s overwhelming 😲 long ones, shaped ones, paring , boning, butchers arhhh. I’d love to win your knife! Love your recipes so easy to follow and taste great. Definitely be trying this one. Thanks Nagi 😊
Hi Nagi!
Would LOVE to replace my wobbly handled cleaver with this beautiful beast! Please enter me in the competition! 😆
Hello Nagi from Nova Scotia Canada !
Tuesday is the first day of spring and we are about to have our 4th snow storm in the last 10 days grrr.. , ugh .
I flew home to look in on my 88 year old father ( he is great thx ) and ended up staying ,, but I now cook every night and enjoy reading your recipes , but more your wit and humour.:). The knife would be awesome , my favourite story of your’s is you cooking for the homeless man who enjoys your gourmet meals , people forget the small things in life that make you a real “good person ” I read not long ago ” we always seem to look for good people to be in our lives . they are everywhere , but if you can’t find one ..BECOME ONE ” cheers big ears ..Robby
Oh gosh – can’t wait to try this and discover the juiciness of your chicken breast (bet Dozer would love to do a taste test). Would love a real knife, so many of mine have been blunted over the years by people not understanding how to use them. Only have one good knife at present (and even that isn’t the best). This would make me enjoy chopping. Thank you to you and your whole family (which of course includes Dozer) for sharing your joy of food and with us. So look forward to your posts.
PS: The possums would even appreciate the knife as I could chop their food properly 🙂