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….
Thank you Nagi for all your hard work with this awesome website. You have turned this single dad from making corn dogs and frozen pizzas to being called a legendary cook by my kids. Loved all the recipes I have tried and there are so many great ones to choose from.
Would love opportunity at the knife give away. Even if I don’t win I have still won in the kitchen thanks to you!
Been following and loving your recipes! Would also love to have this wonderful knife! =)
Hello, I love your blog.. and your chicken recipe is so intriguing, I make the same stove top, so the addition of brown sugar and in the oven. I cant wait.. The knife looks amazing. Never had a fancy knife.. would Love it. Thank You for your yummy recipes too!
I love cooking all your recipes xx
Luv, Luv, Luv, ur wonderful recipes! They r the only ones I try. Easy 2 make & delicious 2 eat!
Just bought a set of Japanese knives & they r fabulous! The best ever! Would luv 2 own another one!!!
P.S….am making ur chicken breasts 2nite!!!
Hi Nagi thanks for a fantastic blog and videos to boot. I really want that knife you offer as a give-away. I think I have the skills to hamdle that baby lol.
I am getting fed up with the knives I have, they do not keep their edge so it would be great to have some that does.
Love knifes, have only MAC and some Germen stuff.
Would love to own this one.
Love your recipes!
A great knife helps make a great cook. Prep is so much easier and the chance of an accident (ie. cutting off your fingers…) drops dramatically.
I can only hope I win…
Many years ago, I dated a guy who helped me bring out my love for food and the joy of cooking. His first piece of advice? You need to have one good knife in your kitchen. He took me shopping and bought me a knife. 34 years later, I still have it, use it, love it even though the tip has broken off of it.
There is no rule saying one can’t have TWO good knives in the kitchen. I’d LOVE to win this one!
Thank you for the opportunity to enter this knife giveaway. I don’t think a week goes by that I don’t prepare something from your recipe collection, and your stir fry sauce is absolutely the best. I will likely soon be giving this chicken breast recipe a go.
Hi Nagi !!
You are recipe go-to. Love everything you share. I’d love this knife because I’m a nut about great knives. Some of my better ones I keep hidden in bedroom as my husband doesn’t care for knives as I do. Hoping I am the lucky winner.
I’d love to have that knife! I’m also going to try this chicken breast recipe. I’ve never succeeded in making chicken breast that wasn’t dry and stringy, so I’ve always substituted boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the breast meat. I love your posts – especially about your mom! She sounds like a hoot!!
Nagi, I have owned a truly good sharp knife. Cooks would be astounded to see me try to cut veggies, meats, etc. with my cheap dull knives! Love your recipes and the recipe in my email is dinner tomorrow! Thank you! (Dozer is so cute!)
Oh my gosh! I meant to say “I have NEVER owned a good sharp knife”!
I would treasure a knife like this. I love your recipes especially the very helpful notes and pictures that you include.
Nina
I would LOVE to have this knife! It is absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for all the fabulous recipes!
Thanks for the knife giveaway! Of course I want it 🙂
A beautiful knife is always welcome in my kitchen!
The seasoning for the chicken breasts sounds amazing. What rice did you serve it with?
Just found you a few weeks ago and have used your pot roast, fried rice, and a couple of other recipes. My wife and I really enjoy your style and flavors.
As far as the knife goes, I have never owned a good knife and would love to have one that makes my kitchen work easier and safer at the same time. Love the recipes.
Sincerely,
Chris
Dearest Nagi,
I would very much love to win this knife!
Best,
Carla