Oven-Baked Chicken Breast – Juicy & Simple

Juicy Oven-Baked Chicken Breast is a must-have for easy, delicious meals. In our household, food preferences are split – I’m a fan of dark meat, while my husband loves white meat. I often prepare this oven-baked chicken breast recipe to keep things balanced, and it never feels like a compromise.

The result? Juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken that stays moist in the fridge for days – perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners. Even as a dark meat lover, I find myself looking forward to this dish. Now that’s what I call a win!

Ingredients in our Oven-Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

• Chicken Breast: The show’s star, chicken breast, offers a lean and tender canvas for flavor. It absorbs the aromatic elements of thyme, lemon, garlic, and spices while maintaining its natural juiciness.
• Fresh Twigs of Thyme: Fragrant and earthy, thyme infuses the chicken with a delightful herbal essence, complementing the dish’s savory profile.
• Lemon: The zesty brightness of lemon lends a refreshing citrusy note to the chicken, enhancing its overall flavor and providing a delightful contrast.
• Garlic: Adding depth and complexity, garlic contributes its unique aromatic and savory qualities to create a harmonious blend of flavors.
• Spices (Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Baharat, Cardamoms): The blend of spices, including a pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, a hint of paprika, and the warm embrace of Baharat and cardamoms, form a tantalizing rub that elevates the chicken’s taste profile.
• Olive Oil: As the foundation of the marinade, olive oil brings richness and subtle fruitiness, ensuring the chicken stays moist and succulent throughout the baking process.

How to Keep Oven-Baked Chicken Breast Juicy

Achieving perfectly juicy oven-baked chicken breast is all about technique. Here are a few essential tips to ensure tender, flavorful results every time:

• Marinades and Sauces: Marinate the chicken before baking to infuse moisture and flavor. Even a quick marinade can enhance juiciness.
• Resting Time: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender when sliced.
• Slicing Technique: Always slice the chicken against the grain. This shortens muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender bite.
• Parchment Paper: Bake the chicken wrapped in parchment paper. This seals in moisture and ensures even cooking, preventing dryness.
• Broiling Finish: In the last 2 minutes of baking, unwrap the chicken and broil for a golden, slightly crisp surface while keeping the inside juicy.

These simple techniques help guarantee consistently moist and delicious oven-baked chicken breast every time.

What can I serve with?

Oven-baked chicken breast is incredibly versatile and can be paired with various dishes to create a delightful meal. As someone focused on incorporating more fresh vegetables and fruits into my diet, I enjoy serving oven-baked chicken as a side to a hearty mid-day salad, such as a refreshing fattoush salad or vibrant Greek lemon rice.

Additionally, oven-baked chicken breast pairs wonderfully with roasted carrots, green beans, and sweet potatoes. Combining the tender chicken and the caramelized flavors of the roasted vegetables creates a satisfying and well-balanced meal. If you prefer something heartier, serving the chicken alongside creamy mashed potatoes is always a classic choice.

The options are endless when serving oven-baked chicken breast, so feel free to experiment and explore different flavors and side dishes to find your favorites.