Baked Chicken Recipe

This baked chicken recipe is a juicy, flavorful weeknight staple you’ll want on repeat. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights and meal prep alike.

What is Baked Chicken Recipe

A baked chicken recipe refers to a cooking method where seasoned chicken is cooked in the oven until fully done, resulting in tender, juicy meat with minimal effort. This method is healthier than frying, retains more moisture than grilling, and works beautifully with endless spice combinations. Typically, boneless skinless chicken breasts are used, but the technique also works with thighs and legs.

One of the best parts? Baked chicken requires no babysitting. Once seasoned and placed in the oven, your hands are free to prep sides like swamp potatoes or a light salad. A recipe like this makes it easy to cook smarter, not harder.

Baked Chicken in 35 Minutes

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• Author: Emma & Ella
• Total Time: 35 min
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Learn how to make juicy, tender, delicious baked chicken breasts with this simple 5-step method.

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Ingredients

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4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness

1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

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Instructions

1. Brine the chicken in: Brine the chicken in salted water for 15 minutes. Rinse and dry.
2. Preheat oven to 450°F: Preheat oven to 450°F.
3. Brush chicken with melted: Brush chicken with melted butter or oil and coat evenly with seasoning mix.
4. Bake 15–18 minutes until: Bake 15–18 minutes until internal temperature hits 165°F.
5. Let rest 5–10 minutes: Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Check the chicken label to see if it’s already brined.

Avoid using glass bakeware at high temperatures.

Store leftovers up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cook Time: 15 min
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 breast
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 31g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Why You’ll Love This

There are endless reasons to love this baked chicken recipe but here are the big ones. First, it’s quick and requires zero advanced cooking skills. From prep to plate in under 40 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknights. Second, it’s incredibly juicy thanks to a simple brining trick that makes every bite tender and flavorful.

Third, this method is versatile. You can change up the seasonings or sauces and pair it with just about anything from chicken bruschetta pasta to loaded baked potato chicken casserole. Lastly, it’s meal prep gold. Store leftovers easily and reheat without losing flavor or moisture.

How to Make

Quick Overview

Making baked chicken is easy and foolproof. You’ll start by brining the chicken (optional but worth it), seasoning it with a simple spice blend, and baking it at a high temperature for a golden, flavorful finish. Follow the exact temperature and timing for moist perfection.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this easy baked chicken recipe:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (even thickness)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Optional for brining:

• 2 cups lukewarm water
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 2 cups cold water or ice

Step-by-Step

1. Brine the Chicken: Only if not pre-brined. Mix 2 cups lukewarm water with 1/4 cup kosher salt. Stir. Add cold water or ice to cool it down. Soak chicken for 15 minutes (or refrigerate up to 6 hours). Rinse and pat dry.
2. Preheat Oven: Set to 450°F. Avoid glass dishes use metal or ceramic for safety at high temps.
3. Season the Chicken: Brush melted butter or oil on both sides. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a small bowl, then rub evenly over the chicken.
4. Bake: Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a thermometer for best results. For a crispier top, broil during the last 3-5 minutes.
5. Rest: Remove from oven, transfer to a plate, and loosely tent with foil. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

This easy method produces golden, flavorful results perfect on its own or added to recipes like Neiman Marcus chicken casserole or sour cream chicken enchiladas.

What to Serve Baked Chicken Recipe With

One of the best things about this baked chicken recipe is how well it pairs with almost anything. For a hearty dinner, try it alongside swamp potatoes they soak up all that flavorful chicken juice. Or serve it with a bright veggie medley for something lighter.

If you’re meal prepping, sliced baked chicken works beautifully in grain bowls or wraps. We love using it as the protein in our poached chicken breast recipe salads, or chopped up over leftover baked chicken chimichangas. It’s flexible, fast, and fits into any menu.

You can also pair it with:

• Steamed green beans or roasted carrots
• Mashed potatoes or herbed rice
• Caesar or Greek salad
• Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls

No matter what you choose, this baked chicken brings balance and bold flavor to the plate.

Top Tips for Perfecting

1. Pound to Even Thickness: This helps the chicken cook evenly, avoiding overdone edges and raw centers.
2. Don’t Skip the Brine: Even 15 minutes makes a huge difference in juiciness. If your chicken is already brined (check the label), skip it.
3. High Heat = Quick Cook: Baking at 450°F ensures golden outsides and juicy centers. Just don’t overbake check that temp!
4. Use a Thermometer: The thickest part should read 165°F. This one tool prevents dry chicken more than anything else.
5. Rest Before Slicing: Resting helps the juices settle so every bite is moist, not messy.

Bonus tip: Use this recipe as a base. Add BBQ sauce, pesto, or even buffalo sauce at the end for different flavor twists. Or make it the start of other dinners like boneless chicken thighs or our popular shredded chicken.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Great! This baked chicken recipe stores beautifully. Once cooled, place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. To prevent freezer burn, wrap each breast in foil or parchment before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating is easy. For best results, slice the chicken before warming. Microwave in 30-second bursts with a splash of broth or water to keep it juicy. Or reheat in a covered skillet over low heat. Avoid high heat it can dry out the meat.

This recipe is also perfect for make-ahead meals. Add it cold to salads, dice it for casseroles like our Neiman Marcus chicken casserole, or stuff it into wraps for a quick lunch.

FAQs

No matter how many times we make it, this baked chicken recipe always delivers simple, flavorful, and just the way we remember it from Grandma’s kitchen.Quick weeknight or a family dinner — simple, satisfying, reliable.

For more no-fuss dinner ideas and chilled dessert favorites, follow us on Facebook and get inspired on Pinterest.

Try it tonight and taste how easy delicious can be.