Welcome to Sweet Emily, where we make baking simple! Get ready to discover your new favorite way to prepare perfectly juicy oven chicken. This incredible recipe features simple prep and delivers amazing flavor, all thanks to a secret touch of brown sugar in the seasoning. It creates a beautiful caramelized crust that everyone will adore. This easy oven chicken is about to become your family’s new go-to weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Oven Baked Chicken
- Consistently Juicy Results: Learn the simple tricks for incredibly tender, moist chicken every time.
- Quick, Minimal Effort Cooking: This recipe requires very little hands-on time, perfect for busy schedules.
- Versatile Serving Options: This delicious oven chicken pairs beautifully with almost any side dish you can imagine.
- Delicious, Caramelized Crust: The brown sugar creates a lovely, slightly sweet, and savory crust on your chicken.
- Everyday Pantry Ingredients: You likely have most of these simple spices and seasonings already in your kitchen.
Ingredients
To make this delicious oven chicken, gather these simple items:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (150-180g / 5-6 oz each)
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme (or other herb of choice)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp each salt and black pepper
- Finely chopped parsley (for garnish)
Notes & Substitutions
Aim for similar-sized chicken breasts for even cooking. If they vary, pound the larger ones more. Brown sugar helps tenderize the chicken and creates a lovely caramelized crust; don’t skip it! For herbs, dried basil, rosemary, or Italian seasoning work well in place of oregano or thyme. You can use sweet paprika for a milder flavor or hot paprika for a little kick. Avocado oil or any other neutral cooking oil can be used instead of olive oil.
Equipment
You don’t need fancy tools to make perfect oven chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or foil
- Meat mallet or rolling pin (essential for even thickness)
- Small bowl (for seasoning mix)
- Whisk or spoon
- Meat thermometer (optional, but highly recommended for accuracy)
Instructions
Follow these easy steps for perfectly cooked oven chicken:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C or 200°C fan). This high heat is key for a great crust.
- Pound Chicken: Place chicken breasts between two pieces of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, rolling pin, or even your fist, pound them to an even 1.5cm / 0.6″ thickness. This ensures your chicken cooks evenly and stays tender.
- Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, dried oregano or thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or stir well to combine.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with foil, then top with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze for your oven chicken.
- First Side Seasoning: Place the chicken breasts upside down on the prepared tray. Drizzle about 1 tsp of olive oil over them and rub it evenly with your fingers. Generously sprinkle half of the seasoning blend over this side.
- Second Side Seasoning: Flip the chicken breasts over. Drizzle the remaining 1 tsp of olive oil over them, rubbing it in. Sprinkle the remaining seasoning blend, ensuring it covers as much of the surface area as possible.
- Arrange Chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18 minutes.
- Check Temperature: After 18 minutes, check the internal temperature of the thickest part of a chicken breast with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (75°C). The surface should also be beautifully golden.
- Remove from Oven: Once cooked, immediately remove the baking sheet from the oven.
- Transfer: Use tongs to transfer the cooked chicken breasts to individual serving plates.
- Rest: Let the chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy results.
- Garnish: If desired, garnish your delicious oven chicken with fresh, finely chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides!
Pro Tips for Perfect Oven Chicken
- Pound for Evenness: Don’t skip pounding the chicken! This ensures uniform thickness, leading to even cooking and preventing dry spots.
- High Heat is Key: Baking at 425°F (220°C) creates a beautiful, caramelized crust quickly while keeping the inside tender.
- Resting Matters: Always rest your chicken for a few minutes after baking. This allows the juices to settle back into the meat, ensuring maximum juiciness.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give your chicken breasts space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can steam the chicken instead of browning it.
- Use a Thermometer: A reliable meat thermometer is your best friend for mastering juicy oven chicken. Cook to 165°F (75°C) and no more.
- Troubleshooting Dry Chicken: Overcooking is the main culprit for dry chicken. Use a thermometer and remove it promptly when it reaches the target temperature. Pounding also helps prevent dryness.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions
This versatile oven chicken is a fantastic main course for countless meals. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers for a complete and healthy dish. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a refreshing companion. For heartier options, pair it with fluffy rice, nutritious quinoa, or your favorite potato preparations, such as creamy mashed potatoes or crispy baked potatoes. It’s pictured here with a side of Garlic Butter Rice with Kale.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover oven chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual cooked chicken breasts for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave until warm, or for best results, slice and briefly sauté in a pan with a splash of broth or water to retain moisture. You can also warm it gently in the oven at a lower temperature (300°F/150°C) until heated through.
Variations
Feel free to customize this oven chicken recipe to your taste! Experiment with different spice blends: try a smoky chili powder mix, an Italian herb blend, or even a lemon pepper seasoning. Boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully with this recipe too; adjust baking time as needed. For a brighter flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice over the chicken after it’s baked. You can also explore fresh herb combinations, adding chopped rosemary or thyme to the seasoning blend.
Nutrition Information
This delicious oven chicken offers a balanced and healthy meal option. Below are approximate nutritional values per serving, based on 4 servings. Keep in mind that exact values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoying your oven chicken is a great way to get lean protein!
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving, approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sugars | 5g |
Note: These values are estimates and can be adjusted based on specific ingredients or dietary needs.
FAQ
How do I make chicken breast juicy?
Pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness and avoid overcooking them. Using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) is key, and let it rest for a few minutes after baking.
What temperature to bake oven chicken?
Bake your oven chicken at a high temperature of 425°F (220°C). This helps create a beautiful sear on the outside while keeping the inside moist.
How long does oven chicken take?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts typically bake for 18-20 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Always check the internal temperature to confirm doneness.
Can I use frozen chicken?
No, always thaw frozen chicken breasts completely before seasoning and baking. This ensures even cooking and prevents a tough texture.
Is it okay to use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but bone-in chicken will require a longer baking time. Adjust cook time accordingly and ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) internal temperature.
Conclusion
You now have the ultimate recipe for unbelievably juicy and flavorful oven chicken! With minimal effort and simple pantry ingredients, you can create a show-stopping meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. This easy method guarantees perfectly tender results every single time. Give this delicious oven chicken recipe a try tonight and watch it become a staple in your kitchen. We’d love to hear how it turns out in the comments below!
For optimal food safety, the USDA recommends cooking all poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C). Learn more about safe cooking temperatures for chicken.
Juicy Oven Baked Chicken: Easy & Flavorful Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
- Rolling Pin or Meat Mallet
- Baking Tray
- Foil
- Parchment Paper
- Meat Thermometer
- Serving Plates
- Small Bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts 150 - 180g / 5 - 6 oz each
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 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
- Finely chopped parsley
Instructions
Preparation & Baking
- Preheat your oven to 425°F/220°C (200°C fan) and prepare a baking tray by lining it with foil and parchment paper.
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness of 1.5cm / 0.6 inches using a rolling pin or meat mallet to ensure uniform cooking and tenderness.
- Combine brown sugar, paprika, dried oregano or thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to create your seasoning blend.
- Place the chicken upside down on the prepared tray, drizzle with about 1 tsp of olive oil, rub it over the surface, and sprinkle evenly with half of the seasoning.
- Flip the chicken, drizzle with the remaining 1 tsp of olive oil, rub it in, and sprinkle the remaining seasoning over the top, ensuring good coverage.
- Bake for 18 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F/75°C with a meat thermometer.
- Immediately transfer the cooked chicken from the oven to serving plates to prevent overcooking.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving, optionally garnished with freshly chopped parsley.