Updated
What’s the secret to this baked and seasoned chicken breast recipe? It’s all in the homemade dry spice rub! The mix of brown sugar, Italian seasoning, and paprika creates the most delectable flavor. This recipe is quick and easy, healthy, and simply one of the best chicken breast recipes for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
5-Star Review
“Smelled, looked, and tasted delicious! I will definitely be making this one again, thank you!” – Jenne
Baked Chicken Breast
I absolutely love baked chicken breast for weeknight dinners, and this baked chicken breast recipe couldn’t be more perfect. Simple to prepare, great for meal prep, and absolutely delicious.
This incredible homemade spice rub is what makes this chicken so delicious. The mix of brown sugar, Italian seasoning, and paprika infuses the chicken with the utmost flavor, so it’s tender and juicy. While you’re at it, make a double batch of the seasoning to keep on hand for next time.
If you prefer the taste of fried chicken, this Oven Fried Chicken Breast is a great alternative to this baked chicken recipe.
Best Baked Chicken Breast Recipe (Simple Seasoning)
Ingredients
- 4 large chicken breasts if using frozen, thaw beforehand
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Combine the brown sugar, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/2 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Drizzle the oil over the chicken breasts and sprinkle them with the seasoning mix on both sides, pat down the seasoning well so it sticks.4 large chicken breasts, 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Place the chicken on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or in a greased casserole dish.
- Bake in the oven for 16-18 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees. Do not overcook or you'll get dry chicken.
- Serve and enjoy!
Becky’s Tips
- Use an instant-read thermometer to make sure that the chicken is cooked through; it should register at 165°F. The chicken breasts should be an even white color throughout.
- Let the breasts rest under some tented foil for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
- If you like things spicy, try adding a little cayenne, smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Make Seasoned Chicken Breast Step by Step
Get the oven going: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Prepare the seasoning mix: Combine the 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/2 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl.
Prepare the chicken: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of oil over the 4 chicken breasts and sprinkle them with the seasoning mix on both sides, pat down the seasoning well so it sticks.
Get the chicken ready for the oven: Place the chicken on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or in a greased casserole dish.
Bake and enjoy: Bake the chicken breasts in the oven for 16-18 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees. Do not overcook or you’ll get dry chicken.
Serve and enjoy: Garnish with parsley, serve and enjoy!
How to Store
Store baked seasoned chicken breast in an airtight container, and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave, warming in 30-second intervals. Or reheat in the oven at 350°F. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F when reheating.
Store leftovers in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
A simple baked chicken breast can be served for any meal, with any side dishes you love. For regular weeknight dinners, add anything from savory Roasted Mushrooms and cheesy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes to Creamed Green Beans, some simple Air Fryer Baked Potatoes, or this kid-friendly Broccoli Cheese Casserole.
Smelled, looked, and tasted delicious!! I will definitely be making this one again, thank you!!
I finally was able to make chicken breast that came out extremely juicy. And I made everyone happy. First time I’ve enjoyed them I usually only eat thighs or legs.I did have to cook them a lot longer the recipe says tho.
Excellent flavor! Very simple and beautiful finished dish!
Chicken was dry recommend slower cooking and lower heat
Hi Trevor, it sounds like your chicken overcooked. We highly recommend investing in a meat thermometer if you don’t already have one and checking the chicken a bit earlier. Take it out as soon as it reaches 165°F!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! My fiance’ has never liked chicken. Last night I cooked a few chicken breast using your recipe. I asked her to taste it right out of the oven. She loved it!
Chicken is one of my favorites, but sadly because she never wanted it, we ate everything except chicken. She actually called me from work and asked, “Guess what I’m thinking about?” Obviously, it wasn’t what I was thinking about… She said, “You’re chicken from last night!” She can’t wait to try it again!
Thanks again for helping me get chicken into our repertoire of dinner choices. I’m a Happy and grateful man…
At last minute I needed a chicken dish and found this one. It was a hit! Used common household ingredients, cooked quickly and was so moist and tender. Will use often!
While searching for something new, I came across this recipe. Loved that I have a new gluten free fave!
This is the tastest oven baked chicken breast I have ever made. I didn’t use parchment paper because putting some olive oil on the bottom of the pan mixes with the seasonings and makes a flavorful sauce.
I never leave reviews on recipes but this is DELISH!!! I’ve made it a handful of times in the last 2 weeks.
We’re so happy to hear you loved this recipe, Stephanie!
How long did it take to cook? I am so worried it will be under done and cook to long to dry it out.
I like my chicken in the thinner side so I used thin cut breasts for this. I added a little (maybe 8th of tsp) of cayenne and it was delicious. Even my 2 picky eaters loved it. Tha ns for the new recipe!
We’re so glad to hear you loved it, Amber!