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Juicy oven baked chicken breast sliced against the grain on a wooden cutting board, seasoned with paprika and herbs

Easy Oven Baked Chicken Breast

Juicy, flavorful oven baked chicken breast seasoned with a simple paprika spice rub and baked at high heat for a perfectly golden, tender result every time. Ready in under 30 minutes with just 7 everyday ingredients.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 165
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tsp paprika smoked paprika recommended for deeper flavor
  • 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts similar size preferred for even cooking
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

  • Baking dish
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • Instant read meat thermometer
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. In a small bowl, combine paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to mix evenly and set aside.
  3. Place chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or between two sheets of parchment paper. Pound to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
  4. Transfer chicken to a baking dish. Pat completely dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and rub over both sides of the chicken.
  5. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
  6. Bake according to size: 5 to 6 oz breasts for 13 to 16 minutes, 8 oz breasts for 16 to 19 minutes, 11 to 12 oz breasts for 22 to 26 minutes. Check internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F using an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part.
  7. Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Slice against the grain for the most tender result.

Notes

Pound chicken to even thickness before baking to ensure even cooking throughout. Always use a meat thermometer and pull at 165 degrees F. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a covered skillet with a splash of broth over medium-low heat to preserve moisture. Use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor variation.