Baked Chicken Breast

Name: Baked Chicken Breast with Italian Seasoning
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Yield: 3 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 1.75-2lb.); 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1.5 tsp fine sea salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 3 Tbsp olive oil

This baked chicken breast is seasoned with Italian herbs, garlic, and paprika for a tender, juicy result that cooks hands-off in the oven. It's a straightforward method that delivers restaurant-quality chicken in under 30 minutes.

🌍American 🏷️Baked chicken breast

Total

28 min

Servings

3

Difficulty

Medium

Est. Cost

$17–$28

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Maplejubilee

8 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board, cover them with plastic wrap, then use a rolling pin or the flat side of a meat tenderizer to gently pound the thicker side of the chicken breast until the entire breast is an even thickness from one end to the other (about 1/2 inch thick).
2
In a small bowl mix the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper together until well combined. Now add the olive oil to the seasoning and mix well. You should have a thick paste.
3
Spread and rub the seasoning paste on both sides of the chicken breasts until they are evenly coated.
4
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a 9x13-inch baking dish or on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. My chicken breasts were done right at 18 minutes.
5
Remove the chicken breasts from the oven, take them out of the baking dish or off of the sheet pan, and rest them on a plate or a clean cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to settle and redistribute throughout the breast, keeping them tender and juicy! Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Pat chicken dry before seasoning and oiling to help the spice blend adhere and promote even browning.
Use a meat thermometer for accuracy—internal temp should reach 165°F; don't rely on cooking time alone, as breast thickness varies.
Let seasoned chicken sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before baking for more even, faster cooking.
Don't skip the olive oil; it keeps the chicken moist and helps flavors infuse during baking.

Substitutions

Italian seasoning → dried oregano, basil, and thyme (use 1 tsp total for same intensity)
Sea salt → kosher salt (use same weight or slightly less, as kosher salt is less dense)
Olive oil → avocado oil or light vegetable oil (maintains moisture; neutral-flavored oils work best)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooled chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a 350°F oven with a splash of water to restore moisture, or slice and add to salads and grain bowls cold.

Common Questions

How long does it take to bake chicken breast?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts typically bake at 375–400°F for 20–25 minutes, depending on thickness. Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature.

Why is my baked chicken breast dry?

Overbaking is the main culprit. Remove chicken when it reaches exactly 165°F internally; carry-over cooking will raise it slightly more. Don't skip the oil—it helps retain moisture.