Dry chicken breast ruins dinner fast — but it’s an easy problem to fix.
This easy recipe shows you exactly how to make juicy oven-baked chicken breast without stress or guesswork, whether you’re cooking boneless or bone-in chicken breast.
This recipe walks you through the method itself. For the deeper “why it works” details and tips to avoid dry chicken every time, check out my complete guide to juicy oven-baked chicken breast.
Why This Recipe Works
This method is reliable because it focuses on what actually keeps chicken breast juicy:
- The right oven temperature
- Cooking to internal temperature, not time
- A short rest period after baking
It works for both boneless and bone-in chicken breast and doesn’t require brining, marinades, or complicated steps.
Ingredients
You don’t need anything fancy — just a few everyday ingredients.
** You can find the full recipe ingredients and instructions on the printable recipe card below.
- Chicken breasts (boneless or bone-in)
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika (optional, for color)
Optional additions
- Italian seasoning [paid link]
- Dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano)
- Lemon zest
Tools You’ll Need
- Rimmed baking sheet [paid link]
- Parchment paper [paid link] or foil
- Digital meat thermometer
NOTE: A kitchen thermometer is the most critical tool for preventing dry chicken breast. This one I use is under $10 right now.
How to Make Juicy Oven-Baked Chicken Breast
** You can find the full recipe ingredients and instructions on the printable recipe card below.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet [paid link] with parchment paper [paid link] or foil.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
If using boneless chicken, pound gently to an even thickness for more even cooking.
Drizzle with olive oil and rub evenly over all sides & season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Step 3: Bake
Arrange chicken on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between pieces.
Bake uncovered until the chicken reaches 160°F in the thickest part:
- Boneless chicken breast: about 16–20 minutes
- Bone-in chicken breast: about 30–45 minutes
Avoid letting the thermometer touch the bone when checking the temperature.
Step 4: Rest
Remove chicken from the oven and loosely tent with foil.
Let it rest for 5 minutes. During this time, the temperature will rise to 165°F, keeping the meat juicy instead of dry.
How Long to Bake Chicken Breast
Cooking time depends on thickness and whether the chicken is boneless or bone-in.
| Chicken Type | Approximate Time |
|---|---|
| Boneless (½–¾ inch thick) | 16–18 minutes |
| Boneless (1 inch thick) | 18–20 minutes |
| Bone-in (medium) | 30–35 minutes |
| Bone-in (large) | 40–45 minutes |
NOTE: Always rely on temperature, not time, for doneness.
What Temperature Is Chicken Breast Done?
- Pull from the oven at: 160°F
- Final resting temperature: 165°F
Overcooking past 165°F is the most common reason chicken breast becomes dry.
Tips for the Juiciest Chicken
- Use a thermometer every time
- Don’t overcrowd the pan
- Always rest before slicing
- Slice against the grain for tender pieces
Easy Flavor Variations
Once you master the method, changing flavors is easy.
- Lemon Herb: Add lemon zest and thyme
- Italian: Add oregano and garlic
- Smoky: Use smoked paprika and chili powder
- Garlic Butter: Swap olive oil for melted butter
The cooking method stays the same.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerator:
Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months.
Reheat without drying out:
- Oven at 325°F, wrapped in foil
- Microwave at 50% power with a splash of broth
How to Use Oven-Baked Chicken Breast
This chicken works perfectly in:
- Salads and wraps
- Tacos and burrito bowls
- Pasta dishes and casseroles
- Weekly meal prep
Because it stays moist, it reheats well and tastes great even days later.
People Also Ask About Oven-Baked Chicken Breast
How do I keep chicken breast from drying out in the oven?
The best way to keep chicken breast juicy is to avoid overcooking it. Bake at a higher temperature, use a meat thermometer, and pull the chicken from the oven at 160°F, then let it rest. The temperature will rise to 165°F as it rests, keeping the meat tender instead of dry.
Is it better to bake chicken breast covered or uncovered?
Chicken breast bakes best uncovered. Leaving it uncovered allows the outside to cook evenly without steaming. Covering chicken can trap moisture, making the texture soft and rubbery instead of tender.
Should I bake boneless or bone-in chicken breast?
Both work well, but bone-in chicken breast is more forgiving. The bone slows down cooking and helps retain moisture, making it harder to overcook. Boneless chicken cooks faster and works well when you use a thermometer and watch the temperature closely.
What temperature should chicken breast be when it’s done?
Chicken breast is safe to eat at 165°F. For the juiciest results, remove it from the oven at 160°F and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the temperature to rise naturally without drying out the meat.
Final Thoughts
This juicy oven-baked chicken breast recipe delivers consistent results with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking boneless or bone-in chicken breast, baking to temperature — not guesswork — makes all the difference.
For a deeper look at why this method works and how to master chicken breast every time, be sure to read the full guide to juicy oven-baked chicken breast.
Once you have a reliable base recipe like this, you can build countless meals with confidence — and dinner gets a whole lot easier.
Juicy Oven-Baked Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless or bone-in, about 6–8 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
Optional add-ins
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning [paid link]
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme , oregano, or rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet [paid link] with parchment paper [paid link] or foil.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If using boneless chicken, gently pound to an even thickness for more even cooking.
- Season: Drizzle chicken with olive oil and rub to coat evenly. Season on all sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Bake: Arrange chicken on the baking sheet, leaving space between pieces. Boneless chicken: bake 16–20 minutes. Bone-in chicken: bake 30–45 minutes. Remove from the oven when the thickest part reaches 160-162°F. NOTE: Avoid letting the thermometer touch the bone when checking temperature.
- Rest: Loosely tent with foil and let rest 5 minutes. The temperature will rise to 165°F.
- Serve: Serve whole, sliced, or shredded, or use in your favorite recipes.
