Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe – Always Juicy!

This baked chicken breast recipe turns out tender and juicy every time, thanks to a couple of tricks I will share with you.

This is a recipe I’ve been making for years, and it’s one I never get tired of. The chicken turns out incredibly juicy and flavorful — the kind that tastes like you spent way more time in the kitchen than you actually did. From start to finish, it’s ready in about 20 minutes, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights.

If you’ve ever struggled with dry, boring chicken breasts, this recipe changes everything. I rely on a few simple tricks to keep the meat tender and juicy, plus an easy spice rub made from pantry staples that adds tons of flavor. And then there’s the pan sauce — the buttery, paprika-spiked juices left behind are downright incredible. I always pour them over the chicken and whatever sides I’m serving.

I also love that this recipe doesn’t rely on sugar for flavor. The combination of butter and paprika adds just the right touch of natural sweetness without needing anything extra. Pair it with a quick side cooked alongside the chicken, and dinner comes together effortlessly — juicy, comforting, and completely reliable every single time.

How long to bake chicken breast at 425

Knowing how long to bake your chicken breasts is one of the biggest tricks for keeping them nice and juicy. Because chicken breasts are lean meat, they can overcook and dry out easily.

You want to cook your chicken breasts for 18 minutes at 425 degrees. 

Cooking chicken breasts on high heat for a shorter time helps keep them juicy and delicious.

We are often so concerned about undercooking chicken (with good reason) that we tend to overcook it. I’ve tested the 18-minute at 425-degree trick many, many times, and it’s always perfectly cooked.

For added reassurance, consider investing in an instant-read meat thermometer. I love mine and use it frequently. Chicken breasts are safe to eat as soon as the middle reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to store baked chicken breasts

This chicken makes terrific leftovers. I sometimes make an extra to slice and serve cold over salad the next day. To store chicken breasts, place them in a sealed container in your fridge for up to four days.

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Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breasts

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 18 minutes mins

Total: 23 minutes mins

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Perfect Baked Chicken Breasts are juicy, tasty, and so simple to make. With this easy chicken recipe, your dinners will always be delicious!

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Ingredients

• ▢ 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
• ▢ 1 tablespoon EACH: onion powder and garlic powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon EACH: chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper
• ▢ 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (sub oil if you don’t eat dairy – see notes)
• ▢ 4 boneless chicken breasts

Instructions 

• Position an oven rack in the top third of your oven and preheat it to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. In a small bowl, mix the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  2 tablespoons sweet paprika, 1 tablespoon EACH: onion powder and garlic powder, 1 teaspoon EACH: chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper
  
• Heat an ovenproof pan over high heat. Once it's hot, add the butter and let it melt then immediately remove it from the heat. The butter will brown almost instantly over high heat.
  2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  
• Place the chicken breasts in a bowl and pour the browned butter over the top. Sprinkle the spices evenly over both sides of the chicken. Place the chicken and any butter (it will solidify) into the pan you used to brown the butter. Add 2 tablespoons of water to the pan.
  4 boneless chicken breasts
  
• Bake the chicken uncovered for 18 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. (Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check this.) Let the chicken breasts rest for 5 minutes. Spoon the juices from the bottom of the pan over the chicken and serve.
  

Video

Notes

Pan size: Choose an ovenproof pan that is just the right size for the number of chicken breasts you’re cooking. You don’t want it to be too big or the juices will evaporate.

Pan selection: If you don’t have an ovenproof pan, use a small skillet to brown the butter and a baking dish to cook the chicken.

Butter vs oil: Using butter will give you the best flavor. If you opt to use oil instead, skip browning the butter in step two.

Cooking time: Medium-sized chicken breasts will cook in about 18 minutes, but the exact time depends on several factors, including the thickness of the chicken, your specific oven temperature (which can vary), altitude, and pan size. Using an instant-read thermometer is the best way to check if the chicken is fully cooked. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1 chicken breast, Calories: 257kcal (13%), Carbohydrates: 2g (1%), Protein: 37g (74%), Fat: 10g (15%), Saturated Fat: 5g (31%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 126mg (42%), Sodium: 835mg (36%), Potassium: 679mg (19%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 1g (1%), Vitamin A: 373IU (7%), Vitamin C: 8mg (10%), Calcium: 13mg (1%), Iron: 1mg (6%)

© Author Kristen Stevens

We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.