Perfectly Juicy 20-Minute Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts
Craving juicy, tender chicken that’s bursting with flavor but don’t have much time?
This 20-minute oven-baked chicken breast recipe is the perfect solution!
With just a handful of pantry ingredients and one easy clean-up, you’ll have perfectly cooked, delicious chicken on your table in no time.
No fuss, no mess – just unbeatable flavor everyone will love!
For Baked Chicken Breasts
- Chicken Breasts – I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. You can use 4 large or 6 average-sized breasts depending on your needs.
- Olive Oil – This helps keep the chicken moist and adds a bit of flavor.
- Kosher Salt – For seasoning the chicken and bringing out its natural flavors.
- Black Pepper – Freshly ground for the best flavor.
- Brown Sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness that balances the spices in the rub.
- Chili Powder – Adds warmth and depth to the chicken’s flavor.
- Paprika – Use regular or smoked paprika to give the chicken a nice color and subtle smoky flavor.
- Cumin – This gives the chicken a warm, earthy flavor.
- Garlic Powder – A classic seasoning that adds a savory note to the rub.
- Cayenne Pepper (optional) – Adds a little heat, depending on your spice preference.
For Garnishing
- Fresh Herbs – A touch of fresh parsley, cilantro, or basil makes the dish pop with color and freshness (optional).
Quick and Easy 20-Minute Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts
Tender, juicy, and full of flavor – this oven-baked chicken breast recipe is the perfect combination of simplicity and taste, ready in just 20 minutes with minimal cleanup. Everyone loves this easy dish that cooks up on a single sheet pan!
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 large or 6 average-sized breasts)
- 3-4 tbsp olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2-3 tbsp chili powder
- 1-2 tsp paprika or smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)
- 1-2 tsp fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, basil) for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (convection setting if available) and line a baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup.
- Arrange the chicken breasts on the baking sheet. Use a meat mallet or a heavy object to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly.
- Drizzle the chicken with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients (except for the fresh herbs). Stir the mixture well, then evenly coat both sides of the chicken breasts with the dry rub. Make sure to apply a bit more to the top side, which faces up, than the side in contact with the pan.
- Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute. Optionally, cover the chicken with foil to keep it warm.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Brown sugar in the rub can lead to slight burning, but the chicken will typically be done by the time this happens, so don't worry. The darkening usually occurs with the drippings in the pan, not the chicken itself.
- Lining the pan with foil is highly recommended for easy cleanup in case of any juice spillage.
- Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 4 months.
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them fully before baking. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy! - How do I make sure the chicken doesn’t dry out?
The key is to avoid overcooking! Use a meat thermometer and check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for a few minutes after baking to lock in the juices. - Can I skip the spices in the rub?
Sure! If you’re not into the spices, feel free to simplify the seasoning. You can just use salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil for a more basic flavor. It’ll still be delicious! - What if I don’t have paprika?
No worries! You can use chili powder or any seasoning you have on hand. Smoked paprika adds a unique flavor, but regular paprika or even a bit of cayenne pepper will work just as well! - Can I prep this in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken by seasoning it and refrigerating it for a few hours before baking. This lets the flavors marinate and makes it even easier to pop into the oven when you’re ready to cook!
