This easy method for juicy Baked Chicken Breast is a recipe everyone needs! With a few simple steps, you can make chicken breast in the oven that’s moist and flavorful every time.
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Keeping chicken breast moist during baking comes down to three simple tips.
Brining, pounding, and using a meat thermometer will take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts from dry and bland to tender and mouthwatering. In fact, this method works so well, even my husband who usually prefers Baked Chicken Thighs enjoys it. Season your chicken using one of the suggestions below, then enjoy it for a fast, healthy dinner tonight, or dice it up and save it for meal prep during the week.
Prefer your chicken breasts with the bone-in and skin-on? Check out my Baked Bone In Chicken Breast recipe.
5 Star Review
“Totally changed my chicken game! I can’t thank you enough. I had no idea that brining would make all the difference, as well as pounding. I use the wet brine for about two hours and invested in a digital read thermometer. Perfect every time!”
— Amy —
Key Ingredients
You’ll find the full list of ingredients in the blog post below, but here are some notes to keep in mind.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast. Look for ones that are similar in size so they bake in the same amount of time.
- Brine. Not just for Thanksgiving Turkey! All you need is kosher salt (for a dry brine), plus water (for a wet brine). Or use a Chicken Marinade (just like you would for Grilled Chicken Breast).
- Seasonings. Chicken breast is as mild and versatile as proteins come. Keep it simple with salt and pepper, or try one of the variations below.
How to Bake Chicken Breasts
Pound the Chicken. An even thickness prevents dry, rubbery ends and ensures each breast cooks evenly. (As a bonus, pounding can help make the meat more tender.)
Brine the Chicken. For a dry brine (photo 2), salt the chicken and refrigerate it for 30 minutes or up to 1 day. For a wet brine (photo 3), submerge the chicken breast in a saltwater solution for 15 minutes or up to 4 hours.
Season. Toss the chicken with oil and spices, then lay it in a casserole dish.
Bake Chicken Breast at 425°F. An instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken is the absolute best way to know when your chicken breast is done. Per the FDA, chicken breast is considered safe to eat at 165°F. Since the chicken’s temperature will rise as it rests, I remove mine between 155°F and 160°F.
Rest. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to reincorporate back into the meat. If you cut too soon, your chicken breast will be dry.
Ways to Season Baked Chicken Breast
Once your chicken is brined, you can bake it right away, or add any seasonings you like.
If you’re using a blend of seasonings, stir them together in a small bowl, then scatter them over the chicken. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Spices. Paprika (or smoked paprika!), garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, or curry powder.
- Sweet and Spicy. Combine brown sugar with spicier ingredients like chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
- Seasoning Blends. Lemon pepper, everything bagel seasoning, Cajun seasoning, taco seasoning, or Italian seasoning.
- Herbs. Oregano, thyme, and rosemary all work well with chicken. For an easy blend, use Italian seasoning or herbs de Provence.
Ways to Use Baked Chicken Breast
- With Green Vegetables. We especially love ours with Roasted Broccoli, Roasted Zucchini, and Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic.
- With Potatoes. You can’t beat chicken and potatoes! Try Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Oven Roasted Potatoes, and Homemade Fries.
- With Pasta or Rice. Serve your chicken with any of your favorite pasta or rice dishes (Mediterranean Pasta and Lemon Rice are two great options).
- On a Green Salad. Pump up the protein of your favorite salad (like this Spinach Strawberry Salad) by adding some chicken.
- For Chicken Salad. To use leftover oven baked chicken breasts in a cold chicken salad, let the chicken come to room temperature, then refrigerate it until it is chilled down. Dice it, then add it to your favorite chicken salad recipe, such as this Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad or this Curry Chicken Salad.
- For a Casserole. This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a family favorite. But don’t forget reader-favorite Baked Chicken and Rice.
- In a Pot Pie. This is the best-ever Chicken Pot Pie and perfect for your baked chicken.
- In Any Recipe! Use this chicken in a recipe that calls for cooked chicken. See our full list of healthy chicken recipes for ideas.
More Favorite Chicken Breast Recipes
- Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast
- Lemon Butter Chicken
- Baked BBQ Chicken
- Shedded Chicken Breast: How to Cook Shredded Chicken; Crockpot Shredded Chicken; Instant Pot Shredded Chicken.
For easy use, you can also dice or shred this baked chicken breast. (I suggest using a hand mixer to make shredding extra quick and simple.)
Baked Chicken Breast
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Ingredients
- 3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds)
- Wet or dry brine see below
- 2 to 4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon per breast
- 1 teaspoon paprika*
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder*
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt add ONLY if rinsing the chicken, plus additional to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper*
- Additional seasonings of choice see blog post above for suggestions
FOR A DRY BRINE:
- 1 to 2 teaspoons kosher salt
FOR A WET BRINE:
- 4 cups warm water
- ¼ cup kosher salt
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts on a cutting board and lay a large piece of plastic wrap over the top to guard against splatters. With a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the breasts into an even thickness.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry on both sides.
- TO DRY BRINE: Sprinkle the breasts generously on both sides with salt. Place in the refrigerator uncovered for 30 minutes or up to 1 day.
- TO WET BRINE: In a large bowl, stir together the warm water and salt. Place the chicken breasts in the water and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
- TO COOK: Preheat the oven to 425°F. If the chicken is in the refrigerator, remove it. If dry brining, with a paper towel, wipe off the salt well from both sides (I do not rinse my dry brine). If wet brining, remove the chicken from the wet brine and rinse it off (to skip the rinse, omit any remaining salt from the recipe; your chicken will be salty but by no means inedible).
- Pat the chicken very dry on both sides, wiping away any clearly visible salt. If the chicken has been in the refrigerator, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Coat a ceramic or metal baking dish large enough to hold the chicken in a single layer (such as a 9×13-inch baking dish) with nonstick spray. (I do not recommend using glass/Pyrex, as the way it conducts heat will not cook the chicken as evenly. If needed, you can bake the chicken on a metal baking sheet.)
- Place the chicken in a large bowl (if wet brining, rinse out, dry, and reuse the same bowl if you like). Add the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt (only add the salt if you rinsed your chicken), and pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly, then arrange it in the baking dish.
- Bake the chicken for 14 to 16 minutes (for small/medium breasts that are about 6 to 7 ounces), 16 to 20 minutes (for medium/large breasts that are 8 to 10 ounces), or 20 to 25 minutes (for larger breasts). For absolute best results, use an instant read thermometer. When the breasts reach 165°F, they are done.
- REST: Transfer the chicken to a plate or cutting board. Cover and let rest for a minimum of 5 minutes. Slice, dice, or shred as desired. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- *Feel free to swap out these seasonings for the suggestions in the blog post above.
- If your chicken breast comes pre-brined (sometimes it is sold this way) skip the brining step.
- No time to brine? I suggest Pan Fried Chicken Breast, which doesn’t need it to turn out juicy.
- You must thaw chicken breast before cooking! If it’s still frozen, make Air Fryer Chicken Breast instead.
- TO STORE: Refrigerate chicken breast in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days.
- TO REHEAT: Gently rewarm chicken in a baking dish in the oven at 350°F.
- TO FREEZE: Freeze leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
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I am a little confused. I buy frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts and they say they have a saline solution already. Aren’t these already “brined”? Having high blood pressure I am concerned about the amount of salt I use. Thank you!
Great question, Barbara! You can skip the brining step. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
The nutrition content does not include sodium? What is the sodium level?
Hi Karl! I stopped including sodium info because it can vary so much depending upon what products you used, and I found a lot of conflicting info online, so ultimately I didn’t feel comfortable publishing it because sometimes it wasn’t even in the ballpark. If you’d like to calculate it yourself, there are lots of free tools online (myfitnesspal.com is popular). I hope that helps!
Great, I have tried with wet brining and it worked well. Also before you put it in the oven dab some olive oil on top of your seasoning. Thanks
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Amad! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
So excited to try this! Thanks for all your testing to figure out the perfect times and temps! For the spices to rub on … how much salt? It says 1/2 salt, is that half a teaspoon or tablespoon? If rinsing after wet brine? Don’t want it to be too salty! Thank you!!
Hi Kristin! The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon salt. Yes, the rinsing is after the wet brine. I hope this helps!
Had this for dinner tonight, a big hit. Everyone commented on how moist the chicken was. We did the wet brine method. Easy, quick and again so moist.
Also made lemon chia muffins this afternoon. They are half gone.
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Rita! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
This is fantastic! I used a wet brine and Penzey’s Turkish seasoning. It was juicy and delicious. No more dry baked chicken!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Jill! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
The best baked chicken breasts EVER. So moist and tender. I’ve made them 3 times in the past 2 weeks doubling the recipe. Can’t get past the garlic powder and paprika seasoning. I chopped them up for yogurt chicken salad, used in chicken pot pie , and slices in a green mixed salad.
Wonderful!
I’m so happy that you’ve enjoyed them, Ann! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
This recipe is amazing! I don’t usually care for chicken but this was easy to follow and so delicious—it’ll definitely become a staple in my meal preps from now on! I did the wet brine and it’s the juiciest chicken I’ve ever tasted! Yum!!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed the recipe, Jennifer! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
I made this chicken with the wet brine as part of my meal prepping. I then sealed each individual chicken breast with my vacuum sealer.
Each piece was juicy and tender. Thank you for this simple, versatile method.
I’m so happy that you enjoyed the recipe, Catherine! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
This was the first time my family didn’t have to eat a rubber chicken lol. Thank you for posting this it really turned out amazing!!! I’ve always overcooked chicken because I was raised when salmonella was part of Home Education safety in school. Thank you
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Mary! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
We always brine chicken breasts & quite a few cuts of pork. It makes all the difference!
So glad you’ve enjoyed it, Carol!
The best cooked chicken I’ve ever had. Did something slightly different with the seasoning but overall the procedure how to prepare it was perfect. I would never had thought of brining. Thank you Erin.
Hi Mindy! So glad you enjoyed the chicken! Thank you for this kind review!
Yum! Made this yesterday using chicken tenders and the wet brine. Watched them closely during cooking and they were done at 13 minutes. Using the meat thermometer is critical 😊! They are delicious and we’ll enjoy on our lunch salads all week. Easy and highly recommended!
Hi Michelle! So glad you enjoyed the chicken! Thank you for this kind review!!
I loved the instructions and also the suggestions. It was delicious. Looking forward to more receipes.
Hi Francine! Thank you for this kind review!
I’m bringing the chicken right now, but then I read what you said about the Pyrex.Now I am not sure what I am going to do.
Hi John! Hope it turned out for you!
This is perfect. I like to use chicken tenders (less need to pound), wet brine for 15 minutes and then cook till 165 degrees internally. They freeze very well, too.
Hi Michelle! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review! Thanks for the feedback on freezing them!
Hi Erin,
I love receiving your recipes— and preparing them!! Just discovered I eliminated you yesterday holiday gift guide, trying to share it with my son. Is it possible to get a link to it again?
In particular I wanted to order the clear cosmetic bag for my granddaughter.
Thanks so much for any help you can give!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Millie Law
Hi Millie! Here is the link for the gift guide: https://www.wellplated.com/2021-holiday-gift-guide/ Hope this helps!
Holy moly! Great prep, info, and best of all…taste!!! Just bought a multi pack of breasts and they turned out AMAZING! I did the wet brine method. Thank you. :)
Hi Jen! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Great recipe for easy chicken!
Hi Hannah! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Not happy ……chicken was tough and hard to chew…WILL GOBACK TO MY OVEN BAKE
I’m so sorry that you had trouble with this recipe, Debra. I (and other readers) have had success with the time listed, but every oven can be different. I hope it goes better next time.
Just made them with the wet brine method and I am SOLD! Juiciest chicken breasts ever!
I seasoned with a little lemon pepper & onion powder. They were perfect. Thanks so much for sharing.
Hi Ginni! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Never knew about brining before and honestly these came out super juicy and amazing!
Hi Max! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Excellent – very close to air fry results. Thanks, Erin.
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Jackie! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
This receipe is amazing! I loved the way the dry brine helped season the chicken and hold in the juices. I pounded the thick breasts to an even thickness and had NO dry spots for the first time I have baked chicken breasts. Thank you Erin!!
Hi Elsie! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
AMAZINGLY EASY!
AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS!
AMAZINGLY HEALTHY!
Hi Mary! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
I have tried both the wet and dry brine. They both come out excellent! They are juicy and tender! I have also salted, then froze chicken breasts. I wrapped them in plastic wrap so there was no air around the chicken and put them in a freezer bag. My family loved it! This recipe is a keeper!!!!
Marcia, I am so happy to hear it, thank you for taking time to share this review!
Have made these a number of times, always done the dry brine. Always perfectly cooked…moist and delicious! Thank you!
Hi Sue! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Such delicious and juicy chicken breasts! My husband has requested this recipe over and over again since I first discovered it a few weeks ago. It’s become our new go-to! We use the wet brine method and the seasonings as recommended in the recipe.
Erin, you have such a gift for cooking and it shines through in every recipe we’ve tried from your blog and cookbook! Every single recipe we’ve made is a home run. Thank you for sharing your gift and for creating recipes that are healthy but also delicious! I hope that you’ll be releasing another cookbook someday :) Thank you and happy holidays!
Thank you so much for your kind words Julia! Happy holidays!
I need to double or triple this recipe (making for 9 people). Can the chicken breasts be baked close together, all in one dish, or do I need to use separate casserole dishes?
Hi Lisa! I would personally use two dishes. You don’t want your chicken breast stacked on top of each other. There needs to be a little room to allow them to cook evenly. Hope you enjoy them!
Did the wet brine and came out great for adding to pasta! Trying to replicate restaurant chicken and closest I’ve found (after a lot of different tries)!
Hi Pam! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Husband said it’s best he’s had. I soaked the chicken in milk fir an hour before wet brining it. I brined for nearly two hours. I seasoned with smoked paprika, onion garlic powder, salt and pepper. Cooked to 165 in a hot oven. Yum! Tender and juicy.
Hi Michelle! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
I’d def make this again
Glad to hear!
My sons usually prefer dark chicken meat, but said they’d eat more white meat if I keep doing the brining before making. That’s a high compliment!
Hooray Karen, thanks for sharing!
Helpful hints here and very well written and presented. I gave it a try and the 425 degree oven temp was perfect. The chicken breast was very tender. Thanks so much.
Hi Roberta! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
I tried both a few weeks ago, and felt the drry brine was worth it, but could do the wet from time to time to vary it up. Perfect step for my weekly salads.
Thanks Katie!
This is the best skinless boneless chicken breast recipe. I now know how to bake chicken to perfection!
Thanks for this recipe!
Karen
So glad Karen!
I always recommend brining for the chicken after this. Thanks!
Hi Tess! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
I like these tips, makes home chicken taste more moist
Thank you Lindsey!
Makes bland breasts much more appealing during the week! Good recs.
Thank you Ruth!
I will keep doing the dry salting because it’s not much effort and really does keep chicken more tasty during long weeks.
So glad you are enjoying it Amanda!
Yum
Thanks you Chavon!
I don’t normally leave reviews, but I really am glad I found this post. Lots of helpful info that I will use for my family! Thanks!
Hi Eleanor! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Good for my liking
Glad to hear Lucas! So glad you enjoyed it!
I will definitely try this recipe. I didn’t know that there’s a dry and wet brine process. I’ll try the dry brine and hopefully I don’t mess up. So excited to try this recipe, I’ll comeback here if my version is successful haha.
Hope you enjoy Sophie!
I just made this for myself. It was my first time trying the dry brine and it turns out perfect. It’s easier than wet brine.
So happy to hear that Diane, thank you!
Hi Diane! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
This is awesome! The chicken breast is so moist and juicy, and the flavor is incredible. Perfect dish for a weeknight meal.
Hi Patricia! So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for this kind review!
I’m not usually a fan of chicken breast coz I always feel like chicken breast are bland but this recipe is so flavorful. I love the simple seasonings and it’s so easy to make.
I enjoy making this recipe. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknight dinners. Quick and easy to make.
Hi Sharon! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
I swapped the paprika for cayenne pepper as my son prefers it because paprika was very spicy. Flavors are amazing! The meat is so juicy and tender.
Glad you enjoyed it Maddie!
Had chicken breasts in the fridge that needed to be used up, so of course you were the first person I thought of, straight to your recipes and found this one, super easy and really nice.
This is so kind and I’m so glad to hear it!
Came across this today and threw it together with steamed broccoli and other mixed green salad. What a hit!!!
This was delicious and reminded me of how my mom used to cook chicken when I was young. I had bone-in split breasts but followed everything else…just cooked at lower temp and for longer. The brine really kicked this simple recipe to a new level!
So great to hear Alora, thanks for sharing!
You were not joking! This is the best baked chicken breast recipe ever. I followed the exact recipe doing a wet brine in the fridge (for 2 hours bc that’s all I had), rinsed it and seasoned according to instructions. It was so delicious. Moist, tender and full of flavor. Thanks, queen ❤️
Makes me so happy to hear, thank you Leandra!
I tried out this recipe and it worked really well- the chicken was not dry at all. This was much easier to make for a nice holiday meal for a smaller group versus a full chicken, too.
Great to hear, Katie!
The best I have ever made! I have always struggled to get good tender, moist chicken in the oven so I tried this recipe. I love it. I am going to try the other chicken recipes you have posted. I find that most of your recipes suit me better than any others I have found on the web.
Makes me so happy to hear, thank you Kate!
Oh my goodness. I’ve always had trouble making chicken breasts cause they’d come out dry, so I primarily stick to thighs. Well…after tonight, breasts are back on the menu. This recipe is delicious. Made it tonight and my husband already gave the thumbs up. Will make this again.
Yay! So happy to hear this, Isabelle!
If I could give this 10 stars, I would!! I’ve made this 3 times already in the past few weeks following the directions & it has turned out amazing every time. We loooove this. Not only is it delicious & juicy but quick & easy as well.
Yay! So happy to hear that, Ellen! Thank you!
I made this yesterday and we are now enjoying plentiful leftover options. The chicken was delicious and moist. Hubby approved! Can’t wait to make this again.
So happy to hear that, thank you Nadine!
I usually do not leave reviews for recipes but this recipe was so freaking good that I had to. This was good and honestly good for meal preps, I paired it with some steamed white rice and vegetables! It was so easy and delicious. Thank you so much!!! You’re a lifesaver.
This is by far the best recipe for chicken breasts ever. My daughter and I couldn’t believe how juicy and tender they taste. I am so looking forward to your next cookbook.
Yay! Thank you, Lorie!
My favorite easiest to make meat recipe. Had it just last week. My sister, who knows how to cook, even commented on how moist and flavorful it was on a past visit. I’ve made this one more than any other meat recipe. Usually pair it with some veggies.
Totally changed my chicken game! I can’t thank you enough. I had no idea that brining would make all the difference, as well as pounding. I use the wet brine for about to hours and invested in a digital read thermometer. Perfect every time!
So happy to hear you enjoyed it, thank you Amy!
Totally changed my chicken game! I can’t thank you enough. I had no idea that brining would make all the difference, as well as pounding. I use the wet brine for about two hours and invested in a digital read thermometer. Perfect every time!
Makes me so happy to hear, thank you Amy!
I followed all instructions (wet brine) and cooked three large chicken breasts on 425 for 30 minutes and at the outset I had three of the palest, least appetizing chicken breasts I’ve ever seen.
I needed to broil them for five minutes to get some color which subsequently dried them out… I made a second batch without broiling them for color and the taste was fine, but I def got a few stares from the dinner table like I’d lost my mind presenting these pale meat saucers instead of the golden brown cutlets my fam is used to so I’ll return to pan-frying.
Hi Courtney, I’m sorry to hear you had trouble with the recipe. Did you happen to use paprika or change any of the seasonings in step 6? How much olive oil did you use in this step? Did you view the video? At the 1:30 second mark, you’ll see how mine looks out of the oven without broiling. If choosing broiling, it shouldn’t take five minutes. I’d raise the rack or put it on the top rack, wait till it’s completely hot, then put the chicken in and let it broil for 1 minute. Did you happen to catch a picture of it?
Really good and oh so easy!! Although did the “dry brine”, I did rinse the salt off prior to using the olive oil and other seasonings. There was still plenty of salt taste. The chicken was not dry and had great flavor.
Great to hear, thank you Shari!
As someone who’s new to cooking, I was nervous about making chicken breast because it’s so easy to mess up. This recipe made it easy for me! The instructions were so easy to follow, and my chicken came out perfectly juicy and tender. I can’t wait to try it again and maybe add some different spices next time.
Makes me so happy to hear! Thank you Alexa!
I was short on time tonight and needed something easy, so I gave this recipe a try. I couldn’t believe how flavorful the chicken turned out with such simple ingredients. My family loved it, and I’m already planning to make it again next week. Thank you!
Makes me so happy to hear, thank you Ellie!
I’ve tried so many baked chicken breast recipes, and they always come out dry, but this one is a game changer! The seasoning blend was spot-on, and the chicken stayed so moist. I followed the recipe exactly and was amazed by how juicy it turned out. This will be a weekly staple in my house. Even my picky kids devoured it and no leftovers!
Glad to hear you enjoyed it, Ruby! Thank you!
Love love this recipe and so does my entire household 😀game changer !!! And I can pair it in do many different ways! Salad, veggies, etc! Love how easy and yummy it is!! Ty!!
So glad to hear, thank you Veronica!