To cook chicken breast in the oven, follow these steps for juicy and perfectly cooked results:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the chicken breasts by trimming excess fat and patting them dry.
- Optionally, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1 inch) for even cooking.
- Lightly coat the chicken breasts with olive oil or melted butter.
- Season the chicken on both sides with your choice of spices and herbs such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, or herbs like thyme or oregano.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven:
- Small breasts (about 5 oz): 18 to 20 minutes
- Medium breasts (about 7 oz): 20 to 22 minutes
- Large breasts (about 9 oz): 22 to 25 minutes
- Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part using a meat thermometer.
- After baking, let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing or serving to retain the juices.
This method cooks the chicken relatively quickly at a high temperature to keep it juicy, avoiding dryness from slow cooking.
