Follow 3 simple steps for the most tender, juicy, and flavorful oven baked chicken breast you'll want to eat with every meal! It's easy to customize with your favorite seasonings and marinades!
Preheat the oven to 425ºF/220ºC (or 400ºF/200ºC fan-assisted).
Place the chicken in a large Ziplock bag and, using a meat mallet (or a potato masher or rolling pin), gently tenderize the chicken and even out the pieces of chicken, so they’re even in thickness (around 0.75 inches).
In a small bowl, combine all the spices, brown sugar, and melted butter or oil, and stir well. Then either pour the marinade into the bag to cover the breasts or rub each piece liberally before transferring it to a baking dish.
Bake the chicken for around 15-18 minutes at 425ºF/220ºC (or 400ºF/200ºC fan-assisted). Optionally, turn on the broiler for a few minutes at the end to brown the top more.The exact time will depend on your oven the the size of the chicken breasts - larger pieces (10oz+/285g+) will need to cook around 20-25 minutes.
Check for doneness using a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken. The internal temperature must reach 165ºF/75ºC to be safe to eat. Alternatively, use a fork to pierce the chicken - any juices should run clear and the meat should be easy to separate/shred.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-8 minutes, loosely covered with foil. This will allow the juices to resettle.
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Notes
Store: Allow the chicken to cool and then store it in an airtight container (or a plate wrapped with plastic wrap) for 3-4 days. Never leave the chicken out for longer than 2 hours at room temperature.Freeze? Spread the breasts across a tray, not touching, and freeze solid. Then transfer to a Ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying cold or reheating it.Reheat: To reheat the roasted chicken breast without drying it out, place it in a pot/skillet with a lid and simmer with a splash of water or broth until heated. The steam will keep it tender. Alternatively, do the same in the oven, adding enough liquid to barely cover the bottom of your roasting pan/ casserole dish, cover with foil, and bake the leftovers until warm (around 10-12 minutes at 350ºF/175ºC).Check the blog post for serving suggestions!