Oven-Roasted Chicken Breast

There’s nothing easier or more versatile than boneless skinless chicken breasts for dinner. You can grill chicken breast, make slow-cooker meals with chicken breast or use it in savory chicken skillet recipes. If you’re looking for a foolproof way to make juicy chicken, this oven-roasted chicken breast recipe is our tried-and-true favorite.

I know what you’re thinking: Roast chicken breast in the oven is notorious for being dry, tough and, well, a bit lackluster. Luckily, the Taste Recipes Test Kitchen has a method that ensures the chicken stays tender and juicy every time. So say goodbye to dry, dull chicken breasts that double as doorstops and say hello to the best oven-roasted chicken breast recipe you’ve ever had.

How long should you roast chicken breast in the oven?

When baked in a 425°F oven, chicken breasts usually take 15 to 20 minutes, depending on their thickness. When perfecting how to roast chicken breast in the oven, our Test Kitchen found that a higher temperature is the secret to locking in moisture and keeping the meat juicy. As a bonus, increasing the temperature from the typical 350° oven setting means the chicken cooks more quickly, so you can get dinner on the table in a flash.

That said, no matter what temperature you use to roast chicken breast in the oven, the meat should always be baked to a food-safe temperature of at least 165° to ensure it is fully cooked. Undercooking chicken is definitely one of the top mistakes everyone makes when making chicken.

Ingredients for Oven-Roasted Chicken Breast

• Chicken: For this recipe, opt for boneless skinless chicken breasts. But here are our top recipes for bone-in chicken breasts if you prefer to go that route.
• Brine: Brining the chicken in a solution of water and salt will boost the chicken’s natural flavor and ensure the meat has enough moisture to stay tender as it cooks. This step will ensure your roast chicken breasts won’t be dry or tough.
• Olive oil: A drizzle of olive oil helps the seasoning adhere to the chicken and promotes browning as the chicken breasts bake in the oven.
• Salt and pepper: While you can play around with other herbs and spices or spice blends, a bit of salt and pepper is all you need to make flavorful, succulent boneless chicken breasts in the oven.

Directions

Step 1: Brine the chicken

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In a large bowl, whisk together the water and 2 tablespoons salt until the salt is dissolved.

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Add the chicken and let it brine for 20 to 30 minutes.

Step 2: Season the chicken

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Preheat the oven to 425°. Drain the chicken and discard the brine. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.

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Transfer the chicken to a greased sheet pan or a 13×9-inch baking dish. Brush it with olive oil, then sprinkle it with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and the pepper.

Editor’s Tip: If your chicken breasts are very thick on one end and not on the other, you’ll want to flatten the chicken with a meat mallet until the breasts have an even thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly. A heavy skillet or saucepan can also be used if you don’t have a meat mallet on hand.

Step 3: Bake the chicken

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Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°.

Editor’s Tip: The temperature of the chicken is important. Under 165° puts you at risk of foodborne illness, but over 165° will make the chicken dry and tough, so be sure to use a reliable meat thermometer.

Step 4: Rest and serve

Remove the chicken breasts from the oven and transfer them to a cutting board. Let them rest for about five minutes, then slice or chop them as desired.

Editor’s Tip: Resting is one of the best ways to make tough meat tender. It allows the juices to redistribute in the chicken, locking in the moisture so the juices don’t spill out once cut.

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Oven-Roasted Chicken Breast Variations

• Lemon and herb oven-roasted chicken breasts: In a small bowl, combine the salt and pepper with the zest from one lemon and 1 teaspoon each of dried sage, thyme and rosemary. Rub the seasoning blend on the outside of the chicken before baking. You might also love this baked lemon chicken.
• Cajun oven-roasted chicken breasts: For a zippy, spicy twist, season the chicken breasts on all sides with 2 teaspoons of your favorite Cajun seasoning blend.
• Ranch oven-roasted chicken breasts: For ranch dressing lovers, season the chicken breasts on all sides with a 1-ounce packet of ranch seasoning. Or, for a little crunch, try this baked ranch chicken recipe.

How to Store Oven-Roasted Chicken Breast

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. An oven-roasted chicken breast will last up to four days.

Can you freeze oven-roasted chicken breast?

You can store cooked chicken breast in the freezer. Simply wrap the meat in storage wrap or foil, then place it in an airtight container or a freezer storage bag. Cooked chicken will last in the freezer for up to four months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How do you reheat oven-roasted chicken breast?

Chicken breasts are a versatile protein that can be reheated in the oven, microwave or air fryer, or on the stovetop. Consult this guide for how to reheat chicken for all our favorite methods.

Oven-Roasted Chicken Breast Tips

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What can you serve with oven-roasted chicken breast?

These baked chicken breasts are great with just about anything, so try serving them with your favorite side salad recipes or potato recipes. You can also pair them with a vegetable side dish or other quick and easy side dish recipes.

How else can you use oven-roasted chicken breast?

This oven-roasted chicken breast recipe is great to make ahead for use in any recipe that calls for cooked chicken (like these recipes with rotisserie chicken). Shred the breasts and use them to make quick chipotle ranch chicken tacos, or add them to a favorite chicken casserole recipe. Or, make buffalo chicken sliders or a chicken Caesar wrap. The possibilities are truly endless!