Have you ever struggled with dry, flavorless chicken breast? You're not alone. Many home cooks find it challenging to achieve restaurant-quality results with this lean protein. The good news is that mastering a chicken breast recipe at home is easier than you think, and it saves money while giving you complete control over ingredients and flavors. This chicken breast recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken with a golden exterior every single time. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, this foolproof method will become your go-to technique. Plus, once you've mastered the basics, you can explore countless variations, including delicious grilled chicken breast recipes for outdoor cooking.

Ingredients List

    • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • Optional: ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat

For the Optional Herb Butter:

    • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
    • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Timing / Cooking Schedule

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Total time: 35 minutes

This recipe is faster than ordering takeout and yields four generous servings. If you're cooking thicker chicken breasts (over 8 oz), add 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Remove chicken breasts from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature. Pat them completely dry with paper towels—this crucial step ensures better browning and prevents steaming.

Step 2: Pound for Even Thickness Place chicken between plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet until uniformly thick (about ¾ inch). This ensures even cooking and prevents dry edges with undercooked centers.

Step 3: Season Generously In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Brush both sides of chicken with olive oil, then rub the seasoning mixture evenly over all surfaces. Don't be shy—proper seasoning is key to flavor.

Step 4: Preheat and Sear Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step locks in juices and creates beautiful caramelization—a technique also used in many grilled chicken breast recipes.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer at the thickest part. Avoid overcooking, as this is the number one cause of dry chicken.

Step 6: Rest Before Serving Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat. If using herb butter, place a dollop on each breast while resting for added richness.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 4):

    • Calories: 285
    • Protein: 42g
    • Carbohydrates: 2g
    • Fat: 11g
    • Fiber: 0g
    • Vitamin C: 4% DV
    • Iron: 8% DV

Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice

Flavor Variations: Try a Mediterranean twist with oregano, lemon, and feta, or go Asian-inspired with ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

Dietary Swaps: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free (without the herb butter), keto-friendly, and paleo-compliant. For a lower-fat version, use cooking spray instead of olive oil.

Meal Prep: Cook a double batch on Sunday and slice for salads, grain bowls, wraps, or sandwiches throughout the week.

Equipment Alternatives: No oven-safe skillet? Sear in a regular pan, then transfer chicken to a baking dish before placing in the oven.

Beginner Tip: Invest in an instant-read thermometer—it's the most reliable way to prevent overcooking and ensures food safety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Cold Chicken: Placing cold chicken directly from the fridge into a hot pan causes uneven cooking. Always allow 15-20 minutes to reach room temperature.

Skipping the Meat Thermometer: Guessing doneness leads to dry, overcooked chicken. Always check the internal temperature.

Cutting Too Soon: Slicing immediately after cooking releases all the juices onto your cutting board instead of keeping them in the meat.

Overcrowding the Pan: Leave space between breasts for proper browning. Cook in batches if necessary.

Using Different-Sized Breasts: Uniformity is crucial for even cooking. If breasts vary greatly in size, cook them separately.

Storage / Leftovers Tips

Store cooked chicken breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, slice only what you need and keep the rest whole to retain moisture.

Freezing: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: For oven reheating, place chicken in a baking dish with a tablespoon of chicken broth, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 15 minutes. Microwave in 30-second intervals with a damp paper towel on top to prevent drying. This simple chicken breast recipe yields leftovers that reheat beautifully, unlike many grilled chicken breast recipes that can become tough when reheated.

Pro Tip: Shred leftover chicken and toss with BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or pesto for quick meal transformations.