Tender Chicken Breast in the Oven

5 from 3 votes

Tender Chicken Breast in the Oven

If you need to top a salad or pasta dish with nicely seasoned chicken that's tender and just a little browned on the edges, this is a great way to prepare fresh or thawed chicken breasts.

Prep Time10

Cook Time19

Total Time29

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chicken breast,

Servings:

Calories: 660kcal

Author: Getty Stewart

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 Tbsp canola oil

Dry Spice Rub

1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika)
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano (thyme or Italian seasoning)
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound chicken breasts to even thickness. Do not flatten too much, just pound down the thickest part to match the middle part of the chicken. Your chicken breast should be about 2cm or 3/4" thick. For less mess, sandwich chicken between parchment or plastic wrap.
Pat dry chicken pieces very well to ensure the oil and spices stick and browning can happen.
Coat chicken breasts with light layer of oil and rub in seasoning.
Bake at high heat, 425°F/218°C. The final temperature of your chicken should read 165°F/74°FC on an internal thermometer. The exact time will vary with size of chicken breasts.
Bake large breasts (7-9 oz/200-255g) for 20-22 minutes.
Bake small-medium breasts (5-6 oz/150-170g) for 18-20 minutes.
Cover and rest chicken breasts for five minutes to keep juices in.
For an extra special touch, add a little butter to pan juices and pour over chicken before serving. A little melted herb butter without the pan juices would work too.
Slice chicken across the grain for the most tender bites.

Notes

We also like using Taco Seasoning, Cajun Seasoning or Steak Seasoning as a rub.

The Extra Mile: When you have time brine your chicken breasts for extra tenderness. Mix 2 Tbsp salt with 4 cups of water and soak chicken in this solution for 15-25 minutes. Remove and pat dry very well before continuing with recipe.

Nutrition