How to Make Perfect Oven Baked Chicken Breast in 20 Minutes

By: Sarah

June 12, 2025

Looking for a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week? This oven-baked chicken breast recipe is here to save the day! Whether you’re a busy mom looking for quick family dinners or someone who loves easy pasta recipes, this dish is a game-changer. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for 30-minute meals or weeknight dinner ideas. Plus, it’s so moist and flavorful, your whole family will love it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
  • Juicy and flavorful, with a delicious blend of spices.
  • Easily pairs with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
  • A great base recipe that you can customize to your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this oven-baked chicken breast recipe:

  • 2 pounds chicken breast (boneless and skinless)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon butter (diced)

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s walk through the steps to make this delicious oven-baked chicken breast:

  1. Prep: Heat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
  2. Flatten: Place the chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap. Using a rolling pin or the flat side of a mallet, pound the chicken to about 0.5 – 0.75 inch thickness. Rub olive oil all over the flattened chicken breasts.
  3. Season: Combine all remaining ingredients EXCEPT for the butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture all over the chicken, then lightly rub it in.
  4. Bake: Place the seasoned chicken in the prepared casserole dish. Top each chicken breast with a slice of butter. Bake at 400°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 18-20 minutes. Finish the chicken under the broiler for 1-3 minutes, until nicely browned. Serve immediately!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some tips to ensure your oven-baked chicken breast turns out perfectly every time:

  • Make sure to pound the chicken to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
  • Don’t skip the butter—it adds a richness and moisture to the chicken.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
  • For a crispy exterior, don’t skip the broiler step at the end!

How to Serve

This oven-baked chicken breast is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

  • Serve with a side of creamy garlic pasta for a comforting meal.
  • Pair it with roasted vegetables for a healthy and balanced dinner.
  • Add it to a fresh green salad for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Here’s how to make ahead and store this oven-baked chicken breast:

  • Make Ahead: You can season the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Storage: Cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Looking for more delicious chicken recipes? Check out these other favorites:

Oven Baked Chicken Breast

A moist and flavorful oven-baked chicken breast recipe with a crispy, caramelized crust.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course main dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 260 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds chicken breast (boneless and skinless)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon butter (diced)

Instructions
 

  • Prep: Heat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
  • Flatten: Place chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap. Using a rolling pin or the flat side of a mallet, pound chicken to about 0.5 - 0.75 inch thickness. Rub olive oil all over flattened chicken breasts.
  • Season: Combine all remaining ingredients except butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle all over chicken, then lightly rub it in.
  • Bake: Place seasoned chicken in prepared casserole dish. Top each chicken breast with a slice of butter. Bake at 400°F until internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 18-20 minutes. Finish chicken under broiler for 1-3 minutes, until nicely browned. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving.
Keyword chicken breast
Sarah smiling warmly in her kitchen, wearing a cozy sweater

Sarah, Dinner lover, home cook, and the heart behind E-Dinner Recipes!

Driven by a passion for making mealtime easy and enjoyable, I created this blog to show that delicious dinners don’t have to be complicated. Here, you’ll find simple, flavorful recipes, practical tips, and all the inspiration you need to cook with confidence — whether you’re new to the kitchen or just looking for fresh dinner ideas.

Readers Love These Recipes!

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating