Description
This simple baked chicken breast recipe is your go-to for prepping tender, juicy chicken in bulk. Perfect for salads, wraps, grain bowls, or easy dinners all week long.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 pieces)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
Optional Marinade:
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon minced garlic
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels to help the seasoning stick better.
- Season or marinate the chicken:
- For the marinade, whisk together soy sauce, honey, and garlic. Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes—overnight if possible.
- For a dry rub, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and oregano in a bowl. Rub this mixture over the chicken, then drizzle with olive oil or spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Arrange the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching to allow even cooking.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes. Thicker pieces may require up to 30 minutes. Begin checking at 20 minutes.
- Check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part—it should read 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest, loosely covered with foil, for 5 minutes before slicing or storing. This helps retain the juices.
Notes
- Slice, shred, or chop the chicken to use in salads, wraps, grain bowls, soups, or casseroles throughout the week.
- Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- This method works well with other seasonings too—try lemon pepper, Italian herbs, or Cajun spice blends.
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Cook Time: CT25M
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 100 g
- Calories: 165 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 74 mg
- Fat: 3.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg