The aroma of golden, baked chicken always brings me back to cozy Sunday nights at Grandma’s. This easy chicken breast recipe is simple, incredibly juicy, with a perfectly golden crustand yes, it’s quickly becoming a Pinterest favorite. Skills? Beginner. Time? Ready in under an hour. All flavor, no fuss.
This easy recipe features tender chicken baked with a creamy, savory coating, using ingredients you likely already have. It tastes like a fancy dinner, but acts like a weeknight hero. Full details are below!
We grew up making simple, hearty mealsno fancy ingredients, just love and plenty of flavor. I’ve personally tested and refined this recipe multiple times in my kitchen, adjusting every step to ensure absolute clarity and perfect results. You’re in for a real treat!
The Best Easy Baked Chicken Breast Recipe: Juicy & Golden
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35-45 minutes
Total time: 45-55 minutes
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Breast Recipe
Cozy and nostalgic: It’s creamy, juicy, and tastes like something straight out of a comforting family dinner.
Beginner-friendly: Only 6 basic ingredients and no fancy techniques make this a no-fuss chicken breast recipe for any skill level.
Quick and practical: It’s ready in under an hour with minimal prepperfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy tweaks: Use Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy option without sacrificing flavor.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
This baked chicken breast recipe relies on simple, everyday pantry staples you likely already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and pounded to an even thickness for perfect cooking.
Mayonnaise: The secret to a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a golden crust (or sub with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter touch).
Parmesan cheese: Adds savory, golden richness and a delightful umami flavor.
Garlic and onion powder: Classic seasonings for bold flavor in every bite, essential for that comforting taste.
Optional spices: Paprika for smoky warmth and a beautiful color, or Italian seasoning for an herby finish.
See? With just a handful of these straightforward ingredients, your shopping list stays simple – no need for specialty store trips!
Ingredient Swap Chart
Original Ingredient
Swap Option
Mayonnaise
Plain Greek yogurt (lighter, tangy option)
Parmesan cheese
Grated Pecorino Romano
Paprika
Smoked paprika or cayenne for a spicier kick
How to Make This Chicken Breast Recipe
Follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll find this is a truly foolproof recipe that even kitchen novices can master with confidence:
Preheat the oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your baking dish with a bit of grease or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Pound the chicken: Ensuring an even thickness (about ¾ inch) is absolutely key for perfect, consistent cooking and juicy results. Pro Tip: Place chicken breasts in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin or flat side of a meat mallet to make this mess-free and efficient.
Mix the coating: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
Spread and season: Generously cover each chicken breast with the creamy mixture, ensuring an even layer. Then, sprinkle on your choice of paprika or Italian seasoning if desired, for extra flavor and color.
Bake: Place the coated chicken in your prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part. Avoid overbaking to keep the chicken juicy.
Rest: This step is crucial! Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oventhis allows the juices to redistribute, locking in ultimate tenderness and flavor!
Baking Time Guide
Chicken Thickness
Baking Time
½ inch
30–35 minutes
¾ inch
35–45 minutes
1 inch
45–50 minutes
Pro Tip: Always use an instant-read meat thermometer for perfect doneness without the risk of overbaking or undercooking.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving: This versatile chicken breast recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Think roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, a fresh garden salad, or even creamy mashed potatoes for a truly cozy, comforting meal. It’s satisfying yet versatile enough for any occasion.
Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through, to maintain its texture. Tip: Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the coating rubbery; oven reheating helps keep the coating crispy!
Storage Tips
Storage Method
How Long
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days
Freezer (fully cooked)
Up to 3 months (wrap tightly in foil and then place in a freezer-safe bag before freezing for best quality)
This chicken breast recipe is perfect for making ahead and meal prepping, so you’re always ready for a quick and delicious dinner!
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Expert Insight: Mastering the Perfect Chicken Breast Recipe
Chicken breast is a lean protein that can dry out easily, so controlling cooking time and temperature is key. Using a simple brine or marinating briefly helps retain moisture, ensuring tender, juicy results every time in your chicken breast recipe.
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The Journey to My Perfect Chicken Breast Recipe
This chicken breast recipe didn’t come together overnight. After a few dry batches and some seasoning tweaks, I finally nailed the balance of juicy, tender, and flavorful. Each attempt brought a lesson in timing and temperature, and this version is the one my family keeps asking for again and again.
FAQs ( Chicken Breast Recipe )
How do I keep chicken breast moist and tender?
To keep chicken breast juicy, avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. Marinate the chicken or brine it briefly before cooking to add moisture. Cooking at medium heat and letting the meat rest before slicing helps lock in the juices for a tender texture.
What are some quick sides to serve with this dish?
Simple sides like steamed green beans, roasted sweet potatoes, or a fresh garden salad complement the flavors well. For an easy dinner to take to someone, consider packing quinoa or brown rice and some steamed broccoli for a balanced meal. These quick sides keep the meal wholesome without extra fuss.
Can I make this recipe ahead for busy nights?
Absolutely, this recipe is great for meal prepping. Cook the chicken fully, then store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out and pair with quick salads or steamed veggies for easy family friendly meals any night of the week.
Is this recipe healthy for family dinners?
Yes, this dish focuses on lean protein and can be paired with nutrient-rich sides for a balanced meal. Using simple seasonings and cooking methods avoids excess fat, making it ideal for healthy quick dinner recipes families. Suitable portion sizes and fresh ingredients support overall wellness.
What is the best way to cook this chicken in the oven?
Bake the chicken at 375°F on a lightly oiled baking sheet or dish. Cooking times usually range from 20 to 25 minutes depending on thickness. Using a meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked chicken, and covering it loosely with foil helps retain moisture during baking.
Conclusion
This chicken breast recipe is exactly the kind of quick, dependable meal you’ll reach for again and again. In under an hour, you get juicy, golden-crisp chicken that feels both cozy and homemadejust like a dinner you’d find at your own kitchen table. Trust me, the balance of simple ingredients and tender results makes this one a weeknight winner.
For a little twist, try swapping mayo for Greek yogurt or adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika for warmth. Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for a few daysreheat carefully in the oven to keep that crispy coating just right. A tip I picked up from years of test cooking: always let your chicken rest before servingit locks in all those lovely juices.
I’d love to see how you make this recipe your owngot a family favorite twist or a secret ingredient? Share your photos and stories with me! Did this remind you of any dishes from your childhood kitchen? Pass this easy, comforting homemade meal recipe on to someone who needs a delicious dinner tonight. You’ll wanna make this one again soon!
Thomas Baker
Chicken Breast Recipe: Quick and Irresistible Meal
This Melt in Your Mouth Chicken Breast Recipe is a creamy, juicy, and low-carb baked dinner perfect for beginners or busy weeknights. Featuring mayonnaise, Parmesan, and garlic, this Easy Dinner To Take To Someone transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Ideal for Miym Chicken lovers seeking Easy Chicken Oven Dinner Recipes and Healthy Quick Dinner Recipes Families will enjoy.
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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