Juicy Easy Baked Chicken is the kind of reliable dinner recipe every home cook needs. With simple pantry spices, tender chicken, and a hands-off baking method, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals for the week, or just need a stress-free protein, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love This Juicy Easy Baked Chicken
This recipe is designed for real life. It’s quick to prep, easy to customize, and consistently juicy thanks to a balanced spice rub and the right oven temperature. There’s no marinating required, no fancy tools, and no complicated steps. Plus, it’s naturally family-friendly, healthy, and pairs well with just about any side dish.
You’ll also love how versatile it is — serve it fresh out of the oven, slice it for salads, or store it for meal prep lunches. It’s one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to make this baked chicken recipe shine:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Juicy Easy Baked Chicken (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prep the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish or sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Spice Rub
In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture forms a smooth, fragrant paste.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Add the chicken to the bowl and coat each piece thoroughly with the spice mixture. Use your hands or a brush to ensure even coverage — this helps lock in moisture and flavor.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Place the chicken in a single layer on the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 5: Broil for Color
For a lightly crisp, golden finish, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid over-browning.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This step keeps the juices inside the meat for maximum tenderness.
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Juicy Easy Baked Chicken
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes (includes resting)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Juicy Easy Baked Chicken is a flavorful and tender dinner recipe made with a quick spice rub and baked to perfection. With minimal ingredients and no-fuss prep, it’s the ideal dish for weeknights, meal prep, or feeding the whole family with ease.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish or sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with the spice mixture using your hands or a brush.
4. Arrange the chicken on the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. For a golden crust, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
7. Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
If chicken breasts are thick, pound to even thickness for consistent cooking.
For best results, use a meat thermometer and remove at 165°F (75°C).
Letting the chicken rest 5 minutes helps keep it juicy.
Store leftovers airtight in the fridge up to 4 days; reheat gently to avoid drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast or 1–2 thighs
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness and richer flavor
- Swap oregano for Italian seasoning for a more herby profile
- Add a pinch of chili powder or paprika for mild heat
- Pound thicker chicken breasts for even cooking
- Use avocado oil if you prefer a higher smoke-point oil
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve Juicy Easy Baked Chicken with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad. It also works beautifully sliced over pasta or tucked into wraps and sandwiches.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain moisture.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~280 |
| Protein | ~35g |
| Carbs | ~2g |
| Fat | ~14g |
| Fiber | ~1g |
| Sodium | ~620mg |
Final Thoughts
Juicy Easy Baked Chicken proves that simple ingredients can create truly satisfying meals. It’s dependable, flavorful, and easy enough for beginners while still delivering results seasoned cooks appreciate. Keep this recipe in your rotation — it’s a weeknight winner you’ll never get tired of.