If you’re looking for a reliable dinner that’s simple, flavorful, and always turns out tender, this Juicy Easy Baked Chicken recipe is the answer. Made with pantry spices and baked at the perfect temperature, it delivers moist chicken every time — no complicated steps, no marinading, and no stress.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals for the week, or just need a quick protein to pair with sides, this baked chicken recipe fits seamlessly into busy schedules.
Why You’ll Love This Juicy Easy Baked Chicken
- Incredibly juicy and tender thanks to a simple oil-based spice rub
- Minimal prep using everyday pantry ingredients
- Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights
- Versatile — serve it with salads, rice, veggies, or pasta
- Family-friendly and meal-prep approved
This recipe proves that baked chicken doesn’t have to be dry or boring. A few smart techniques make all the difference.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this juicy baked chicken:
- 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
Tip: Chicken thighs will be slightly juicier, while breasts offer a leaner option — both work beautifully.
How to Make Juicy Easy Baked Chicken (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preheat 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 and make cleanup easy.
Step 2: Make the Spice Rub
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir until it forms a smooth, fragrant seasoning mixture.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Place the chicken in a bowl or directly on the baking dish. Use your hands or a brush to coat each piece thoroughly with the spice rub, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
Step 4: Arrange in a Single Layer
Lay the chicken in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding so the chicken bakes evenly instead of steaming.
Step 5: Bake Until Juicy
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Cooking time may vary slightly depending on thickness.
Step 6: Broil for Color (Optional)
For a lightly golden finish, broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every bite tender.
Tips & Variations
- Don’t skip resting: This is key for juicy chicken
- Use a meat thermometer: The most reliable way to avoid overcooking
- Add herbs: Fresh thyme or parsley adds freshness before serving
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili powder or paprika for heat
- Swap the oil: Avocado oil works well for high heat baking
Ultimate Juicy Easy Baked Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Juicy Easy Baked Chicken is a flavorful, tender dinner made with a quick olive-oil spice rub and baked at high heat for a moist, golden finish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding the family with minimal effort.
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 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 (or Italian seasoning), salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat the chicken 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 a meat thermometer for best results; remove chicken as soon as it reaches 165°F (75°C).
Chicken thighs are naturally juicier and may need an extra 2–5 minutes depending on thickness.
Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes keeps it tender and helps retain juices.
For extra flavor, add 1 teaspoon lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spice rub.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast or thigh
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve this juicy baked chicken with:
- Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli
- Mashed potatoes or rice
- Fresh green salad
- Pasta or grain bowls
Storage:
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 | ~260 |
| Protein | ~32g |
| Carbs | ~2g |
| Fat | ~12g |
| Fiber | ~0.5g |
| Sodium | ~620mg |
Final Thoughts
This Juicy Easy Baked Chicken is one of those go-to recipes you’ll come back to again and again. It’s dependable, flavorful, and flexible enough to fit almost any meal plan. When dinner needs to be effortless but satisfying, this recipe always delivers.