If you’re looking for a reliable dinner that’s flavorful, tender, and incredibly simple, Juicy Easy Baked Chicken is the recipe you need. Made with a quick pantry spice rub and baked at high heat, this dish delivers moist chicken every single time — perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding the whole family without stress.
Why You’ll Love This Juicy Easy Baked Chicken
This recipe is a go-to because it checks all the boxes. It’s fast, uses everyday ingredients, and produces consistently juicy results. Baking the chicken at 400°F helps seal in moisture while creating a lightly golden exterior. Whether you choose chicken breasts or thighs, the method stays the same and works beautifully.
It’s also incredibly versatile. Serve it with roasted vegetables, rice, salads, or slice it up for wraps and meal prep bowls. Best of all, there’s no complicated marinating or fancy equipment required — just mix, coat, bake, and enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry staples to make this juicy baked chicken recipe:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Olive oil
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
Each spice adds balanced flavor without overpowering the chicken, making this recipe family-friendly and easy to customize.
How to Make Juicy Easy Baked Chicken (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
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: Mix the Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir until you have a smooth, well-blended spice rub.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Add the chicken to the bowl and coat each piece thoroughly with the seasoning mixture. Use your hands or a brush to ensure every side is evenly covered.
Step 4: Arrange for Baking
Place the chicken on the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Leave a little space between pieces so they bake evenly instead of steaming.
Step 5: Bake Until Juicy
Bake for 20–25 minutes, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 6: Broil for Color
For a lightly golden top, switch the oven to broil and cook for 2–3 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This step locks in the juices and keeps the chicken tender.
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Juicy Easy Baked Chicken
- Total Time: 30 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 to perfection. It’s a no-fuss, family-friendly recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd—juicy every time with minimal ingredients.
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
For best results, use a meat thermometer and remove chicken as soon as it reaches 165°F (75°C).
Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and are more forgiving than breasts.
If your chicken breasts are very thick, pound to even thickness for more even cooking.
Resting for 5 minutes helps the juices redistribute—don’t skip it.
Optional: add 1/2 teaspoon chili powder for a gentle kick, or swap smoked paprika for regular paprika for a milder flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (or 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Tips & Variations
- Use thighs for extra moisture: Chicken thighs stay juicy even if slightly overcooked.
- Make it spicy: Add chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Swap the oil: Avocado oil or melted butter works well.
- Add herbs: Finish with fresh parsley or basil for brightness.
- Meal prep friendly: Double the batch and store for easy lunches.
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve juicy baked chicken with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a crisp green salad. It also works beautifully sliced into wraps, sandwiches, or grain bowls.
Storage:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain moisture.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~230 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbs | 1g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | ~420mg |
Final Thoughts
This Juicy Easy Baked Chicken proves that great flavor doesn’t require complicated steps or long prep time. With its simple spice blend and foolproof baking method, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again for effortless, satisfying meals.