These Simple Baked Chicken Breasts are a true kitchen essential easy enough for busy weeknights, yet reliable enough to serve anytime you want perfectly cooked chicken.
With just five basic ingredients, this recipe delivers moist, flavorful chicken every single time. A quick drizzle of olive oil, a light seasoning, and the right oven temperature are all it takes.
The real magic happens after baking: a splash of chicken broth loosens the flavorful browned bits in the pan, creating a simple pan sauce that adds moisture and depth without extra effort. It’s minimal cooking at its best.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
Why This Recipe Works
- Only 5 ingredients—no complicated prep
- High heat baking keeps chicken juicy
- Quick pan sauce adds flavor without extra steps
- Versatile base recipe—change the seasoning anytime
Ingredients
- 4 (5-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt (or to taste)
- 1 pinch Creole seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chicken broth or water
Step by Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking chicken breasts evenly while locking in moisture.
2. Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub both sides with olive oil to help retain moisture and encourage even browning.
Sprinkle each breast evenly with salt and Creole seasoning, adjusting amounts based on your preference.
3. Arrange for Baking
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a broiler pan or shallow baking dish, leaving a little space between each piece.
4. Bake Until Juicy
Bake uncovered for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken breasts.
Continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part should register 165°F (74°C).
Remove chicken from the pan and transfer to a plate.
5. Make the Simple Pan Sauce
Pour the chicken broth (or water) into the hot baking pan. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently scrape up the browned bits from the bottom this is where the flavor lives.
If needed, add a small splash of extra broth, but avoid adding too much or the sauce will become thin.
6. Serve
Drizzle the warm pan sauce over the chicken breasts just before serving.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Results
- Do not overcook: Remove chicken as soon as it reaches 165°F
- Rest briefly: Tent loosely with foil and rest for 5–10 minutes for juicier meat
- Seasoning swaps: Cajun, Italian, lemon pepper, or garlic herb all work well
- Even thickness: Pound thicker breasts slightly for uniform cooking
What to Serve With Baked Chicken Breasts
- Mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables
- Steamed rice or quinoa
- Fresh green salad or sautéed greens
- Pasta or grain bowls
Storage & Freezing
Refrigerator:
Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer (Cooked):
Cool completely, then wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Freezer (Raw):
Wrap raw chicken breasts individually in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 191
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 25g
This Simple Baked Chicken Breasts recipe is a dependable go-to that belongs in every home cook’s rotation. Easy, adaptable, and consistently juicy, it’s proof that great flavor doesn’t require complicated cooking.
Simple Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rub chicken with olive oil and season with salt and Creole seasoning.
- Place chicken in a broiler pan.
- Bake 10 minutes, flip, and bake 15 minutes more.
- Remove chicken and deglaze pan with broth.
- Drizzle pan sauce over chicken and serve.
