Learn how to make the best Baked Chicken Breast every time with this easy recipe! Chicken breasts are seasoned with a simple medley of seasonings like brown sugar, paprika, and more that give the meat a caramelized quality once baked to juicy perfection.
What’s in this Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Chicken breasts are dressed up simply with brown sugar, seasonings, and olive oil.
- Chicken Breasts: Ideally, grab some organic/free range chicken breasts if you’re able to. However, any chicken breast will work well with this recipe!
- Brown Sugar: You can use light or dark brown sugar. Note that dark brown sugar will lend a much more noticeable flavor.
- Seasonings: Paprika and garlic powder are all you need to keep your flavor palate here simple, yet so bold.
- Fresh Herbs: Thyme and rosemary create the best herbaceous note in this easy chicken breast recipe.
- Olive Oil: You can use avocado oil instead if preferred.
PRO TIP: If you’re all out of brown sugar, you can make your own by simply combining one cup of white granulated sugar with one tablespoon of molasses!
Variations to Try
Craving a little sweet and spicy combo? Swap the plain paprika with spicy paprika if you can find some! A dash of cayenne pepper will also do the trick. Oh, and smoked paprika also tastes fantastic in this versatile recipe.
The easiest (and safest) way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Inserted into the thickest part of the meat, a fully cooked chicken breast should read 165°F.
Healthy is a somewhat subjective term, but in my kitchen I do consider this dish to be on the healthier side! While there is brown sugar, there’s not enough of it for me to worry about. This is an easy protein-packed baked chicken recipe that I always feel great about making!
When baked at 350°F, a chicken breast is likely fully cooked by the thirty minute mark. Use a meat thermometer to make sure it’s fully cooked all the way.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftovers for up to 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container. This recipe is ideal for meal prepping for the week and for using in a variety of recipes from salads to soups!
How to Freeze
In the freezer, store cooled chicken breasts in an airtight container for up to 6 months. I recommend wrapping each breast in wax paper before freezing for easy portioning.
Serving Suggestions
There are SO many side dishes that plate perfectly with a baked chicken breast. Go hearty with recipes like 15 minute mac and cheese or creamy mashed potatoes. You can also keep things on the lighter side with roasted brussels sprouts or air fryer broccoli.
Best Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 ½ tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven at 350F/170C
- In a medium sized bowl add the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, thyme and rosemary. Mix well
- Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken breasts. They should be evenly coated
- Add the chicken breasts in the bowl with the spices and sugar. Coat the chicken breasts
- Line a sheet pan with baking paper
- Add the chicken breast on the sheet pan and bake in the oven for 30 or minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked
- Slice chicken breasts and enjoy!
elaine myers says
Im really a chicken person so when i saw this recipe i just had to try it. Easy very delicious and healthy goes great with my pasta. Love this chicken recipe.
Becky Hardin says
Thanks for stopping by, Elaine!
Linda Resau says
My husband and I loved this chicken!! It was easy to prepare too!
Becky Hardin says
Thanks for sharing, Linda!
Missy Campbell says
I love to mix it all together in a ziplock bag! Otherwise, this chicken is to die for. Have made it multiple days in a row! Super easy to do as a college student
Becky Hardin says
Sounds amazing!
Ashley Richardson says
Delicious and simple! Works well with butternut squash risotto and veggies!
Becky Hardin says
Sound samazing!
Becky Hardin says
Sounds amazing!
Victoria says
Made this tonight and it was wonderful. I used 1/2 of a very large chicken breast (for 2 of us) and baked it (with all the indicated seasonings, etc.) at 375 degrees for 20 minutes and then tented it for 10 minutes and it was perfectly cooked, nice and juicy. And yummy!!
Becky Hardin says
Thanks for sharing with us, Victoria!
Jbc says
I tried this and prepared it exactly the way it said. The brown sugar didn’t stay on the way it looks like and it didn’t look like the picture. It just wasn’t like the picture showed.
Becky Hardin says
I am sorry it didn’t work out.
Joy says
This looks fantastic! I have not tried this recipe, but I have a question before I make it. I have trouble getting baked chicken breasts tender enough (including smaller tenders). Even when coated with olive oil, they are often tougher than I’d like. Am I over-cooking, causing them to be tough, or am I under-cooking them? Thanks for helping me trouble-shoot. 🙂
Becky Hardin says
Hi Joy, it sounds like they may be getting overcooked. If your pieces are all different sizes, they will cook at different rates, so make sure to pull the smaller pieces earlier. I recommend using an instant-read thermometer and pulling them as soon as they hit 165°F!
Patti says
I am always looking for great new recipes! This looks delicious! I would even try this with Salmon!
Becky Hardin says
I hope you enjoy this recipe, Patti!
Tami G says
This looks wonderful…Wondering if this would be a good recipe for the air fryer?
Becky Hardin says
I don’t see why not! I have an air fryer chicken breast recipe (click here) as well!
DOROTHY JOSE says
Potatoes turned out great!
Becky Hardin says
I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed this recipe!