Perfectly Baked Chicken Breast in the Oven: A Comprehensive Guide

Learn how to cook tender, juicy, and flawless chicken breasts in the oven with these simple 5-ingredient recipes. Whether you prefer a pan sauce or a quick grill, this guide will provide you with the techniques and tips to achieve the best results every time.

Why Bake Chicken in the Oven?

Baking chicken breast in the oven is a foolproof method to ensure the meat is evenly cooked and stays succulent. This cooking technique is especially beneficial for beginners, as it minimizes the risk of overcooking or undercooking the chicken. Furthermore, baking allows you to create a flavorful pan sauce without the need for elaborate ingredients.

Baked Chicken Breast Recipe with Pan Sauce

Ingredients

4 5-ounce skinless, boneless chicken breast halves 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt or to taste 1 pinch Creole seasoning, such as Tony Chacheres 1 tablespoon chicken broth or more to taste

Directions

Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then sprinkle both sides with salt and Creole seasoning. Place the chicken in a broiler pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 180-200°C for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. An instant-read thermometer should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Pour the chicken broth into the pan and use a flat-edged wooden spatula to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Drizzle the pan sauce over the chicken to serve.

Minimal Oven-Baked Chicken Breast

For those who prefer a simpler method, this recipe uses minimal ingredients and no pan sauce. Follow these steps:

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C. Place the chicken breasts on a baking tray or roasting tin with a raised edge. Brush the chicken breasts with 1/4 cup of water to prevent them from drying out. Cover the chicken with aluminum foil and bake for at least 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking until the juices run clear when the chicken is pierced with a fork.

Grilled Chicken Breast

Grilling is another delightful option for cooking chicken breasts. This method adds a smoky, grilled flavor that pairs well with a variety of marinades and seasoning blends.

Ingredients

Chicken breasts Shredded ginger Garlic slices Chili pepper Soy sauce Cooking wine Black pepper Chili powder Salt

Method

Cut the chicken breasts into large chunks. Marinate the chicken with 1 spoon of soy sauce, 1 spoon of cooking wine, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, shredded ginger, and garlic slices. Let it marinate for at least half an hour. Preheat the oven to 160 degrees C and place the chicken breasts on a sheet of tin foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Check if the juices run clear by stabbing the chicken with a fork. Enjoy your meal!

Conclusion

Whether you choose to bake, grill, or use minimal ingredients, the key to cooking perfect chicken breasts in the oven lies in proper technique and attention to detail. These recipes are designed to help you achieve the best results, ensuring your chicken is tender, juicy, and delicious.

For more tips and recipes, stay tuned for our latest content on cooking and meal preparation. Happy cooking!