Chicken Dinners That Work for Leftovers and First Night

Finding a dinner recipe that satisfies everyone at the table and still tastes great the next day can feel like searching for a unicorn.

But what if there was a simple solution that delivered on both fronts? This baked chicken breast recipe is exactly that – a weeknight hero that’s as delicious fresh out of the oven as it is packed into lunchboxes or repurposed for a second meal.

This recipe focuses on ease and flavor, ensuring that even on your busiest evenings, you can put a wholesome, satisfying meal on the table. It’s designed to be straightforward, making it perfect for novice cooks and seasoned home chefs alike who appreciate a reliable, no-fuss approach to dinner.

Easy Baked Chicken Breast

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• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This baked chicken breast recipe is a weeknight hero that’s as delicious fresh out of the oven as it is packed into lunchboxes or repurposed for a second meal. It’s designed to be straightforward, making it perfect for novice cooks and seasoned home chefs alike who appreciate a reliable, no-fuss approach to dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 pounds total)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

optional: fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 400 F (200 C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. This step is crucial for even cooking and preventing sticking.

2. Pat the Chicken Dry: Remove the chicken breasts from their packaging and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is often overlooked but is key to achieving a nice sear and preventing the chicken from steaming in the oven, which can lead to rubbery texture.

3. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Place the dried chicken breasts on your prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil over both sides of the chicken, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides, gently rubbing it in to ensure good coverage.

4. Arrange on the Baking Sheet: Ensure the seasoned chicken breasts are arranged in a single layer on the baking sheet, with a little space between each piece. Overcrowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking.

5. Bake Until Cooked Through: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts.

6. Check for Doneness: The most reliable way to tell if your chicken is done is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the largest chicken breast. It should register an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C). The chicken should also appear opaque throughout and the juices should run clear.

7. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Loosely tent the chicken with aluminum foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a much juicier and more tender chicken.

8. Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: main dish
• Method: baking
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast

Keywords: chicken, baked, easy, weeknight, healthy, protein, meal prep, dinner, simple, quick

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This recipe is a true workhorse in the kitchen, designed for anyone who needs a reliable, tasty meal without a lot of fuss. It’s perfect for busy parents juggling after-school activities, individuals looking for healthy meal prep options, or anyone who simply wants a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of baked chicken breast lies in its versatility and inherent lean protein, making it a fantastic choice for a balanced diet. You’ll love how easily it comes together, requiring minimal hands-on time, which frees you up to tackle other tasks or simply relax. Serve it on a weeknight when time is tight, or make a larger batch on the weekend to enjoy throughout the week. It’s a dish that consistently delivers tender, flavorful chicken, making it a go-to for both first-night dinners and equally delightful leftovers.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this baked chicken breast recipe is straightforward, focusing on pantry staples and fresh chicken. The aim is to keep things simple and accessible, ensuring you can whip this up without a special trip to the grocery store. The combination of seasonings provides a balanced flavor profile that complements the chicken without overpowering it, making it universally appealing.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5-2 pounds total)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

For simple substitutions, you can easily swap dried oregano for dried Italian seasoning, which often contains oregano along with other complementary herbs like basil and thyme. If you don’t have olive oil, any neutral-flavored oil like avocado or vegetable oil will work just as well. For a little kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be added to the spice mix. When selecting chicken breasts, aim for pieces that are roughly similar in thickness to ensure even cooking. If some are much thicker than others, you might want to gently pound the thicker parts to an even thickness, which helps prevent drying out.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is designed for efficiency, getting a delicious meal on your table without a long wait.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

The prep time includes gathering your ingredients and seasoning the chicken. The cook time is based on average-sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts; thicker pieces may require a few extra minutes. This quick turnaround makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without the hassle.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating perfectly baked chicken breasts is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for tender, juicy results every time.

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. This step is crucial for even cooking and preventing sticking.
2. Pat the Chicken Dry: Remove the chicken breasts from their packaging and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is often overlooked but is key to achieving a nice sear and preventing the chicken from steaming in the oven, which can lead to rubbery texture.
3. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Place the dried chicken breasts on your prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil over both sides of the chicken, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides, gently rubbing it in to ensure good coverage.
4. Arrange on the Baking Sheet: Ensure the seasoned chicken breasts are arranged in a single layer on the baking sheet, with a little space between each piece. Overcrowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking.
5. Bake Until Cooked Through: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
6. Check for Doneness: The most reliable way to tell if your chicken is done is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the largest chicken breast. It should register an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should also appear opaque throughout and the juices should run clear.
7. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Loosely tent the chicken with aluminum foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a much juicier and more tender chicken.
8. Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This baked chicken breast is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt to different tastes and meal situations. For a kid-friendly twist, simply reduce the amount of paprika or omit it entirely if your children are sensitive to spices. You can also slice the cooked chicken into strips and serve it with their favorite dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard.

To add more flavor, consider marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator) in a simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and a dash of soy sauce before seasoning and baking. For a Mediterranean flair, add a sprinkle of dried dill and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice after baking. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the seasoning blend can add a subtle kick.

This chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a complete meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, a simple green salad, or fluffy rice. It also works beautifully with mashed potatoes or quinoa. For a party or buffet, slice the chicken and arrange it on a platter with a selection of dipping sauces, or use it as a protein base for mini chicken sliders on small buns. Optional toppings that elevate the dish include a dollop of pesto, a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even with a simple recipe like baked chicken breast, a few common mistakes can impact the final outcome. Knowing how to avoid them will ensure your chicken is always tender and delicious.

One of the most frequent slip-ups is not patting the chicken dry before seasoning. Excess moisture on the surface of the chicken can cause it to steam rather than bake, leading to a less appealing texture and preventing a nice golden-brown exterior. Always use paper towels to thoroughly dry the chicken breasts.

Another common issue is overcooking the chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and can dry out quickly if baked for too long. The best way to prevent this is to use an instant-read meat thermometer and remove the chicken from the oven as soon as it reaches 165°F (74°C). Don’t rely solely on visual cues, as chicken can still look done on the outside while being overcooked on the inside.

Crowding the baking sheet is another mistake that can lead to uneven cooking. When chicken breasts are too close together, they release moisture that gets trapped, again causing them to steam instead of bake. Always ensure there’s a little space between each piece on the baking sheet. If you’re cooking a large batch, use two baking sheets.

Finally, skipping the resting step can result in dry chicken. After baking, the juices in the chicken are concentrated towards the center. Resting allows these juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it much juicier. Always tent the chicken with foil and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This baked chicken breast recipe is excellent for meal prep and leftovers, provided you store and reheat it correctly to maintain its tender texture.

To store cooked chicken breasts, allow them to cool completely to room temperature within two hours of cooking. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. You can store them whole or sliced, depending on how you plan to use them. Stored in the refrigerator, the chicken will remain fresh for 3-4 days.

For longer storage, baked chicken breasts freeze beautifully. Place the cooled chicken in a single layer on a baking

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.