Easy

Juicy Baked Chicken Breast

Name: Juicy Baked Chicken Breast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 4 whole bone-in skin-on chicken breasts (about 800g total); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1.5 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 0.75 tsp kosher salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)

55 min4305 cal

By Chef Marco Deluca·Red Seal Certified Chef|January 15, 2024

This Juicy Baked Chicken Breast recipe is a Canadian favourite that brings incredible flavour to your dinner table with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend cooking, this dish features tender, juicy chicken paired with carefully balanced seasonings that the whole family will love. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or cooking for guests, this recipe delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results every time. Every step has been tested in Canadian kitchens using ingredients available at your local grocery store. With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can have this delicious meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of simple techniques and bold flavours makes this one of the most requested chicken recipes on our site. Bookmark this page and add it to your regular rotation — you will not be disappointed.

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Ingredients

Servings:

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

Skin‑Side Sear

“Start the bone‑in, skin‑on breasts skin‑side up in a 230 °C oven for the first 12 minutes; the intense heat renders the fat and crisps the skin while the meat stays juicy, then drop to 180 °C to finish cooking through. Finish with a pat of butter to melt into the pan juices for a glossy glaze.”

About This Recipe

This Juicy Baked Chicken Breast recipe is a beloved staple in many Canadian homes, perfect for those evenings when you want a satisfying meal without the fuss. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity; with just a handful of ingredients including smoked paprika and cayenne pepper, you achieve a depth of flavour reminiscent of summer barbecues, even in the chill of winter. The tender chicken, kissed by the warmth of the oven, emerges juicy and full of character, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends.

What truly sets this recipe apart is its versatility and ease of preparation. With merely 15 minutes of prep time, you can have succulent chicken ready in under an hour. Canadian home cooks appreciate how this dish allows for creativity while staying rooted in comfort. Whether you serve it with roasted veggies or toss it into a salad, this baked chicken breast is sure to impress, proving that delicious meals can be both quick and uncomplicated.

Tips for the Best Juicy Baked Chicken Breast

To ensure your chicken breasts are perfectly juicy, I recommend using a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Aim for an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). Additionally, marinating the chicken in olive oil, spices, and BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes before baking will enhance the flavours and keep the meat moist. Avoid overcooking by checking the temperature a few minutes before the suggested cooking time.

What to Serve With It

For a delightful Canadian-inspired meal, serve your Juicy Baked Chicken Breast alongside a vibrant quinoa salad mixed with fresh local vegetables or a classic poutine to elevate the comfort factor. A side of grilled corn on the cob or a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette also pairs beautifully, bringing out the smoky notes of the chicken and making for a complete, satisfying dinner.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Juicy Baked Chicken Breast can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through, ensuring it doesn't dry out. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months; just be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Nutrition Per Serving

305

Calories

23g

Protein

12g

Fat

27g

Carbs

Fiber5g

Sugar7g

Sodium724mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?+

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will provide a richer flavor and remain juicy, but adjust the cooking time to about 30-35 minutes, checking for an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).

What can I substitute for BBQ sauce?+

If you're out of BBQ sauce, you can mix ketchup with a bit of Worcestershire sauce and a dash of smoked paprika for a quick alternative that still enhances the chicken's flavour.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?+

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and marinate it in the spices and olive oil ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

How can I make this dish spicier?+

For those who enjoy heat, increase the cayenne pepper to 1 teaspoon or add a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce before coating the chicken.

What should I do if the chicken is dry?+

If you find yourself with dry chicken, try shredding it and mixing it with a bit of BBQ sauce for a juicy sandwich filling or a topping for nachos.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:

15 min

Cook:

40 min

Total:

55 min

Servings:

Difficulty:

Easy

Pro Tips

1Bone-in, skin-on breasts stay far juicier than boneless skinless — the bone conducts heat more gently and the skin protects the meat
2Starting at high heat then dropping temperature gives you crispy skin and tender meat without drying out the interior
3Use an instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into the thickest part, avoiding the bone, for accurate doneness
4If skin is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil during the second phase of cooking

Variations

Swap thyme for rosemary and add 1 tsp lemon zest for a Mediterranean flavor
Use boneless skinless breasts and reduce total cook time to 25-30 minutes
Add 2 tbsp honey mixed with 1 tbsp Dijon mustard as a glaze in the last 5 minutes of cooking

BBQ & Smoked Chicken