๐ Introduction
If you’re looking for a go-to recipe thatโs quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor, this Easy Baked Chicken Breast Fillet is your new weeknight hero. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep, youโll have juicy, tender chicken fillets on the table in under 30 minutesโno marinating, no mess, no fuss.
This dish is perfect for meal prep, busy nights, or even elegant dinners when you want a lean, high-protein option. The key? A quick seasoning blend and the perfect oven temperature to lock in moisture without drying the meat out. Serve it alongside rice, veggies, salads, or slice it up for sandwiches and wraps.
๐งฐ Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or foil
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Small bowl for seasoning
- Tongs or spatula
- Meat thermometer (recommended)
๐ Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1ยฝ Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ยฝ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular)
- ยฝ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Optional: lemon wedges and chopped parsley for garnish
๐ฉโ๐ณ Directions
- Preheat Oven
- Preheat to 425ยฐF (220ยฐC). Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Chicken Fillets
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally to make two thinner fillets (for a total of 4).
- Pat dry with paper towelsโthis helps with browning and flavor absorption.
- Season the Chicken
- Drizzle fillets with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme.
- Rub seasoning mix evenly onto both sides of each fillet.
- Bake
- Place chicken fillets on the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 15โ18 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF (74ยฐC).
- Optional: Broil for the last 2โ3 minutes for a golden finish.
- Rest & Serve
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve whole or slice thinly against the grain.
- Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs if desired.
๐ฝ๏ธ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15โ18 minutes
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
Perfect for lunch bowls, salads, wraps, or served with rice and roasted vegetables.
๐ง Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked and cooled fillets for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave for 1โ2 minutes or reheat in the oven at 325ยฐF (160ยฐC) until warmed through.
๐ฅ Variations
- Spicy Cajun Style: Add ยฝ tsp cayenne or Cajun seasoning to the mix.
- Honey Mustard Glaze: Mix olive oil with 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard and 1 tsp honey before baking.
- Herb Crusted: Coat chicken in fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and garlic for an herby twist.
- Asian-Inspired: Use sesame oil and a sprinkle of soy sauce, ginger powder, and garlic.
- Pesto Baked: Spread 1 tsp of pesto on each fillet before baking for added flavor.
โ 10 FAQs
- How do I keep chicken breasts from drying out in the oven?
Slice them thinly, coat in oil, use a hot oven (425ยฐF), and donโt overbake. - Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw completely before baking for even cooking. - Should I marinate first?
You donโt need to, but a 15-minute marinade with olive oil and lemon juice wonโt hurt. - Can I pan-fry instead?
Yes! Sear 4โ5 minutes per side over medium-high heat until cooked through. - How do I know when it’s done?
Use a meat thermometerโinternal temp should be 165ยฐF (74ยฐC). - What sides pair well with this?
Try roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, quinoa, salad, or rice pilaf. - Can I make it ahead for meal prep?
Absolutelyโstore in meal containers with grains and veggies for the week. - How do I slice it for sandwiches?
Let it rest, then slice thinly against the grain for tender pieces. - Can I bake it covered?
You can, but baking uncovered helps get a golden, slightly crisp top. - Is this good for kids?
Yes! Itโs mild, juicy, and can be sliced into strips for dipping.
๐ Conclusion
This Easy Baked Chicken Breast Fillet is your weeknight savior: quick, versatile, and reliably juicy every time. With a simple spice blend and the right cooking method, this dish turns out perfect whether you’re meal-prepping or making dinner in a pinch.
Itโs proof that healthy, homemade food doesnโt have to be complicatedโjust season, bake, and enjoy tender chicken with almost zero effort.
๐ฝ๏ธ Easy Baked Chicken Breast Fillet Recipe โ Juicy, Tender & Perfect Every Time
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat Oven
- Preheat to 425ยฐF (220ยฐC). Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Chicken Fillets
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally to make two thinner fillets (for a total of 4).
- Pat dry with paper towelsโthis helps with browning and flavor absorption.
- Season the Chicken
- Drizzle fillets with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme.
- Rub seasoning mix evenly onto both sides of each fillet.
- Bake
- Place chicken fillets on the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 15โ18 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF (74ยฐC).
- Optional: Broil for the last 2โ3 minutes for a golden finish.
- Rest & Serve
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve whole or slice thinly against the grain.
- Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Slice them thinly, coat in oil, use a hot oven (425ยฐF), and donโt overbake. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw completely before baking for even cooking. Should I marinate first?
You donโt need to, but a 15-minute marinade with olive oil and lemon juice wonโt hurt. Can I pan-fry instead?
Yes! Sear 4โ5 minutes per side over medium-high heat until cooked through. How do I know when it’s done?
Use a meat thermometerโinternal temp should be 165ยฐF (74ยฐC). What sides pair well with this?
Try roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, quinoa, salad, or rice pilaf. Can I make it ahead for meal prep?
Absolutelyโstore in meal containers with grains and veggies for the week. How do I slice it for sandwiches?
Let it rest, then slice thinly against the grain for tender pieces. Can I bake it covered?
You can, but baking uncovered helps get a golden, slightly crisp top. Is this good for kids?
Yes! Itโs mild, juicy, and can be sliced into strips for dipping. ๐ Conclusion This Easy Baked Chicken Breast Fillet is your weeknight savior: quick, versatile, and reliably juicy every time. With a simple spice blend and the right cooking method, this dish turns out perfect whether you’re meal-prepping or making dinner in a pinch. Itโs proof that healthy, homemade food doesnโt have to be complicatedโjust season, bake, and enjoy tender chicken with almost zero effort.