Go Back Email Link
chicken breast at 400

Juicy Baked Chicken Breast at 400°F

Simple, juicy oven-baked chicken breast at 400°F (200°C): seasoned with garlic, paprika and black pepper and baked for 20-25 minutes until it reaches 165°F inside. Includes an optional desi masala version.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Resting 5 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 6-8 oz / 170-225 g each
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or any cooking oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano or mixed herbs optional
Desi Masala Version (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp red chilli powder instead of paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Equipment

  • Baking tray lined with foil or parchment
  • Instant-read meat thermometer
  • small bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) with the rack in the middle. Line a baking tray with foil or parchment.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If one end is much thicker, cover the breast with cling film and gently flatten the thick end so the whole piece is an even thickness.
  3. Mix the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika and oregano in a small bowl. (For the desi version, use red chilli powder and garam masala instead of paprika and oregano.)
  4. Rub the chicken with the oil, then sprinkle the spice mix on both sides. For the desi version, drizzle the lemon juice over the chicken too.
  5. Place the breasts on the tray with space between them. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
  6. Take the chicken out, cover loosely with foil and rest for 5 minutes before slicing so the juices stay inside.

Notes

Timing by size: small 4-5 oz breasts take about 15-18 minutes, 6-8 oz breasts 20-25 minutes, and large 10-12 oz breasts 25-30 minutes at 400°F. Always go by the thermometer.
Juicier chicken: for extra juicy results, soak the breasts in 4 cups of water with 2 tbsp salt for 15-30 minutes, then rinse, pat dry and season with less salt.
Convection (fan) oven: bake at 375°F (190°C), or check 5 minutes earlier.
Storage: keeps in the fridge for 3-4 days. Slice and use in salads, wraps, rice bowls or sandwiches.