Juicy Weeknight Chicken Recipe – 5 Easy Oven Steps

This juicy weeknight chicken recipe delivers tender, oven-baked chicken breasts with a golden finish and comforting aroma, making busy evenings feel calm, satisfying, and reliably delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Juicy Weeknight Chicken

This juicy weeknight chicken recipe is built for real life—short on time, long on flavor, and completely dependable. It turns simple chicken breasts into a dinner you can trust, even on the busiest nights.

• Reliable oven method that keeps chicken moist
• Simple pantry seasonings with cozy flavor
• Minimal prep and hands-off cooking
• Perfect for weeknights and meal prep

If you enjoy dependable oven chicken, you’ll also love this Juicy Baked Chicken.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This juicy weeknight chicken recipe uses everyday ingredients that work together to lock in moisture while building gentle, comforting flavor.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts — 2 large
• Salt — ¾ teaspoon
• Black pepper — ½ teaspoon
• Garlic powder — ½ teaspoon
• Paprika — ½ teaspoon
• Italian seasoning — ½ teaspoon
• Olive oil — 1 tablespoon
• Unsalted butter — 1 tablespoon
• Chicken broth — ½ cup
• Fresh parsley, chopped — 1 tablespoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let the chicken rest briefly so the seasoning adheres.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F. This higher temperature is key for juicy weeknight chicken, allowing quick cooking without drying the meat.

Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a baking dish lightly with olive oil. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer, then dot with butter to protect the surface while baking.

Add Moisture

Pour chicken broth into the dish around the chicken—not directly over it. This creates steam in the oven, keeping the chicken tender.

Bake

Bake uncovered for 18–22 minutes, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the surface looks lightly golden.

Rest

Remove the chicken from the oven and cover loosely with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes so the juices redistribute.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm. The chicken should be juicy, tender, and comforting.

Pro Tips for Success

Even thickness matters for juicy weeknight chicken. If breasts are uneven, gently pound them for uniform cooking. Always rely on a thermometer rather than time alone. Avoid covering tightly while baking—steam from the broth does the work. Resting is essential and should never be skipped.

Serving Ideas

Juicy weeknight chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides like mashed potatoes, buttered rice, or roasted vegetables. For an easy oven-focused meal rotation, try serving it alongside this Oven Baked Chicken Breast. Leftovers also work well in salads and wraps.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Store leftover juicy weeknight chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to maintain moisture. This recipe is ideal for meal prep and stays tender when reheated properly.

Variations You Can Try

Add lemon zest for brightness or smoked paprika for deeper flavor. You can also turn this into a full oven meal by adding vegetables, similar to this Easy One Pan Chicken Recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

This juicy weeknight chicken recipe proves that a simple oven method can deliver reliable, comforting results. With minimal prep and foolproof steps, it’s a recipe you’ll return to whenever dinner needs to be easy and satisfying.

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