Moist Oven Baked Chicken Breast – 5 Foolproof Steps

This moist oven baked chicken breast recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken with a golden oven finish and a comforting aroma that makes dinner feel calm, reliable, and deeply satisfying every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Moist Oven Baked Chicken

This moist oven baked chicken is made for home cooks who want dependable results without stress. The method locks in moisture while the oven does the work, using simple ingredients and easy timing. You’ll love how reliably juicy it turns out, how little prep it requires, and how well it fits into busy weeknights or simple meal prep routines. If you enjoy dependable oven chicken, If you enjoy dependable oven chicken, you’ll also love this Juicy Baked Chicken.

Moist oven baked chicken breast resting in pan juices after baking

Moist Oven Baked Chicken Breast

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Moist oven baked chicken breast cooked in the oven using a simple, reliable method that keeps the chicken juicy, tender, and never dry—perfect for easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking dish
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  3. Lightly grease a baking dish and place the chicken breasts in a single layer.
  4. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and dot the tops with butter.
  5. Pour the chicken broth into the baking dish around the chicken, not over the top.
  6. Bake uncovered for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Remove from the oven, loosely cover with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Use evenly sized chicken breasts for even cooking. Always let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it moist and juicy.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This moist oven baked chicken relies on everyday ingredients that work together to protect the chicken while building gentle, balanced 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

Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, 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 helps seal in juices quickly, which is essential for moist oven baked chicken.

Arrange in Baking Dish

Grease a baking dish lightly. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer, then drizzle with olive oil and dot with butter to protect the surface during baking.

Add Moisture

Pour chicken broth into the dish around the chicken, not directly on top. This creates steam in the oven, keeping the meat 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 the Chicken

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

Garnish and Serve

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

Pro Tips for Success

For consistently moist oven baked chicken, even thickness matters. If your chicken breasts are uneven, gently pound them so they cook evenly. Always rely on a thermometer rather than time alone. Avoid covering the dish tightly during baking, since the broth already creates steam. Never skip the resting step, as it’s essential for juicy results.

Serving Ideas

Moist oven baked chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides like mashed potatoes, buttered rice, or roasted vegetables. It also works well sliced over salads or tucked into wraps. For another reliable oven dinner, serve it alongside Oven Baked Chicken Breast from Chopped-Beef.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Store leftover moist oven baked 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 reheats well when handled gently.

Variations You Can Try

Add lemon zest for brightness, smoked paprika for deeper flavor, or a pinch of dried herbs. You can also turn this into a complete meal by baking vegetables alongside the chicken, similar to Easy One Pan Chicken Recipe on Chopped-Beef.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does oven baked chicken dry out?

Chicken dries out when overcooked or baked too long at low heat. High heat and resting prevent moisture loss.

What temperature keeps chicken moist?

Baking at 425°F helps seal in juices while cooking quickly.

Should chicken be covered while baking?

No. Baking uncovered allows browning while added broth creates steam.

How do I know chicken is done?

Chicken is fully cooked and moist at an internal temperature of 165°F.

Conclusion

This moist oven baked chicken recipe proves that simple oven cooking can deliver reliable, juicy results. With the right temperature and a few smart steps, you’ll have tender chicken you can trust for busy nights or easy meal prep.

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