Baked Chicken Breasts
This baked chicken breast recipe is my go-to for easy meal prepping. With the addition of lemons, the chicken breasts stay moist in the oven while cooking. You can eat these breasts on their own for dinner, on top of Chicken Caesar Salad, or other meals requiring pre-cooked chicken.
In this blog post, you will learn how to make baked chicken breasts.
How to Make Baked Chicken Breasts
To make baked chicken breasts, remove them from the packaging and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper—season with salt, black pepper, thyme, and basil. Slice a lemon into thin slices and place the slices on top of the seasoned chicken breasts. The lemon slices keep the chicken from drying out. Bake in the oven for an hour. Lastly, remove from the oven let sit for the juices to redistribute and serve!
How Do I Know When My Chicken is Done?
The easiest way to tell when your baked chicken breasts are finished cooking is by inserting a meat thermometer. Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165℉/75℃. If you do not have a meat thermometer, chicken breasts are easy to tell when they are done. Slice into the middle of the chicken breast and check for any pink meat. If there is none, then the chicken is most likely done cooking.
Secrets to the Best Chicken Breast
- Putting Lemons on the Tops of the Chicken Breasts: this technique keeps the chicken from drying out while baking. This is my favourite way to make chicken breasts when I want to put them into another dish, but I do not want to over season them.
- Do Not Overbake! To check if the chicken is finished baking use a temperature probe. The safe internal temperature of the chicken breasts should be 165°F/75°C. Another way to check them, is to slice into the centre of the breasts to see if any pink meat is remaining. Normally if there is no pink meat seen, then they are safe to eat, but the gold standard is the temperature probe if available.
- Let the Chicken Breasts Rest Before Slicing: Letting the chicken rest about 5-10 minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken giving you a juicier and tastier meal.
- Slice Against the Grain: Slicing the chicken breasts against the grain makes the chicken taste tender.
How to Reheat Chicken Without Drying It Out?
Below you will find 3 ways to reheat chicken without drying it out. Any of the three methods you can use. I normally just use my microwave, but I realize that not everybody owns a microwave.
In the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Next, place the chicken breasts onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and add a splash of broth or water. Then cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
On the Stovetop: Heat some broth or water in a pan over medium heat. Add the chicken, cover the pan, and heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until evenly reheated.
In the Microwave: Place the chicken breast onto a microwave-safe plate. Then add a damp paper towel over the chicken and reheat in 30-second increments on medium power, flipping halfway.
Storage Life of Chicken Breasts
Cooked chicken breasts can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Or the cooked chicken breasts can be stored in the freezer for up to 4 months if properly wrapped. Wrap the cooked chicken breasts in either cling film or aluminum foil tightly and place into a freezer-safe bag or container.
What to Serve as a Side Dish with Chicken Breasts
Many different side dishes go with chicken because it is such a versatile meal. Whether you pair it with potatoes or vegetables, the possibilities are endless with baked chicken breasts.
- Potato Wedges
- Tomato and Carrot Salad
- Creamy Courgette Risotto Recipe
- Easy Baked Potatoes
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Air Fryer Potato Cubes
Ingredients
Chicken Breasts: boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a healthy meal and unlike chicken thighs, no preparation is required. They can just go right into the oven.
Salt: salt enhances the flavour.
Black Pepper: black pepper is a flavour enhancer as well.
Basil: basil adds some sweetness to the chicken.
Thyme: only a slight sprinkling of thyme is needed because a little goes a long way.
Lemon Slices: lastly, the lemon slices are placed on top of the chicken breasts. This is an important step because it helps to keep moisture in them as they bake to prevent them from drying out.
Tips
- Putting the lemons on top of the chicken, keeps it from drying out while it is baking.
Looking for More Chicken Recipes? Try these recipes below.
- Basil and Thyme Whole Roasted Chicken
- Cream Cheese Chicken Breasts
- Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
- Chicken Pot Pie
- Classic Chicken Bone Broth
Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 medium sized chicken breasts
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 tsp. basil
- 1 tsp. thyme
- 1 lemon sliced thinly
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400℉/200℃/Gas Mark 6.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the packaging and place them onto a baking tray that is lined with parchment paper.
- Season the breasts with salt, black pepper, thyme and basil. Slice a lemon into thin, even slices and place the lemon slices on top of the chicken breasts.
- Place into the oven and bake for 1 hour. Remove from the oven and let cool.