My mother enjoy chicken, but she prefer it soft and juicy rather than heavily browned. Oven baked chicken breast works perfectly because the heat surrounds the meat evenly, keeping it moist without drying it out. In our home, it feels familiar and comforting, especially when the herbs create a mild flavor that everyone enjoys without complaint.

Oven baked chicken breast with herbs is one of those recipes I rely on when I want something simple, wholesome, and consistently good. It doesn’t need constant attention, yet it delivers tender meat and gentle, fragrant flavor every time. The oven does most of the work, while the herbs slowly infuse the chicken, making the kitchen smell warm and inviting. It’s calm, dependable cooking at its best.

I have baked chicken breast many ways over the years, but I always return to a simple herb-based method. I use olive oil, dried or fresh herbs, and steady oven heat every single time. Letting the chicken rest after baking is something I never skip. That small step makes this recipe reliable and tender, no matter how busy the day is.

You can serve oven baked chicken breast with herbs alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, also with rice, pasta, or a crisp green salad. It works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or relaxed family meals when you want something nourishing but uncomplicated.

Its Perfect For:

• Weeknight dinners
• Family meals
• Healthy eating
• Meal prep
• Beginner cooks

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Optional: fresh herbs or lemon wedges for serving

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Baking dish or rimmed baking sheet
• Parchment paper or foil (optional)
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Meat thermometer (optional but helpful)

How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Breast with Herbs

Step 1

Prepare the chicken. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and pat them completely dry with paper towels. If the chicken breasts are very thick, gently pound them to an even thickness so they bake evenly. This step helps keep the meat juicy and prevents overcooking.

Step 2

Season the chicken. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, and paprika. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, pressing the herbs gently into the surface so they adhere well during baking.

Step 3

Arrange for baking. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a lightly oiled baking dish or on a lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece. This allows heat to circulate and helps the chicken cook evenly without steaming.

Step 4

Bake the chicken. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, depending on thickness. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. Avoid opening the oven too often to maintain consistent heat.

Step 5

Rest the chicken. Remove the chicken from the oven and loosely cover it with foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and moist.

Step 6

Serve. Serve the chicken whole or sliced, spooning any pan juices over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon if desired for a bright, fresh finish.

Tips for Perfect Oven Baked Chicken Breast with Herbs

• Dry the chicken well. Moisture on the surface prevents proper seasoning. Dry chicken absorbs herbs better and bakes more evenly. This improves flavor and texture.
• Even thickness matters. Chicken breasts of equal thickness cook at the same rate. This prevents dry edges and undercooked centers. A few gentle taps make a big difference.
• Use enough oil. Olive oil helps the herbs stick and protects the chicken from drying out. It also adds a gentle richness without overpowering the dish.
• Don’t overbake. Chicken breast cooks quickly. Check for doneness early to avoid dryness. A thermometer helps ensure perfect results.
• Let it rest. Resting after baking is essential. It keeps the juices inside the meat. Skipping this step often leads to dry chicken.
• Add herbs at the right time. Dried herbs work well during baking. Fresh herbs are best added at the end to keep their flavor bright.
• Cover only if needed. If the chicken browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil. This prevents burning while finishing the cook evenly.

Optional Ingredients

• Fresh rosemary or thyme
• Lemon slices or lemon zest
• Garlic cloves
• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder
• Honey or Dijon mustard

How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Breast with Herbs?

I like serving oven baked chicken breast with herbs when I want a calm, balanced plate. A neatly sliced chicken breast paired with rice or mashed potatoes feels comforting and complete. Spoon the light pan juices over the top to tie everything together.

For lighter meals, I serve it with roasted vegetables or a simple salad. Green beans, zucchini, or carrots complement the herbs without overpowering them. A touch of lemon adds freshness and keeps the meal feeling light.

Leftovers are easy to transform into new meals. Slice the chicken and use it in wraps, grain bowls, or salads. It stays moist and flavorful, making it perfect for meal prep without feeling repetitive.

Is Oven Baked Chicken Breast Healthy?

Oven baked chicken breast is a healthy option because it is lean, high in protein, and naturally low in fat. Baking uses less oil than frying, which helps keep calories in check while still delivering satisfying flavor.

It also gives you full control over ingredients. You can adjust salt, choose healthy oils, and pair the chicken with vegetables or whole grains. That flexibility makes it ideal for balanced, everyday meals.

Variations and Substitutions

• Garlic herb chicken. Add extra garlic and mixed herbs. Stronger aroma and deeper flavor. Comforting and savory. Works well with potatoes.
• Lemon herb chicken. Finish with lemon juice and zest. Bright and fresh taste. Great for warm weather meals. Pairs well with vegetables.
• Honey herb chicken. Add a light drizzle of honey before baking. Slight sweetness balances the herbs. Kid-friendly option. Great with roasted veggies.
• Spicy baked chicken. Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper. Gentle heat without overpowering. Ideal for spice lovers. Serve with cooling sides.
• Dairy-free version. Use olive oil only. Naturally dairy-free and flavorful. Suitable for dietary needs. Herbs carry the flavor well.
  
• Bone-in chicken breast. Increase baking time slightly. Extra juiciness and flavor. Check temperature carefully. Rest well before serving.
• Foil-baked version. Bake covered for extra moisture. Great for very thick breasts. Soft texture. Minimal cleanup.
  

How to Store, How to Reheat

Store cooked oven baked chicken breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Allow it to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation. Keeping it whole helps retain moisture.

To reheat, warm gently in the oven or a covered pan with a splash of broth or water. Heat slowly to avoid drying it out. Microwave reheating works best in short intervals with a cover.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oven Baked Chicken Breast with Herbs

Why is my baked chicken dry?
It may be overbaked or too thin. Always check the internal temperature and remove it at 165°F. Letting it rest also helps retain moisture.

Can I use frozen chicken breast?
Yes, but thaw it completely first. Frozen chicken releases water while baking. Pat it dry before seasoning.

Do I need to cover the chicken while baking?
Not usually. Baking uncovered helps flavor develop. Cover only if it browns too quickly.

What herbs work best?
Oregano, thyme, rosemary, and parsley all work well. Use dried for baking and fresh for finishing.

Oven Baked Chicken Breast with Herbs Recipe

Recipe by Maria MeyerCourse: Main CourseCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

3

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Oven baked chicken breast with herbs is juicy, tender, and easy to make. A healthy, flavorful chicken recipe perfect for weeknight dinners and meal prep.

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• Optional: fresh herbs or lemon wedges for serving

Directions

• Prepare the chicken. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and pat them completely dry with paper towels. If the chicken breasts are very thick, gently pound them to an even thickness so they bake evenly. This step helps keep the meat juicy and prevents overcooking.
• Season the chicken. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, and paprika. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, pressing the herbs gently into the surface so they adhere well during baking.
• Arrange for baking. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a lightly oiled baking dish or on a lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece. This allows heat to circulate and helps the chicken cook evenly without steaming.
• Bake the chicken. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, depending on thickness. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. Avoid opening the oven too often to maintain consistent heat.
• Rest the chicken. Remove the chicken from the oven and loosely cover it with foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and moist.
• Serve. Serve the chicken whole or sliced, spooning any pan juices over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon if desired for a bright, fresh finish.