If you are craving a simple yet irresistibly flavorful dinner, let me introduce you to this Baked Italian Seasoned Chicken Breast Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of fragrant herbs and spices baked to juicy, tender perfection. This recipe takes plain chicken breasts from ordinary to extraordinary without any fuss, making it an absolute favorite for weeknight meals or when you want to impress without stress. Get ready for juicy bites infused with classic Italian seasonings that will have you coming back for seconds and thirds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of kitchen staples that come together beautifully to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Each ingredient is essential—from the aromatic Italian seasoning to the paprika that adds a subtle smoky note and vibrant color. These basics are what make this Baked Italian Seasoned Chicken Breast Recipe a winner every time.
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.75-2 lb.): Even thickness ensures juicy, uniform cooking.
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that brings that classic Italian flavor profile.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a savory depth without the pungency of fresh garlic.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Complements garlic for a fuller, richer seasoning.
- 1 tsp paprika: Offers a mild smokiness and lovely warm color.
- 1.5 tsp fine sea salt: Essential for amplifying all the flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Provides just the right hint of heat and earthiness.
- 3 Tbsp olive oil: Helps the spice blend adhere and keeps the chicken moist.
How to Make Baked Italian Seasoned Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Flatten the Chicken Breasts
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. To ensure even cooking and tender results, place your chicken breasts on a cutting board, cover them with plastic wrap, and gently pound the thickest parts with a rolling pin or meat tenderizer until the breast is evenly about 1/2 inch thick. This simple technique makes a huge difference in texture and helps your chicken cook evenly without drying out.
Step 2: Mix the Seasoning Paste
Combine the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl, stirring until well blended. Then pour in the olive oil and mix until you have a thick, aromatic paste. This paste is really where the magic begins, as it clings to the chicken, infusing every bite with bold, Italian-inspired flavor.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Thoroughly
Using your hands or a spatula, generously spread the seasoning paste on both sides of each chicken breast. Don’t be shy here—ensuring an even coat will maximize that delicious seasoning crunch and taste once baked. Every morsel should be saturated with the herb and spice blend for an explosion of flavor.
Step 4: Bake Until Juicy and Tender
Place your seasoned chicken breasts in a 9×13-inch baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. An 18-minute bake time usually hits the sweet spot, leaving the chicken perfectly cooked but still juicy and tender.
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, transfer the chicken breasts to a clean plate or cutting board and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period is key—it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, guaranteeing every bite is juicy and moist. Trust me, it’s a step you don’t want to skip!
How to Serve Baked Italian Seasoned Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and a fresh aroma that perfectly complements the rich Italian spices. You could also try a squeeze of lemon juice on top to brighten the flavors and add an extra touch of zing that elevates the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This chicken shines when paired with simple, wholesome sides like roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. For something a bit more comforting, garlic butter pasta or a warm quinoa salad loaded with sun-dried tomatoes and olives make excellent companions for this recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the chicken and serve it over a bed of steamed vegetables or toss it into a warm pasta bowl with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella for a rustic Italian-inspired feast. You could also dice it up and use it as a protein-packed topping for homemade pizza or fold it into a vibrant grain bowl for a nutritious, colorful meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your freshly baked chicken, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay at its best for up to 3 days, maintaining its moisture and delightful seasoning without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to keep the chicken longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap then place them in a freezer bag or container. Your flavorful chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed as needed for easy, ready-to-use protein.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently in the oven at 325°F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through, which helps retain moisture and texture far better than a microwave. Alternatively, slice it and warm it in a hot skillet for a quick, flavorful lunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before pounding and seasoning. Cooking chicken from frozen can result in uneven cooking and dry edges.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries! You can make your own blend with equal parts dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. This DIY mix will still give you that classic Italian flavor.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning paste for a gentle kick that pairs wonderfully with the Italian herbs.
Is it necessary to pound the chicken breasts?
While not absolutely required, pounding helps the chicken cook more evenly and stay juicy. If your chicken breasts are already thin or uniform, you can skip this step.
Can I use other oils besides olive oil?
Yes, you can substitute avocado oil or melted butter if you prefer. Olive oil offers a lovely flavor and healthy fats, but the others will work well too.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Italian Seasoned Chicken Breast Recipe is truly a game-changer for quick, healthy meals that don’t compromise on flavor. It’s simple enough for busy nights, elegant enough for guests, and always delivers juicy, tender chicken infused with vibrant Italian herbs. Give it a try—you might just make it your new weeknight favorite!
Print
Baked Italian Seasoned Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This easy Baked Chicken Breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful Italian seasoning blend and baked to perfection. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a perfect healthy dinner option that pairs well with a variety of sides.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.75–2 lb.)
Seasoning Paste
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1.5 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover them with plastic wrap. Use a rolling pin or the flat side of a meat tenderizer to gently pound the thicker side until the entire breast is evenly about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures even cooking.
- Mix Seasoning Paste: In a small bowl, combine Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Add olive oil and mix until it forms a thick paste.
- Coat Chicken: Spread and rub the seasoning paste evenly on both sides of each chicken breast to ensure full flavor coverage.
- Bake: Place the coated chicken breasts in a 9×13-inch baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The recipe’s chicken was done at 18 minutes.
- Rest and Serve: Remove chicken from the oven and transfer to a plate or cutting board. Let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken juicy and tender. Slice and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Using plastic wrap to pound the chicken helps keep your workspace clean.
- Resting the chicken after baking is essential to retain moisture and tenderness.
- You can substitute Italian seasoning with dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme if preferred.
- Make sure not to overbake to avoid dry chicken breasts.
- This recipe pairs well with roasted vegetables, salads, or mashed potatoes.
