This 3-Ingredient Baked Chicken Breast recipe is the perfect go-to meal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or when you just want something quick and delicious. With only three key ingredients, this recipe proves that less is more when it comes to bringing out the natural flavors of chicken.
Using pantry staples, this dish requires little preparation, making it ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned home chefs looking for a hassle-free meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this baked chicken breast is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
The best part? This recipe ensures the chicken remains juicy and tender, eliminating the common issue of dry, flavorless baked chicken. With the right technique and seasoning, you’ll achieve perfectly cooked chicken breasts every time, making this a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation.
3-Ingredient Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Equipment
- Baking dish or sheet pan
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Meat thermometer
- Basting brush (optional)
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper or your favorite seasoning blend
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking dish or sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Brush both sides with olive oil or melted butter to keep them moist while baking.
- Season Generously: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper (or your preferred seasoning blend), ensuring even coverage.
- Bake: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer on the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy bite.
Notes
Tips and Advice
- Use a Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure perfectly cooked chicken is to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Let the Chicken Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest before slicing helps retain moisture, making it tender and juicy.
- Customize the Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different marinades, spices, or herbs to create new variations of this recipe.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time and store it for easy meals throughout the week.
This recipe is a must-try because it’s incredibly simple yet delivers restaurant-quality results. The combination of olive oil and seasoning enhances the natural juiciness of the chicken, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. Unlike overly complex recipes that require a long list of ingredients, this dish is easy to prepare with items you likely already have in your kitchen.
Additionally, this baked chicken breast recipe is highly versatile. You can serve it as a main course with your favorite side dishes, slice it for salads, shred it for tacos, or use it in meal prep for the week. With its quick preparation time and minimal cleanup, it’s perfect for those who want a nutritious, high-protein meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
If you’ve ever struggled with dry, overcooked chicken, this recipe is your solution. By following the right temperature and resting process, you’ll get juicy and flavorful chicken breasts every single time. It’s a fail-proof method that guarantees delicious results with minimal effort.
