Easy Pioneer Woman Baked Chicken Breast Recipe That’s Perfect

Baked chicken breast transforms ordinary poultry into a mouthwatering centerpiece that tantalizes taste buds with minimal effort.

Seasoned simply yet strategically, this culinary classic promises succulence in every single bite.

Home cooks adore how quickly it comes together without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Such straightforward preparation means you can breeze through dinner preparation with confidence and ease.

Tender, juicy meat emerges from the oven looking golden and inviting, promising a satisfying meal that feels both comforting and elegant.

Smart seasoning techniques elevate this protein from basic to brilliant, ensuring each slice remains moist and delectable.

The secret lies in understanding temperature, timing, and technique: you’ll want to master this game-changing method.

Why Baked Chicken Breast Is a Weeknight Hero

• Lock in Moisture Magic: These chicken breasts stay incredibly juicy thanks to the simple olive oil coating and strategic baking method, preventing dry, tough meat that often plagues home cooks.
• Quick Kitchen Hero: Requiring just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe delivers a delicious protein main dish with minimal prep and clean-up, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute meal planning.
• Versatile Flavor Canvas: The basic seasoning of salt and pepper creates a neutral base that allows you to pair this chicken with countless side dishes, sauces, or transform it into salads, sandwiches, or meal prep containers without flavor fatigue.
• Foolproof Cooking Technique: By using high heat and rotating the pan midway, this method ensures even cooking and golden exterior, making it an excellent recipe for home cooks who want consistent, professional-looking results without complex culinary skills.

What You Need for Pioneer’s Chicken Breast

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, boneless cut perfect for a healthy main dish. Look for fresh, uniform-sized breasts for even cooking.
• Olive Oil: Helps coat chicken and prevent drying, adds subtle flavor. Choose extra virgin for best taste.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances natural chicken flavor and helps create a delicious crust. Provides balanced seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity to the chicken's overall taste. Freshly ground pepper offers the best flavor.

Simple Steps for Juicy Chicken Breast

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a sizzling 425°F (220°C). Grab a rimmed baking sheet and give it a light massage with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Massage The Chicken

Take your chicken breasts and give them a luxurious olive oil rub. In a large mixing bowl, drizzle of olive oil and coat each piece completely.

Step 3: Sprinkle On The Magic

• Kosher salt
• Fresh ground black pepper

Spread the seasonings evenly for maximum flavor explosion.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven. Let the chicken dance and sizzle for 25 minutes. Midway through cooking, give the pan a quick spin to ensure every inch gets golden and delicious.

Step 5: Let It Relax

Once the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F), transfer to a serving platter. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This crucial pause lets the juices redistribute, guaranteeing each bite is incredibly moist and tender.

Tips to Avoid Dry Chicken

• Boost Moisture Magic: Drizzle olive oil generously to prevent dry chicken and lock in natural juices.
• Customize Flavor Explosion: Sprinkle dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano for a personalized taste profile.
• Temperature Precision Matters: Verify doneness using a digital meat thermometer at the thickest part of the breast.
• Resting Ritual: Allow chicken to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking, letting juices redistribute throughout the meat.
• Seasoning Secret Weapon: Massage herbs and oil directly into chicken surface for deeper flavor penetration.

Chicken Breast Storage That Works

• Vacuum Sealing: Lock in freshness by using a vacuum sealer. Remove all air from the storage bag, which prevents oxidation and bacterial growth. Vacuum-sealed chicken breasts can last up to 7 days in the refrigerator, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Glass Container Method: Transfer cooled chicken to a glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Glass prevents odor absorption and allows you to see the contents easily. Place a paper towel underneath the chicken to absorb excess moisture, keeping the meat from becoming soggy.
• Freezer Storage: Wrap individual chicken breasts in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Press out excess air before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Frozen baked chicken breasts can maintain quality for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve moisture and flavor.

Try These Flavor Swaps

• Herbed Mediterranean Breasts: Sprinkle dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary onto the chicken before baking. Add crumbled feta cheese during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a tangy Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken: Coat chicken with a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder. Top with sliced jalapeños and a sprinkle of cayenne for extra heat. Serve with a quick cilantro-lime cream sauce.
• Garlic Parmesan Crunch: Create a crispy coating by mixing grated parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs and dried parsley. Press the mixture onto the chicken breasts before baking. The result is a golden, crunchy exterior with rich, savory flavors.
• Honey Mustard Glazed: Whisk together honey, dijon mustard, and a touch of apple cider vinegar. Brush the mixture over the chicken during the last 10 minutes of baking for a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully.

Wrapping Up with Baked Chicken Breast

Culinary magic emerges from Pioneer Woman’s baked chicken breast, promising a simple yet extraordinary dining experience.

Juicy, flavorful chicken breasts become your weeknight dinner hero with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Each golden-brown piece whispers kitchen confidence and home-cooked comfort.

Salt and pepper transform ordinary ingredients into a memorable meal that delights palates and simplifies cooking challenges.

Precise oven technique guarantees perfectly cooked protein without complicated techniques.

Readers, dive into this foolproof recipe that elevates home cooking – share its deliciousness, comment with your flavor twists, and spread kitchen joy through this delectable chicken masterpiece.

Pioneer Woman Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Juicy Pioneer Woman Baked Chicken Breast brings classic comfort to dinner tables with minimal effort. Herb-seasoned chicken promises a delightful meal that delivers home-style flavor you can savor in just minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 8 ounces/226 grams each)

Seasoning:

• Kosher salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Cooking Fat:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil, plus more for the pan

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly coating a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Select fresh chicken breasts and place them in a spacious mixing bowl, drizzling with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to create a light, protective coating that enhances moisture retention.
3. Carefully arrange the olive oil-coated chicken breasts onto the prepared baking sheet, maintaining even spacing to promote uniform heat distribution.
4. Generously sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper across the surface of each chicken breast, ensuring comprehensive and balanced seasoning.
5. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven, positioning it in the center rack for consistent heat exposure.
6. Midway through the cooking process, carefully rotate the baking sheet 180 degrees to guarantee equal browning and prevent potential hot spots in the oven.
7. Cook the chicken for approximately 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), which indicates complete and safe cooking.
8. Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest on a clean platter for 5 minutes, enabling the internal juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.

Notes

• Infuse olive oil with your favorite herbs like rosemary or thyme for a personalized aromatic boost.
• Resting allows chicken juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice stays incredibly moist and tender.
• Verify doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, confirming it reaches a safe 165°F (74°C).

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg