40 Easy Healthy Chicken Breast Recipes Recipe
Discover 40+ chef-tested, highly rated chicken breast recipes—from baked and grilled to stir-fry and Instant Pot—that are easy, flavorful and family-friendly. Here's our Baked Chicken Breasts.
How to Make the Best 40 Easy Healthy Chicken Breast Recipes
This easy baked chicken breast recipe is the foundation for countless healthy meals. With just a handful of pantry staples—olive oil, garlic, dried herbs, and a touch of lemon zest—you can transform plain chicken breasts into something truly delicious. The high-heat baking method ensures a beautifully caramelized exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
The secret to perfect baked chicken breasts lies in a few simple techniques: pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning, let it come to room temperature while the oven preheats, and resist the urge to open the oven door while it bakes. Using a meat thermometer takes all the guesswork out of knowing when your chicken is done—aim for 165°F at the thickest part.
Once you’ve mastered this basic recipe, you’ll have the perfect protein ready for salads, grain bowls, sandwiches, or simply served alongside your favorite vegetables. The leftover chicken keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days, making meal prep a breeze.
40 Easy Healthy Chicken Breast Recipes
Discover 40+ chef-tested, highly rated chicken breast recipes—from baked and grilled to stir-fry and Instant Pot—that are easy, flavorful and family-friendly. Here's our Baked Chicken Breasts.
Ingredients
Chicken
Garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Cut to a similar size so they cook evenly.
- Mix olive oil, salt, pepper, dried herbs, garlic, and lemon zest together in a small bowl to create a paste.
Baking
- Place chicken on a parchment-lined sheet pan and brush all sides generously with the marinade, pouring any remaining marinade over the breasts.
- Let chicken rest on the counter and come to room temperature while oven preheats. Make sure oven is hot.
- Bake for roughly 18-20 minutes. Smaller breasts, check at 16 minutes; medium breasts check at 20-22 minutes; larger breasts may take up to 25-30 minutes.
- Check for doneness at the thickest part of the biggest breast using a thermometer (165°F).
- Let rest for 8-10 minutes, tenting with foil if you like.
Notes
- Use 1 tablespoon olive oil and ¾ teaspoon kosher salt per pound of chicken.
- You can substitute 2 fat garlic cloves, finely minced, for the granulated garlic.
- You can also bake in a baking dish, only if there is ample room for heat to circulate. A rimmed sheet pan will make cooking faster and more even.
