I love a good chicken breast recipe because it’s such a versatile protein. Sometimes, you need a quick dinner, and other times you want a reliable method to feed the family.
Today, I’m sharing two fantastic ways to cook tender, juicy chicken breasts: one uses your air fryer for speed, and the other bakes them in the oven for a simple, hands-off approach. You’ll get perfect chicken every time!
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Easy Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts Recipe
- 2. Easy Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe For Juicy Meat
Easy Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts Recipe
If you need dinner on the table fast, your air fryer is a great tool. This recipe shows you how to get perfectly cooked chicken breasts that are moist inside and have a nice outside texture.
It’s a quick and simple way to prepare chicken for salads, sandwiches, or as a main dish.
Key Ingredients & Air Frying Tips
- Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure there’s space between your chicken pieces in the air fryer basket. This helps the hot air move around for even cooking and a better outer texture.
- Pat Chicken Dry: Before seasoning, use paper towels to remove extra moisture from the chicken breasts. This helps the seasonings stick better and encourages a nicer golden-brown finish.
What You Need for Air Fryer Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts very dry with paper towels. Rub them all over with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 2: Air Fry
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in your air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 3: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, take the chicken out of the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making your chicken even more tender. Slice and enjoy!
📝 Final Note on Air Fryer Chicken
Chicken breast thickness varies, so always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
Easy Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe For Juicy Meat
Baking chicken breasts in the oven is a classic for a reason. It’s a simple, mostly hands-off method that consistently gives you moist and flavorful chicken.
This recipe is perfect for meal prep or a healthy family dinner with minimal effort.
Key Ingredients & Baking Tips
- Brining (Optional but Recommended): For extra moist chicken, soak the breasts in a simple saltwater solution (1 tbsp salt to 4 cups water) for 30 minutes before cooking. Rinse well and pat dry.
- Use a Pan with Sides: A baking dish or sheet pan with raised edges will catch any chicken juices, preventing them from dripping into your oven and making cleanup easier.
What You Need for Oven Baked Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
⏱️ Time: 35 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Breasts
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Season Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub them with olive oil or melted butter, then mix salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder together. Sprinkle this seasoning blend evenly over both sides of the chicken.
Step 2: Bake Until Cooked
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer on a baking dish or a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts.
Step 3: Rest Before Serving
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes on a cutting board, lightly tented with foil. This resting period is important to lock in all the juices, making your chicken tender and moist. Slice or serve whole.
📝 Final Note on Oven Baked Chicken
Always use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it’s cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).