The Simple Baked Chicken Breast With Honey Garlic Sauce

There’s something undeniably satisfying about perfectly baked Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts. This kitchen staple deserves a place in your regular rotation – not only is it incredibly easy to prepare, but it’s also wonderfully versatile for different meals throughout the week. Whether you’re meal prepping for busy days ahead or serving a delicious dinner tonight, mastering the art of baked chicken breast will elevate your cooking game tremendously.

Table of Contents

Basic Ingredients (for Oven Baking)

• Chicken breasts (4 medium-sized, about 6-8 oz each)
• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, Italian herbs, or your favorite spice blend

Note: Unlike stovetop recipes that might use flour for pan-frying, oven-baked chicken typically doesn’t require this step. However, feel free to customize with herbs and spices according to your taste preferences.

Oven Baking Instructions

How to Cook Chicken in the Oven

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature creates the perfect balance of cooking the chicken through while keeping it juicy.
2. Prepare your baking dish: Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. For easier cleanup, you can also use a shallow baking dish.
3. Prepare the chicken: If your chicken are particularly thick or uneven, consider butterflying them or using a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness (about ¾-inch thick). This ensures more even cooking.
4. Season generously: Brush both sides of chicken breasts with olive oil, then season liberally with salt and pepper. This is also the time to add any additional seasonings you desire. For a simple but delicious option, try a mixture of garlic powder, paprika, and dried herbs.
5. Arrange on baking sheet: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave a little space between each piece.

How Long to Bake Chicken Breasts

The cooking time varies depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts:

• For thin-sliced chicken breasts (½-inch thick): 15-18 minutes
• Average-sized chicken breasts (¾-inch thick): 20-25 minutes
• For larger, thicker chicken breasts (1-inch+): 25-30 minutes

The most reliable way to know when your chicken is perfectly cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Another visual indicator is that the juices run clear when pierced with a fork, and the meat is no longer pink inside.

6. Let it rest: Once cooked, allow your chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in tender, moist chicken.

Honey Garlic Sauce Option

While perfectly baked chicken breast are delicious on their own, elevating them with a flavorful sauce takes them to another level. This honey garlic sauce creates a beautiful balance of sweet and savory flavors that complement the chicken perfectly.

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup for a different flavor profile)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (white vinegar works too)
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Preparation:

1. While your chicken is baking, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to brown it).
3. Add honey, vinegar, and soy sauce, stirring to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly—the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
6. When your chicken is done resting, drizzle or brush the sauce over the top before serving.

Why This is the « Best Chicken Recipe » Base

This simple oven-baked chicken breast recipe deserves a spot in your cooking repertoire for several compelling reasons:

1. Foolproof foundation: This method provides a reliable base that even novice cooks can master quickly.
2. Time-efficient: With minimal hands-on preparation and a relatively short cooking time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
3. Nutritionally sound: Baking chicken preserves its lean protein content without adding unnecessary fats.
4. Incredibly versatile: The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Your baked chicken can:
   • Be sliced for salads and grain bowls
   • Shredded for tacos, enchiladas, or casseroles
   • Served whole with vegetables for a complete meal
   • Used in sandwiches and wraps for lunch the next day
   • Diced and added to pasta dishes or soups
5. Flavor flexibility: The neutral base allows you to customize flavors according to what cuisine you’re craving—from Italian herbs to Mexican spices or Asian-inspired glazes.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your perfectly baked chicken breast with complementary sides for a complete meal:

• Roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes
• A fresh green salad with vinaigrette
• Fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce
• Mashed potatoes for comfort food appeal
• Steamed broccoli or green beans for a nutritious option

For meal prep enthusiasts, consider making a larger batch of these baked chicken on Sunday. Store them properly in the refrigerator, and you’ll have the foundation for quick, healthy meals throughout your busy week.

Other Chicken Recipes

• Creamy Chicken And Rice
• Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps
• Chicken Alfredo Lasagna
• Cane’s Chicken

This simple method for baking Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts delivers reliable results every time. By mastering this fundamental cooking technique, you’ll have endless possibilities for creating satisfying, nutritious meals with minimal effort. Whether enjoyed with the honey garlic sauce or incorporated into your favorite recipes, these oven-baked Chicken Breast Recipe are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.