Juicy Pioneer Woman Baked Chicken Breast Recipe for Beginners

Baked chicken breast elevates weeknight dining from mundane to magnificent with its simple yet transformative magic.

This culinary marvel turns ordinary poultry into a sensational feast that dances across your palate.

Crafted with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, the dish beckons even novice cooks to culinary excellence.

Strategic seasoning unlocks deep, rich flavors that make every bite a celebration of taste.

Emerging from the oven golden and glistening, this protein promises a meal that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

Each tender slice whispers of careful technique and passionate cooking.

Get ready to impress your dinner companions and transform your kitchen into a gourmet sanctuary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 4

Baked Chicken Breast Ingredients from Pioneer Woman

• Chicken Breasts: Choose plump, fresh cuts with minimal visible fat for the juiciest results.

• Kosher Salt, Fresh Ground Black Pepper: Select high-quality, coarse salt and freshly cracked pepper for a burst of robust flavor.

• Olive Oil: Pick extra virgin olive oil for rich, smooth coating and enhanced Mediterranean-style taste.

Equipment for Baking Chicken Breast

• Mixing Bowl: Large container for coating chicken with olive oil.
• Rimmed Baking Sheet: Flat pan with raised edges for even cooking and catching drips.
• Measuring Spoons: Small utensils for precise salt and pepper measurements.
• Olive Oil Drizzler: Bottle or container for smooth, controlled oil application.
• Meat Thermometer: Essential tool to check chicken's internal temperature.
• Serving Platter: Clean surface for resting and presenting the cooked chicken.
• Oven: Preheated to 425°F for perfect baking results.
• Kitchen Tongs: Optional tool for safely handling and rotating chicken during cooking.

How to Bake Chicken Breast by Ree Drummond

Unleash Oven-Baked Chicken Bliss

• Fire Up The Oven

Blast the oven to a scorching 425°F. Grab a baking sheet and lightly coat with olive oil to create a non-stick sanctuary for your chicken.

• Prepare The Chicken Feast

Massage chicken breasts with a generous drizzle of olive oil, ensuring every curve gets a silky smooth coating. Sprinkle kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper across the surface, creating a flavor landscape that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Bake To Culinary Perfection

Slide the chicken into the blazing hot oven. Let it sizzle and transform for about 25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to guarantee an even golden crust. Your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that signals magic is happening.

• Rest And Savor

Pull the chicken from the oven when it reaches 165°F internal temperature. Transfer to a serving platter and let it rest for 5 minutes. This crucial moment allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is incredibly juicy and packed with flavor. The result? Chicken so tender it practically melts in your mouth.

Seasoning Tips for Baked Chicken

• Boost Chicken Flavor: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano sprinkled directly onto the chicken before baking for an extra taste punch.
• Spice It Up: Create a zesty marinade by mixing olive oil with lemon juice, garlic, and your favorite spice blend to inject more depth and excitement into the chicken before cooking.
• Make It a Meal: Transform this simple chicken into a complete dinner by surrounding the breasts with chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes on the same baking sheet during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Meal Prep Magic: Cook multiple chicken breasts at once and store in airtight containers for up to 4 days, making quick lunches and dinners a breeze throughout the week.

Serving Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Breast

• Pair with Roasted Veggies: Create a colorful and nutritious plate by serving the juicy chicken alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots.
• Build a Hearty Salad: Slice the baked chicken and toss it over a crisp mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing meal.
• Craft Mediterranean-Style Wraps: Shred the chicken and wrap it in warm tortillas with tzatziki sauce, fresh herbs, and diced cucumbers for a delightful handheld dinner.
• Create Protein-Packed Grain Bowls: Chop the chicken and serve over quinoa or brown rice with roasted vegetables and a drizzle of lemon-herb sauce for a wholesome, satisfying meal.

Storage Instructions for Baked Chicken

• Preserve Deliciousness: Quick Refrigeration Tips
• Store leftover chicken in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Sealed containers keep the meat fresh and prevent bacterial growth.
• Maximize Freshness: Strategic Storing
• Refrigerate chicken for 3-4 days maximum. Place in shallow containers to cool faster and maintain optimal moisture levels.
• Freeze for Future Feasts
• Wrap individual chicken breasts in plastic wrap, then foil. Frozen chicken stays delectable for up to 4 months. Label containers with date to track freshness.
• Reheat with Care
• Warm refrigerated chicken in microwave or oven until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness during reheating. Avoid repeated warming to maintain perfect texture and taste.

Crispy Pioneer Woman Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

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

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Description

Simple Ree Drummond’s baked chicken breast showcases juicy, herb-infused meat perfect for weeknight dinners. Flavorful seasonings and precise oven techniques ensure a delicious, tender protein that will satisfy hungry families.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken breasts (skinless, boneless, about 8 oz/226 g each)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil, plus more for pan
• kosher salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Heat oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly oil a rimmed baking sheet to prevent chicken from adhering during cooking.
2. Chicken Conditioning: Massage chicken breasts with olive oil, creating a protective layer that helps seal in moisture and promote even seasoning, then arrange on the prepared baking sheet with strategic spacing to ensure uniform heat circulation.
3. Seasoning Enhancement: Liberally dust chicken with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, distributing seasonings evenly across the entire surface to elevate flavor profiles and create a delectable exterior.
4. Oven Roasting: Position baking sheet in the center oven rack, rotating midway through cooking to guarantee consistent golden-brown coloration and eliminate potential temperature variations.
5. Temperature Verification: Monitor chicken until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), which typically requires approximately 25 minutes of roasting, signaling complete and safe culinary preparation.
6. Resting Phase: Transfer chicken to a clean platter and allow to rest for 5 minutes, permitting internal juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness, resulting in a succulent and flavorful protein centerpiece.

Notes

• Optimize Moisture: Drizzle chicken with olive oil to create a protective layer that locks in natural juices and prevents dryness during high-heat baking.
• Ensure Precise Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to verify internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked chicken without overcooking.
• Promote Even Cooking: Rotate baking sheet midway through cooking to eliminate potential oven hot spots and achieve uniform golden-brown exterior.
• Rest for Maximum Flavor: Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes after baking, letting juices redistribute and ensuring each bite remains incredibly tender and succulent.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 70mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 110mg