The Best Marinated Chicken Breast Recipe

This is the perfect juicy baked chicken breast marinade recipe – it’s the only one you’ll ever need and it’s super customizable!

I’ve been making this oven baked chicken for 10 years now and it’s my go-to marinade. It’s great for meal prep, quick weeknight dinners, or adding protein to salads and grain bowls. Say goodbye to dry chicken because this foolproof recipe will give you juicy results every time!

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Super juicy: Your baked chicken breast will turn out super juicy and delicious thanks to my simple marinade that you can customize.
• Easy to make: Just marinate and bake in the oven for the easiest and tastiest chicken breast.
• Perfect for meal prep: This baked chicken breast stores and reheats well, making it great for lunches and dinners all week.

Ingredients and substitutions

• Chicken breasts – boneless skinless breasts are best for marinating.
• Olive oil – or another neutral cooking oil like avocado oil.
• Lemon juice – freshly squeezed is best but bottled lemon juice will work.
• Dijon mustard – try using regular mustard or honey mustard for a sweeter flavour.
• Paprika – cayenne will work but has more of a kick.
• Chili powder – use a blend of cumin, paprika and oregano instead.
• Onion powder – extra garlic powder would also work.
• Garlic powder – try using fresh minced garlic instead.
• Everything bagel seasoning – make your own or use a store-bought blend.

How to make marinated chicken breasts

Step 1: Make the marinade.

Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, dijon and spices together.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken.

Marinade for at least 15 mins and up to 48 hours.

Step 3: Add the chicken to a pan.

Add to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake in the oven.

Bake, then slice or chop into pieces.

Frequently asked questions

What type of chicken should I use?

This recipe works best with boneless skinless chicken breasts. If you want to use chicken thighs, try my boneless skinless chicken thigh or my fave perfect baked chicken thigh recipes.

Should I marinate or brine chicken breasts before baking?

Marinating or brining chicken breasts can both bring out more of their flavor and juiciness. I like marinating even if I’m short on time, because as little as 15 minutes can work. Take a look at Gimme Some Oven‘s suggestions on brining to learn more!

Should I cover chicken breasts with foil while baking?

It’s generally recommended to bake chicken breasts uncovered. But if the chicken starts to brown too much before reaching the proper internal temperature, you can loosely cover it with foil to prevent over-browning.

What to serve on the side

Here are some ideas for what to serve with your marinated chicken:

• Simple green salad with homemade dressing or this yummy arugula salad.
• Roasted potatoes, sweet potato fries or baked potatoes would all be yummy.
• Keep it healthy with brussels sprouts or steamed veggies.
• Try a variety of rice or cauliflower rice recipes as a side.

How to store and reheat

• Store: Place cooked chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Reheat: Sprinkle a bit of water over the chicken to retain its moisture, then microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
• Freeze & Reheat: Freeze cooked chicken in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat as you would normally.