Oven baked chicken breasts are one of the simplest proteins you can prepare, but it’s easy to end up with dry, flavorless chicken — especially if you just whack a few seasoned chicken breasts into the oven without thinking. This recipe solves all those issues with a simple 5-step formula to make Juicy Baked Chicken Breasts that are tender and juicy every time.

Brine (Step 1): Juicy Baked Chicken Breasts makes a huge difference in making chicken moist and flavorful. It’s super easy, and you can brine chicken in a snap by submerging the meat in a bowl or sink of cool to lukewarm water for 15 minutes.

Seasoning (Step 2): Adding the right spices elevates baked chicken to the next level, and it’s easy to customize to your tastes. Try smoked or sweet paprika for a deep, smoky depth, or switch in oregano, rosemary, or tarragon for fresh herb flavor. Don’t forget salt — it’s the foundation of great flavor.

Preheat the Oven (Step 3): This is an important step to ensure that the meat cooks through and doesn’t remain too moist or tough. It also allows the sugar, paprika, and herbs to caramelize into a deliciously irresistible crust.

Bake (Step 4): It’s important to use high quality olive oil to ensure that the meat stays juicy while baking. The oil also helps the seasoning stick to the chicken.

Rest the Chicken (Step 5): It’s critical that you let the chicken rest before slicing and serving so that the juices can redistribute and get evenly distributed throughout the pieces of chicken. It’s also an opportunity to drizzle the pan juices or butter sauce over the sliced chicken, if desired.