Name: Oven Roasted Spicy Chicken Breast Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 to 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 4 cups lukewarm water; ¼ cup salt; ¼ teaspoon salt (optional); ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon dried rosemary; ¼ teaspoon dried parsley; ⅙ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

Nothing beats a juicy, tender chicken breast that’s bursting with flavor, and that’s exactly what this Oven Roasted Spicy Chicken Breast Recipe delivers. With a simple brine and a vibrant homemade spice blend, you’ll get a healthy, hearty meal that’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough to impress.

The image shows close-up slices of cooked chicken layered side by side. Each slice has a golden brown, slightly crispy surface with visible grill marks and a light glaze that makes it shine. The inside is white and tender, with a soft and juicy texture. Small green herb leaves are sprinkled on top of the chicken pieces, adding a fresh contrast to the warm colors. The chicken rests on a white plate, set on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Oven Roasted Spicy Chicken Breast Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Oven Roasted Spicy Chicken Breast Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Oven Roasted Spicy Chicken Breast Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this oven roasted chicken breast recipe more times than I can count, and it always turns out juicy and packed with flavor. It’s my go-to when I want dinner ready without fuss but crave that perfect balance of spice and herbs.

Juiciness Guaranteed: The saltwater brine locks in moisture so your chicken stays tender, never dry.
Flavorful & Aromatic: A homemade blend of paprika, garlic, and herbs adds layers of tasty complexity.
Simple & Quick: Prep takes just 10 minutes, with most of the time hands-off while it bakes.
Healthy & Versatile: Low in carbs and saturated fat, perfect for a clean-eating lifestyle.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic starts with fresh, quality chicken breasts and a straightforward brine that sets the stage for juicy meat. I always recommend using boneless, skinless breasts for easy seasoning and even cooking, and grabbing dried herbs that are still fragrant to really bring this dish to life.

Flat lay of boneless, skinless chicken breasts with a light sheen of olive oil, a few sprigs of fresh flat-leaf parsley, a small white ceramic bowl of smoky red paprika powder, a small white bowl of finely ground black pepper, a small white bowl of garlic powder, a small white bowl of onion powder, a small white bowl of dried thyme leaves, a small white bowl of dried basil leaves, a small white bowl of dried rosemary needles, a small white bowl of dried parsley flakes, a small white bowl of bright red cayenne pepper powder, a small white bowl of coarse salt crystals, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of lukewarm water, and two whole brown eggs with smooth clean shells, all arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Easy to work with and cook evenly, perfect for this healthy dish.
Lukewarm water and salt: Create a simple brine to infuse moisture and enhance tenderness.
Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes a beautiful golden roast.
Salt (optional in seasoning): Balances flavors, but the brine already adds plenty of saltiness.
Fresh ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and depth.
Smoked or sweet paprika: Brings warmth and a subtle smoky sweetness.
Garlic powder: Infuses that classic savory punch without the hassle of fresh garlic.
Onion powder: Adds a mellow, rich onion flavor to the mix.
Dried thyme, basil, rosemary, parsley: A herbaceous bouquet that lifts every bite.
Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch to give it a spicy edge without overwhelming heat.
Fresh chopped parsley: Brightens the dish and gives it a fresh, colorful finish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Oven Roasted Spicy Chicken Breast Recipe is how easy it is to tweak so it suits your taste buds perfectly. Whether you love it extra spicy, more herbaceous, or dairy-free, you can personalize this dish without losing its juicy, tender magic.

Spicy Kick: If you want more heat, I like adding a pinch more cayenne pepper or even a dash of chili flakes into the seasoning blend. It gives the chicken a lovely fiery edge that wakes up your palate.
Herb Swap: Fresh herbs can be used in place of dried—just triple the amount. For a bright twist, try fresh rosemary and thyme; they add a vibrant, aromatic flavor that’s irresistible.
Low-Sodium Version: Reduce the salt in the brine and seasoning blend if you're watching your sodium intake. The chicken stays juicy thanks to the brining, so it won’t feel bland.
Lemon Zest Boost: Before baking, sprinkle some lemon zest over the seasoned chicken for a gorgeous citrus note that pairs beautifully with the spices.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Oven Roasted Spicy Chicken Breast Recipe

Two pieces of cooked chicken thighs lie side by side in a square white ceramic baking dish. Each chicken piece has a golden brown color with visible dark red spices and small black pepper flakes spread evenly across their surfaces. The edges of the chicken are slightly glistening with oil or juices, giving a shiny texture. The white baking dish contrasts with the rich colors of the chicken and rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Gather Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 425˚F. This high temperature is key to roasting tender, juicy chicken with a slightly crispy outside. While that’s warming up, gather your chicken breasts, olive oil, and all those wonderful herbs and spices you’ll be using to create the seasoning blend.

Step 2: Brine the Chicken for Ultimate Juiciness

Place 1 to 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large bowl. Mix 4 cups of lukewarm water with ¼ cup salt until fully dissolved, then pour the brine over the chicken. Let it soak for 30 minutes at room temperature. If you have time, covering and refrigerating for up to 2 hours will deepen the flavor and tenderness. This step is a game changer — it keeps the chicken moist and juicy inside.

Step 3: Whip Up the Flavorful Seasoning Blend

While the chicken is soaking, combine your spices in a small bowl: ¼ teaspoon salt (optional), ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika, ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, basil, rosemary, ¼ teaspoon dried parsley, and a subtle ⅙ teaspoon cayenne pepper for a gentle heat. Stir them well so every sprinkle packs a punch of flavor.

Step 4: Rinse, Dry, and Season the Chicken

Drain the brine and rinse each chicken breast under cold water to remove excess salt. Dry them thoroughly with paper towels — this helps the olive oil and spices stick and ensures a beautiful roasted crust. Place the breasts in your baking dish, rub 1 tablespoon olive oil all over them, and then sprinkle on the seasoning blend evenly on all sides. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it’s what makes this recipe sing.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the chicken into the preheated oven and roast for 25 minutes. Begin checking at 20 minutes by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part; the chicken is cooked when it hits 165˚F. Remember that thicker breasts might take a few extra minutes, while thinner ones cook faster, so keep an eye on that temperature for juicy results.

Step 6: Optional Broil for a Crispy Golden Top

If you love a little crunch on top like I do, switch your oven to broil on HIGH after baking. Broil the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and slightly crispy. Keep a close watch so it doesn’t burn—this step adds an irresistibly textured finish.

Step 7: Let It Rest, Then Serve

Once out of the oven, transfer the chicken breasts to a plate and let them rest for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute for moist, tender chicken every bite. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, then serve warm alongside your favorite sides.

Top Tip

Mastering this Oven Roasted Spicy Chicken Breast Recipe is easier when you learn the little tricks that make all the difference. These tips come straight from the kitchen, designed to ensure juicy, flavorful results every time you bake chicken breasts.

Perfect Brining: Let the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes in the saltwater brine; this step locks in moisture and guarantees tender, juicy meat even after roasting.
Seasoning Secrets: Don’t be shy with the seasoning blend! Rub it thoroughly on all sides to build layers of delicious flavor that penetrate the chicken.
Check for Doneness Early: Use an instant-read thermometer starting at 20 minutes to avoid overcooking. Chicken breasts vary in size, and this prevents dry, tough meat.
Optional Broiling Boost: For that coveted golden, slightly crisp top, broil for 3-4 minutes at the end—but watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.

How to Serve Oven Roasted Spicy Chicken Breast Recipe

A close-up view of two cooked chicken pieces with a golden brown, slightly charred surface seasoned with herbs and spices, sitting in a shallow pool of rich, orange-brown sauce inside a white rectangular dish. Small green herb bits are scattered on top of the chicken, and the sauce surrounds the pieces, with some splashes along the dish edges. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley not only adds a vibrant pop of color but also a fresh, herbaceous flavor that complements the smoky, spicy seasoning perfectly. For an extra touch, try a drizzle of fresh lemon juice or a side of tangy chimichurri sauce for brightness.

Side Dishes

This spiced chicken shines paired with simple, wholesome sides. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes work beautifully, as does a creamy mashed cauliflower or classic garlic mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, toss together a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or serve alongside quinoa or brown rice for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. They’ll stay fresh and juicy for up to 3 to 4 days, ready to be enjoyed cold in salads or gently reheated.

Freezing

If you want to keep the chicken longer, wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen chicken breasts can last up to 3 months without losing quality.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a 325˚F oven for about 10-15 minutes, covered loosely with foil to lock in moisture. You can also slice it thinly and warm in a skillet with a splash of water or broth for a quick, juicy finish.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I skip the brining step?

While you can skip brining, it’s highly recommended because it ensures the chicken stays juicy and tender. Without brining, the chicken is more likely to dry out during roasting.

How spicy is this Oven Roasted Spicy Chicken Breast Recipe?

The recipe has a gentle, balanced spice level thanks to just ⅙ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. It adds warmth without overwhelming heat, but you can adjust the amount to your spice preference.

What if I don’t have an instant-read thermometer?

It's best to use a thermometer to avoid under- or overcooking. Without one, bake for 22-25 minutes at 425˚F and check that the juices run clear when pierced. However, investing in a thermometer is a great way to perfect many recipes.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Absolutely! Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried. Fresh herbs offer a bright, vibrant flavor that works beautifully with this seasoning blend.

Final Thoughts

This Oven Roasted Spicy Chicken Breast Recipe has become one of my go-to meals when I want something easy, healthy, and reliably delicious. The brine locks in moisture, the seasoning blend packs in incredible flavor, and the finish under the broiler adds that restaurant-quality golden crust. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do—it’s proof that with just a few thoughtful steps, simple chicken breasts can truly shine on your dinner table.