Oven Baked Rub & Roast Chicken Breast

One simple method, endless flavors — juicy, versatile chicken breasts with rubs to match any mood.

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Oven Baked Rub & Roast Chicken Breast

Yield: 4

Author: Anthology of Crumbs

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 20 MinTotal time: 25 Min

A simple, foolproof method for oven-baked chicken breasts: juicy inside, lightly crisp outside, and endlessly versatile. Choose from classic, spicy, smoky, herby, or globally inspired rubs for a quick weeknight protein that adapts to any flavor mood.

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Ingredients

Chicken

• 1 -1 ½ lbs chicken breast (2-3 breasts depending on size)
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 batch of your chosen rub (below)

Sweet Baked (Balanced, savory-sweet classic)

• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme , or other herb of choice
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp each salt and pepper

Savory Buffalo Rub (Savory, bold, sauce-ready)

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp celery salt
• (Optional: ½ tsp smoked paprika, for depth)

Curry Rub (Earthy + fragrant curry)

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp ginger powder (or 1 tsp fresh grated, rubbed in with oil)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for warmth)
• ¼–½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust heat to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt

Classic BBQ Rub (Sweet, smoky, slightly spicy)

• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Spicy Cajun Rub (Bold and fiery)

• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Maple Dijon Rub (Sweet-savory glaze effect)

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (rubbed into oil)
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Tandoori-Inspired Rub (Warm spices with a hint of chili)

• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp ginger powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp cayenne

Zesty Lemon Pepper Rub (Sharp and refreshing)

• 1 tsp coarse ground black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• Zest of 1 lemon

Mediterranean Herb Rub (Bright, herby, and lemony)

• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Zest of ½ lemon (rubbed into the oil with the spices)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F / 220°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it.
2. Prep chicken – Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Drizzle with oil, then rub to coat both sides.
3. Season – Sprinkle the chosen rub evenly on both sides of the chicken. Press lightly so it adheres.
4. Bake – Place chicken on the tray. Roast for 18 minutes for medium breasts (around 7 oz / 200 g each), up to 22 minutes for larger ones (10 oz / 300 g). Internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C.
5. Rest – Transfer chicken to a plate. Loosely cover with foil and let rest 3–5 minutes. This keeps the juices locked in.
6. Serve – Slice and serve as-is, or toss/brush with sauce (for Buffalo or BBQ versions). Pairs well with salads, bowls, wraps, or rice depending on the rub.