Juicy Oven-Baked Chipotle Chicken Breast
If you’ve ever struggled with dry, bland chicken breast — this recipe is about to change that for good. My Oven-Baked Chipotle Chicken Breast comes out juicy and flavorful every single time, thanks to a simple seasoning mix and a smart roasting method that locks in moisture. This chicken is so versatile — I love to use it for any recipe that calls for chopped, shredded, or rotisserie chicken. It’s perfect for meal prep, quick weeknight dinners, or adding protein to salads, bowls, and wraps.
Creator: Leslie Stokes
This oven-baked chicken breast has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s quick, easy, and never fails. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to plain, dry chicken again!
Why This Chicken Works Every Time
Chicken breast can be tricky — it dries out easily and can end up tasting plain unless it’s seasoned well. That’s where this recipe comes in. The key is the combination of:
A balanced chipotle seasoning that adds smoky heat and depth of flavor
A mix of lime juice, olive oil, and honey to tenderize and add moisture
Adding water to the baking dish, which creates a steamy environment to keep the chicken juicy while it roasts
This combination ensures that the chicken stays moist, tender, and packed with flavor — no dry bites here!
Why I Love This Chicken for Meal Prep
I make this chicken all the time for meal prep because it’s so versatile. It works in any recipe that calls for shredded, chopped, or rotisserie chicken — but it tastes way better! Here’s how I love to use it:
Taco Bowls – Slice it over rice, black beans, and roasted veggies
Salads – Toss it into a Caesar salad or mixed greens with avocado and feta
Wraps – Roll it into a tortilla with hummus, spinach, and cucumbers
Sandwiches – Layer it with cheese, lettuce, and chipotle mayo
Soups – Add it to chicken tortilla soup or a quick white chicken chili
stuffed peppers- my Chipotle Chicken Stuffed Peppers are a must try!
Chipotle Seasoning – The Perfect Balance of Smoky and Spicy
I’m a big fan of chipotle seasoning because it gives chicken that deep, smoky flavor with just the right amount of heat. Here’s what’s in the blend:
• Chipotle powder – Adds smoky heat
• Smoked paprika – Enhances the smokiness without adding more heat
• Garlic and onion powder – Essential for building savory depth
• Cumin and chili powder – For warmth and complexity
• Salt and pepper – To bring out all the flavors
This seasoning combo is bold but balanced — not too spicy, not too salty — just enough to make every bite flavorful.
Tips for this Meal Prep
Other Seasoning Ideas
If you love the chipotle flavor but want to switch things up, try these other seasoning combinations:
Lemon Herb:
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
Honey Mustard:
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
Cajun:
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
Pro Tips for Success
Don’t overbake – Chicken breasts dry out fast, so use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F.
Let it rest – Resting helps the juices redistribute, making every bite tender and juicy.
Use the pan juices – The water, lime, and honey mixture creates a flavorful sauce — don’t let it go to waste!
Need more easy meal prep ideas? Try my best-selling cookbook for more simple, flavorful recipes!
Juicy Oven-Baked Chipotle Chicken Breast
If you’ve ever struggled with dry, bland chicken breast — this recipe is about to change that for good. My Oven-Baked Chipotle Chicken Breast comes out juicy and flavorful every single time, thanks to a simple seasoning mix and a smart roasting method that locks in moisture. This chicken is so versatile — I love to use it for any recipe that calls for chopped, shredded, or rotisserie chicken. It’s perfect for meal prep, quick weeknight dinners, or adding protein to salads, bowls, and wraps.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 3 –4 chicken breasts about 1.5–2 lbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ –¾ cup water
For the Chipotle Seasoning:
- I love using Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle Seasoning for an easy and clean seasoning mix- it's the perfect blend! Use this recipe if you can't find it!
- 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Let's Make It
- I love using Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle Seasoning for an easy and clean seasoning mix- it's the perfect blend!
- 1. Preheat Oven:Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 2. Prepare Chicken:Place chicken breasts in an oven-safe baking dish.
- 3. Season:In a small bowl, combine the chipotle seasoning ingredients. Generously coat both sides of the chicken with the seasoning mix.
- 4. Add Moisture:Drizzle olive oil, lime juice, and honey over the chicken. Pour ½ to ¾ cup of water into the bottom of the dish to keep the chicken moist while roasting.
- 5. Bake:Roast for 20–25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- 6. Rest and Slice:Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or shredding. Spoon any leftover juices over the chicken for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
60 oz portion sizes:
250 calories
40 g protein
7 g fat
6 g carbs
