Baked Chicken Breast In Foil (Juicy, Easy & Foolproof)

Updated: April 2026

This baked chicken breast in foil is one of the easiest ways to cook chicken breasts that actually stay juicy, tender and full of flavour.

If you’re tired of dry, bland chicken, this is a really good recipe to keep on repeat. Wrapping the chicken in foil helps lock in moisture as it bakes, so the chicken comes out beautifully tender and much more forgiving than open-baked chicken breast.

It’s a simple, reliable dinner recipe that works well for:

• easy weeknight dinners
• meal prep
• slicing into salads and sandwiches
• serving with rice, potatoes or vegetables
• making ahead for lunches

The lemon, oregano and garlic keep the flavour fresh and simple, so the chicken goes with just about anything.

Quick Answer – How Long To Bake Chicken Breast In Foil

Bake chicken breast in foil at 200°C / 400°F / Gas Mark 6 for 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts.

For food safety, the thickest part of the chicken should reach 75°C before serving.

As a quick guide:

• small chicken breasts: check from 25 to 30 minutes
• medium chicken breasts: around 30 to 35 minutes
• large thick chicken breasts: around 35 to 40 minutes

Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before slicing to help keep it juicy.

Why Bake Chicken Breast In Foil?

Foil is a brilliant way to cook chicken breast because it helps trap steam and juices as the chicken bakes.

That means you get:

• juicier chicken
• more flavour
• less chance of over-drying
• easy clean-up
• a really simple foolproof method

It’s especially useful if you often find chicken breast turns out dry in the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked chicken breast recipe is one of those easy basics that’s endlessly useful.

• Quick prep
• Very little washing up
• Great for meal prep
• Easy to customise
• Works with lots of different side dishes
• Tender and juicy every time

Ingredients For Baked Chicken Breast In Foil

You only need a few simple ingredients.

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• pinch salt
• pinch black pepper

Ingredient Notes And Easy Swaps

A few simple ingredient notes can help you get the best result.

Chicken Breasts

Use boneless skinless chicken breasts of a similar size if possible, so they cook evenly.

Olive Oil

Olive oil helps stop the chicken sticking and adds a little richness. You can also use:

• rapeseed oil
• sunflower oil

Lemon

Lemon adds freshness and keeps the chicken tasting light. It works especially well with the oregano and garlic.

Oregano

Dried oregano gives the chicken an easy Mediterranean-style flavour. You could also use:

• Italian seasoning
• dried thyme
• mixed herbs

Garlic Powder

Garlic powder gives gentle flavour without adding moisture to the foil parcel.

Equipment Needed

You only need a few kitchen basics.

• tin foil
• teaspoon
• chopping board
• sharp knife
• roasting tin
• digital meat thermometer, recommended

How To Make Baked Chicken Breast In Foil

This is such an easy recipe to make.

Step 1 – Preheat The Oven

Preheat the oven to 200°C / 400°F / Gas Mark 6.

Step 2 – Prepare The Foil

Lay a sheet of foil in the bottom of a roasting tin.

Drizzle the olive oil into the centre and spread it lightly over an area large enough for the chicken breasts.

Step 3 – Add The Lemon And Chicken

Place the lemon slices onto the foil.

Lay the chicken breasts on top of the lemon slices.

Season with salt and black pepper, then sprinkle over the garlic powder and oregano.

Step 4 – Seal The Foil Packet

Place another sheet of foil over the top and scrunch the edges together tightly to make a sealed foil parcel.

This helps trap in the steam and juices as the chicken bakes.

Step 5 – Bake The Chicken

Place the roasting tin in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.

The chicken is ready when the thickest part reaches 75°C.

Step 6 – Rest And Slice

Carefully open the foil parcel, being cautious of the hot steam.

Remove the chicken and place it on a chopping board.

Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Best Temperature For Baked Chicken Breast In Foil

The best oven temperature for baked chicken breast in foil is:

200°C / 400°F / Gas Mark 6

This is hot enough to cook the chicken through properly while still keeping it juicy inside the foil parcel.

How Long To Bake Chicken Breast In Foil

Cooking time depends mainly on the size and thickness of the chicken breast.

Small Chicken Breasts

• around 25 to 30 minutes

Medium Chicken Breasts

• around 30 to 35 minutes

Large Chicken Breasts

• around 35 to 40 minutes

Always check the thickest part reaches 75°C before serving.

UK Chicken Safety Temperature

In the UK, chicken should be cooked until the thickest part reaches:

75°C

The chicken should also be:

• piping hot throughout
• opaque in the middle
• with no pink meat remaining

A meat thermometer is the easiest and most reliable way to check.

Expert Tips For The Juiciest Baked Chicken Breast

These little tips make a big difference.

Use Similar Sized Chicken Breasts

This helps them cook evenly.

Don’t Skip The Resting Time

Resting the chicken for 5 minutes helps keep the juices inside the meat.

Seal The Foil Well

A tightly sealed foil parcel helps trap moisture and flavour.

Use A Thermometer

This is the easiest way to avoid undercooking or overcooking the chicken.

Be Careful Opening The Foil

Hot steam builds up inside, so open the foil parcel carefully.

Easy Variations To Try

This recipe is really easy to adapt.

Add Vegetables

You can add vegetables to the foil parcel from the beginning. Good options include:

• sliced peppers
• mushrooms
• shallots
• broccoli
• spring onions

Change The Herbs

Try:

• rosemary
• thyme
• mixed herbs
• fajita seasoning
• Italian seasoning

Add Extra Flavour

Try adding:

• sliced garlic
• chilli flakes
• a splash of soy sauce
• a little butter
• paprika

What To Serve With Baked Chicken Breast In Foil

This chicken is really versatile and goes with lots of easy sides.

Try serving it with:

• flavoured microwave rice
• mashed potatoes
• noodles
• salad
• coleslaw
• pasta
• air fryer asparagus
• new potatoes
• broccoli and peas

It’s also delicious sliced or shredded into:

• sandwiches
• wraps
• quesadillas
• pasta salad
• rice bowls

Can You Meal Prep Baked Chicken Breast In Foil?

Yes — this is a really good meal prep chicken recipe.

Cook the chicken, let it cool, then slice or shred it ready to use in lunches and dinners throughout the next day or two.

How To Store Leftovers

Store leftover baked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

You can eat it cold in sandwiches and salads or reheat it until piping hot.

More Easy Chicken Recipes

If you love simple chicken dinners, try these next:

• Air Fryer Chicken Breast
• Chicken And Broccoli Casserole
• Chicken And Pea Risotto
• Chicken Pie
• Chicken And Chorizo Pasta Bake