adding electric outlets

I've added outlets to my home before and am comfortable with that and adding a new breaker etc...
I have only done this by adding a breaker, running the line to 1 outlet and then done.

I would like to add a circuit with more than one outlet off 1 20 amp breaker. Do I go from the panel to the first outlet then from that outlet to the second one (major pain) or can i go from the panel to a junction box and then from the junction box to each outlet (way easier).

Are both methods acceptable so long as the junction box is accessible? or is it wrong to do like that?

Thanks for any advice.

Thanks, looks like im good to go. I always use the side screws, i've seen the backstabs fail too...

As for the 20 amp thing, when running a 20 amp outlet i always get the 12/2 and the 20 amp receptacle. Basically i dont choose 15 amp because the house came with all the outlets i'd need for light loads like lamps and things, but it does not have the capacity for heavy loads like my air conditioners and tools. Luckily the previous owners had the house upgraded to 200 amp service and a new panel. so the hard part is done but they never added any extra circuits. i've been slowly fixing all the things wrong.
We can finally turn on the toaster, and use the microwave at the same time.
What a treat it was to notice the dishwasher was piggybacked to the dining room lights so every time you wash dishes the light dims. all fixed.
The bedroom light switch would turn the light on and off, but also both outlets on each side of the bed. I found this out our first week here when we accidentally turned off our alarm clocks and were late for work! fixed that too.

Next is a few outlets in the hall for convenience stuff like vacuuming etc.