Description
This Baked Chicken Breasts recipe features juicy chicken that’s seasoned simply yet packed with flavor. Perfect for a quick dinner or a healthy meal option, it’s sure to satisfy any comfort food cravings!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- If the chicken breasts are pre-brined, skip brining. Mix 2 cups of lukewarm water with 1/4 cup kosher salt in a bowl, stirring until most salt dissolves. Add 2 cups of cold water to cool the brine, then add the chicken breasts and let sit for 15 minutes or refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Rinse the chicken with cold water and pat dry.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Lay the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Brush melted butter or olive oil on both sides. In another bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika; sprinkle this mixture over both sides of the chicken.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until cooked through, ensuring thickest part reaches 165°F. Optionally, broil for 3-5 minutes for a browned top, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Remove the pan from the oven, place chicken on a plate, and tent with foil for 5-10 minutes to rest.
- Serve the chicken warm, and enjoy.
Notes
Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check doneness accurately.
Letting chicken rest after cooking retains its juices for better flavor.
Adjust seasoning based on personal preference, adding herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg