Description
Treat yourself to these delicious Baked Chicken Breasts! Juicy, flavorful, and quick to prepare, this dish combines tender chicken with delightful spices, making it perfect for a healthy dinner or meal prep. Enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
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 this step. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups lukewarm water with 1/4 cup kosher salt until mostly dissolved. Add 2 cups cold water or some ice cubes and stir to cool the brine. Submerge chicken breasts in this mixture for 15 minutes or up to 6 hours in the refrigerator. Rinse chicken in cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Arrange the chicken breasts in a large baking dish in a single layer. Brush both sides with melted butter or olive oil. In a small bowl, whisk together salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sprinkle seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken.
- Bake chicken for 15-18 minutes or until fully cooked and no longer pink, checking with a thermometer for 165°F at the thickest part. For a crispier top, turn on the broiler for the last 3-5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Remove from oven and transfer chicken to a clean plate. Tent with aluminum foil and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For juicier chicken, do not skip the brining step unless the chicken is pre-brined.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is properly cooked without drying out.
Feel free to customize the spices to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 130mg