Description
Baked Chicken Breasts are a delightful combination of juicy chicken and savory spices, making them perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. Enjoy this mouthwatering meal featuring simple ingredients and easy preparation, perfect for any occasion!
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 your chicken breasts are pre-brined, skip the brining step. Otherwise, mix 2 cups of lukewarm water with 1/4 cup of kosher salt in a large bowl until dissolved. Add cold water or ice to cool it down.
- Submerge the chicken breasts in the brine and let them sit for 15 minutes or refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Rinse and dry the chicken breasts after brining.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Arrange the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Brush them with melted butter or olive oil on both sides.
- Whisk together salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F. For a crispy top, broil for an additional 3-5 minutes at the end, keeping an eye on them.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil. Allow them to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Ensure chicken is of even thickness for uniform cooking.
A meat thermometer is recommended for perfect doneness at 165°F.
Resting the chicken allows juices to redistribute for optimal flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg