Description
Enjoy flavorful Baked Chicken Breasts that are easy to prepare and juicy. This comforting dish features tender chicken seasoned with spices, perfect for a hassle-free dinner.
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
- Fill a large bowl with 2 cups of lukewarm water and 1/4 cup kosher salt, stirring until the salt is mostly absorbed. Add 2 cups of cold water or ice cubes to cool it down.
- Submerge the chicken breasts in the brine for 15 minutes or refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Rinse with cold water and pat dry after brining.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish, brush with melted butter or olive oil on both sides. Mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a bowl; sprinkle over the chicken.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until cooked through (the thickest part should reach 165°F). For a crispy top, broil on high for 3-5 minutes towards the end of cooking.
- Remove from the oven, transfer to a plate, and tent with foil for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Keep an eye on the chicken while broiling to avoid burning.
Using a cooking thermometer guarantees perfect doneness.
Feel free to adjust spices to suit your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg