Baked Chicken Breasts
Baked chicken breasts are a staple in many kitchens, and for good reason! They’re juicy, tender, and so versatile, which makes them perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep for the week ahead. Picture biting into a perfectly cooked piece of chicken, seasoned to juicy perfection, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’ve paired it with your favorite sides or tossed it into a salad, these baked chicken breasts never disappoint.
Table of Contents
When I first learned to make baked chicken breasts, I remember thinking how satisfying it was to create something so simple yet delicious. This isn’t just any ordinary chicken. It’s golden, flavorful, and oh-so-juicy! Plus, this recipe is not just easy on the taste buds; it’s also easy on the wallet and can be whipped up quickly—making it a go-to favorite in my home. Let’s dive into this fabulous recipe that should definitely be on your dinner rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Just 20 minutes of prep and only 35 minutes to bake—perfect for busy nights!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic powder, smoked paprika, and just a touch of salt results in a flavorful bite every time.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: A beautifully baked chicken breast always looks impressive on the dinner table.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it warm with your favorite sides or toss it into salads or wraps for lunch the next day.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable for low-carb diets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness: This ensures even cooking and helps to keep the chicken juicy.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil: Adds moisture and a rich flavor. Opt for olive oil for a lighter touch.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken, making it taste better.
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper: Provides a subtle warmth and depth to the seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A classic seasoning that brings a lovely aromatic flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: This gives the chicken a rich hue and a slight smoky taste.
How to Make Baked Chicken Breasts
Brine the Chicken: Check the label of your chicken breasts. If they haven’t been pre-brined, fill a large bowl with 2 cups of lukewarm water and add 1/4 cup kosher salt. Stir until the salt is mostly dissolved. Add in 2 cups of cold water or a few ice cubes to cool the brine. Place the chicken breasts in this mixture and let them soak for 15 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 6 hours. After brining, rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450°F. This high temperature is key for juicy chicken with a lovely, browned exterior.
Prepare the Chicken for Baking: Lay the chicken breasts in a single layer in a large baking dish. Brush both sides with 1 tablespoon of melted butter or olive oil. In a small bowl, whisk together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until well mixed. Sprinkle this seasoning evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure they’re well coated on both sides.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F in the center). If you want a crispier top, feel free to turn on the broiler for the last 3-5 minutes—just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Rest the Chicken: Once it’s done, take the pan out of the oven and transfer the chicken to a clean plate. Loosely cover it with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes. Resting is key to keeping the chicken juicy!
Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy your deliciously baked chicken breasts warm, either on their own or with your favorite sides!
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover baked chicken breasts, allow them to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freezer them for up to three months. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through, ensuring they don’t dry out. Adding a splash of chicken broth can help refresh the flavors and moisture.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F. This guarantees juicy, tender chicken without any dryness.
- Don’t skip the brining step unless your chicken is pre-brined. This simple process enhances moisture and flavor.
- For varied flavors, try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the seasoning mix.
- If using frozen chicken, thaw it in the fridge overnight to ensure even cooking.
- Feel free to mix and match the spices to suit your taste preferences.
Baked chicken breasts are a fantastic dish, offering plenty of hearty benefits. They’re easily personalized, simple to prepare, and can easily be served in many different ways. I encourage you to try this recipe and experiment with different spices or side dishes, making it your own. Enjoy the seamless preparation and the delightful warm flavors of this lovely dish!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use skin-on chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use skin-on chicken breasts! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly since skin can affect the overall cooking. The skin will also get crispy and flavorful, but remember to monitor the internal temperature closely.
How do I know when my chicken is done cooking?
The best way to check for doneness is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast; it should read 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for juices that run clear when you cut into the meat.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken breasts and even season them the night before. Just store them in the fridge, and when you’re ready to cook, bring them back to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
Can I marinate the chicken instead of brining it?
Definitely! A marinade can add great flavor and tenderness. Just be sure to include some acidity (like lemon juice or vinegar) in your marinade. While you can marinate the chicken for just 30 minutes, for a deeper flavor, let it marinate for up to a few hours.
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📖 Recipe Card
Baked Chicken Breasts
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These baked chicken breasts are juicy and flavorful, featuring a simple blend of spices. Perfect for a quick dinner or healthy meal, they are easy to prepare and satisfying for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 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. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of lukewarm water with 1/4 cup kosher salt until mostly dissolved. Add 2 cups of cold water. Soak the chicken for 15 minutes or refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Rinse and pat dry after brining.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Arrange the chicken in a large baking dish. Brush both sides with melted butter or olive oil. In a bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Season the chicken on both sides with the mixture.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until no longer pink, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a thermometer for accuracy. For a crispy top, broil for the final 3-5 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven, transfer to a plate, and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm.
Notes
Adjust cooking time based on chicken thickness for best results.
Ensure to use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
