Name: Baked Chicken Breasts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
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

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Baked chicken breasts are one of those recipes that every home cook needs in their repertoire. They’re tender, juicy, and can easily be paired with almost any side for a well-rounded meal. When seasoned just right, the flavors meld beautifully during baking, resulting in a satisfying dish that is far more exciting than it may sound at first. Once you master this simple technique, you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again because it’s an easy, healthy option for busy weeknights.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Baked Chicken Breasts
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Baked Chicken Breasts

I remember the first time I prepared baked chicken breasts. I was nervous about overcooking them, but I learned a few tricks that not only boosted my confidence but also transformed the finished product into something utterly delicious. They were golden-brown and succulent—way better than what I usually got from takeout. If you’re ready to elevate your weeknight dinners, you’ll soon realize just how rewarding and enjoyable homemade baked chicken can be. I can’t wait for you to give this a try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prepping and cooking this dish takes only about 55 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy nights.
Irresistible Flavor: With a delicious blend of garlic powder and smoked paprika, these chicken breasts are anything but boring.
Eye-Catching Appeal: They come out golden and juicy, making them a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Flexible Serving: Serve these beauties with rice, salad, or veggies for a complete meal that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Diet-Friendly Options: This dish fits into gluten-free and low-carb diets seamlessly, making it a crowd-pleaser for various dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pounding them to an even thickness ensures they cook uniformly and remain juicy throughout.
1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil: Both options add richness, but olive oil is perfect for a lighter touch if that’s your preference.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: This is key for seasoning your chicken, enhancing all its natural flavors.
1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper: A sprinkle gives a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: This adds depth of flavor, bringing a warm, aromatic quality to the chicken.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: This spice gives the chicken a delightful smokiness that’s hard to resist.

How to Make Baked Chicken Breasts

Brine the Chicken: If your chicken breasts aren’t pre-brined, start by whisking together 2 cups of lukewarm water and 1/4 cup kosher salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir until most of the salt dissolves. Add in 2 cups of cold water (or toss in a few ice cubes) to cool off the brine. Carefully add the chicken breasts and let them soak for 15 minutes. This step helps the chicken retain moisture while cooking, leading to tender, juicy meat.

Preheat the Oven: While the chicken is brining, preheat your oven to 450°F. A hot oven is crucial for achieving the perfect sear, ensuring delicious browning and a satisfying texture on the outside.

Prepare the Chicken for Baking: Once brined, rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place them in a large baking dish in a single layer. Brush both sides of each chicken breast with 1 tablespoon of melted butter or olive oil. In a small bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Sprinkle this seasoning generously over both sides of the chicken.

Bake: Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 15 to 18 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and no longer pink. To ensure it’s perfectly done, use a cooking thermometer to check the thickest part, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F. If you fancy a crispy top, turn on the broiler for the last 3 to 5 minutes of baking, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and transfer it to a clean plate. Tenting loosely with foil, allow it to rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes. This brief wait allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, making each bite moist and flavorful.

Serve: Once rested, serve your perfectly baked chicken breasts warm and enjoy the explosion of flavor with whatever side you choose!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover baked chicken breasts, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze them; wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When it’s time to enjoy again, simply reheat in an oven set to 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Take note that the texture may change slightly, but a drizzle of olive oil can help refresh it.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to prevent drying out the chicken; it’s the most reliable way to ensure doneness.
Let the chicken come to room temperature before baking for more even cooking.
If you’re in a hurry, skip the brining step, but know you may lose a bit of juiciness.
Experiment with different seasonings—Italian herbs or lemon zest can add exciting flavor variations.
Make-ahead option: Marinate the chicken in the spice mixture the night before for deeper flavor.

Baked chicken breasts are versatile and easy to prepare, making them an excellent choice for any occasion. I hope this recipe inspires you to not only try it but also to experiment with your favorite flavors. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a quick dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy. Enjoy each bite and feel free to get creative on how you serve them.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! You’ll need to adjust your cooking time. It’s best to fully thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before cooking for even results. If you must cook from frozen, add 10-15 minutes to your baking time, and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What’s the best way to know if the chicken is done?

Using a digital meat thermometer is the most reliable method. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the breast. If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part and ensure it’s no longer pink and the juices run clear.

Can I change the seasonings?

Definitely! Feel free to amp up the flavors with your favorite herbs and spices. Italian seasoning, lemon zest, or even a dash of chili powder can add great new flavors to your baked chicken breasts.

How can I make sure my chicken stays juicy?

Brining is key to achieving juicy chicken, but don’t forget to let your chicken rest after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and tender.

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Baked Chicken Breasts

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Author: Danae
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Enjoy these Baked Chicken Breasts featuring simple ingredients and flavors that truly shine. Perfect for a quick dinner or a healthy meal that’s made easily at home.

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

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Instructions

If the chicken breasts have been pre-brined, skip this step. To brine, mix 2 cups of lukewarm water with 1/4 cup kosher salt in a large bowl until the salt mostly dissolves. Add 2 cups of cold water or ice cubes until cool. Submerge chicken breasts for 15 minutes or refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Rinse chicken under cold water and pat dry.
Preheat the oven to 450°F.
Arrange chicken breasts in a baking dish and brush both sides with melted butter or olive oil. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, then sprinkle over chicken on both sides.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For a crispier top, broil on high for the last 3-5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Remove from the oven, transfer chicken to a plate, and cover loosely with aluminum foil to rest for 5-10 minutes.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Brining chicken enhances its flavor and moisture. Skipping this step is fine if the chicken is pre-brined.
Cooking time may vary based on the thickness of your chicken breasts; using a thermometer will help ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked.