Baked Chicken Breasts
Your quest for the perfect baked chicken breasts ends here! This easy, budget-friendly recipe will transform simple chicken into a succulent main dish that’s bursting with flavor. Tender, juicy, and seasoned perfectly, these baked chicken breasts are ideal for a weeknight family dinner or prepped ahead for meal planning. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll find yourself making this dish again and again.
Table of Contents
There’s something gratifying about cooking chicken breasts that actually come out juicy rather than dry. We’ve all been there, right? The fear of overcooked, rubbery chicken lurking at the back of our minds as we attempt to whip up a nutritious meal for loved ones. But not with this recipe! Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to achieve that delightful tenderness that can make any meal feel special. Let this baked chicken breasts recipe win your heart and become a staple in your cooking rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just over an hour, with only 20 minutes of prep time.
- Irresistible Flavor: A perfect blend of garlic, smoked paprika, and a hint of salt creates mouthwatering, aromatic chicken.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden top with a subtle char makes for a stunning presentation, appealing to both eyes and taste buds.
- Flexible Serving: Great for dinner, lunch leftovers, or meal prep. Perfect for any occasion!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free and can easily become low-carb by serving with your favorite veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: This lean protein serves as the star of the dish. Ensure they are all pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil: This helps the seasoning stick and adds richness; olive oil is a great heart-healthy option.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for enhancing the overall flavor of the chicken. If you’re using table salt, use half as much.
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper: Freshly ground will add a more fragrant and bold flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: This provides depth and aromatics that elevate the dish with ease.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: This ingredient lends a subtle smokiness and beautiful color, enhancing the overall appeal.
How to Make Baked Chicken Breasts
Brine the Chicken: Start by filling a large mixing bowl with 2 cups of lukewarm water and adding 1/4 cup of kosher salt. Stir until most of the salt dissolves, then cool it down by adding 2 cups of cold water or a few ice cubes. Submerge your chicken breasts in this brining mixture for 15 minutes. This step makes all the difference in achieving juicy chicken. If you’re short on time, feel free to skip this step and proceed directly to preparing.
Preheat the Oven: Now it’s time to get that oven humming! Preheat it to 450°F (230°C). The high temperature ensures a beautifully roasted exterior while keeping the inside tender.
Prepare the Chicken: In a large baking dish, lay the chicken breasts in a single layer. Brush both sides with 1 tablespoon of melted butter or olive oil, making sure to coat them evenly. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Sprinkle this delightful mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts, which sets the stage for an incredible flavor.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. It’s essential to use a meat thermometer to check doneness. When the thickest part of the chicken registers at 165°F, it’s ready to go. For a golden, crispy top, consider turning on the broiler for an extra 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Rest the Chicken: Once done, take the chicken out of the oven and transfer it to a clean plate. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite tender and moist.
Serve and Enjoy: Finally, serve those beautiful chicken breasts warm, and perhaps with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. You’ve just created a dish that not only looks impressive but also delights the taste buds!
Storing & Reheating
Baked chicken breasts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap to keep them moist. For long-term storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed throughout. Note that the texture may slightly change, but a splash of water or broth can help refresh the moisture.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- To avoid overcooking, use a meat thermometer—it guarantees perfect results each time.
- If your chicken breasts are particularly large, consider splitting them in half horizontally to ensure even cooking.
- Brining may not be necessary if using pre-brined chicken. Always check the packaging before brining.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning! Try adding fresh herbs, lemon zest, or a squeeze of citrus for a fresh twist.
- If you’re planning ahead, marinate the chicken breasts in the seasoning for a few hours or overnight to deepen the flavors.
The secret to juicy, flavorful chicken is no longer a mystery! As you make this recipe part of your routine, you’ll find yourself enjoying a versatile dish that’s quick enough for busy nights but still sophisticated enough for special occasions. Experiment with different sides or sauces and let your creativity shine. Enjoy every bite of these delicious baked chicken breasts, and savor the compliments that are sure to come your way!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes! If you’re using frozen chicken breasts, make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight before brining and cooking to ensure even cooking and safety.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way to check for doneness is to insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast. It should read 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken. Cutting into the chicken can also help you see if the juices run clear without any pink.
Can I add more seasoning?
Absolutely! This recipe acts as a great base. Feel free to play with different seasonings like Italian herbs, lemon pepper, or even a spicy rub to customize it to your taste preferences.
What should I serve with baked chicken breasts?
Baked chicken breasts pair wonderfully with a variety of sides such as steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Consider complementing it with a light sauce like avocado dressing or chimichurri for extra flavor!
PrintMore Main Dishes Recipes
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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
Enjoy the flavor-packed Baked Chicken Breasts, featuring tender meat seasoned with garlic powder and smoked paprika. Perfect for quick dinners or healthy meals, this easy recipe comes together in just a few simple steps!
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 have been pre-brined, skip to step 2. Fill a large bowl with 2 cups of lukewarm water and 1/4 cup kosher salt, stirring until the salt is dissolved. Add 2 cups of cold water to cool the mixture.
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Place chicken breasts in a large baking dish. Brush both sides with melted butter or olive oil. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, then sprinkle evenly over the chicken.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For a crispy top, broil for the final 3-5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Remove from the oven, transfer chicken to a plate, and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning for a few hours before baking.
Ensure chicken is at room temperature before baking for even cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
