Description
These Baked Chicken Breasts are a quick and flavorful meal. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have juicy chicken packed with deliciousness, ideal for a busy weeknight 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
- If the chicken breasts are pre-brined, skip the brining step. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of lukewarm water with 1/4 cup kosher salt. Mix until the salt is mostly dissolved. Add 2 cups of cold water and mix until cool. Submerge the chicken breasts in the brine for 15 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 6 hours. After brining, rinse the chicken with cold water and pat dry.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Arrange the chicken breasts in a large baking dish in a single layer. Brush both sides with melted butter or olive oil. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken.
- Bake the chicken for 15-18 minutes, or until fully cooked with a temperature of 165°F in the thickest part. If desired, broil for an additional 3-5 minutes for a crispy top, ensuring not to overcook.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven, place on a plate, and tent with aluminum foil for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For best results, use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of chicken breasts.
Broiling at the end adds a nice crisp texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 115mg