Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
Brine
- 2 cups lukewarm water
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 2 cups cold water or a few ice cubes
Seasoning
- 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
- Brine the chicken. Fill a large mixing bowl with 2 cups of lukewarm water and 1/4 cup kosher salt, stirring until most of the salt is dissolved. Add 2 cups of cold water or ice cubes to cool the brine to a safe temperature. Submerge the chicken breasts in the brine and let them sit for 15 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate up to 6 hours if you prefer. Remove the chicken from the brine, rinse with cold water, and pat dry with paper towels. Skip this step if the chicken is pre-brined.
- Heat the oven. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to prepare for baking the chicken breasts.
- Season the chicken. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in a large baking dish. Brush both sides evenly with melted butter or olive oil. In a separate bowl, whisk together kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Bake. Bake the chicken breasts in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) as measured by a cooking thermometer. For a browned and slightly crispy top, broil on high for 3-5 minutes at the end of the baking time, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest the chicken. Remove the chicken breasts from the oven and transfer them to a clean plate. Loosely tent the plate with aluminum foil and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes to retain juices and improve tenderness.
- Serve. Serve the baked chicken breasts warm with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Notes
- Brining enhances moisture retention and tenderness but can be skipped for pre-brined chicken breasts.
- Pounding the chicken breasts to even thickness ensures uniform cooking.
- A meat thermometer is highly recommended to ensure perfect doneness and food safety.
- Broiling is optional for a crispier top but requires close attention to prevent burning.
- This recipe is easily doubled or halved depending on your serving needs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
