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 a staple in many homes, and for good reason. Their tender, juicy texture and the luscious infusion of flavors make them an easy go-to for weeknight dinners or meal prep. The beauty of this dish is its simplicity; it requires just a handful of ingredients and a little patience as the chicken cooks to perfection. Over the years, I’ve crafted my method to enhance the natural flavors while keeping it crispy on the outside and succulent within.

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

When I first stumbled upon this recipe, I was on the hunt for a quick yet delicious way to prepare chicken that wasn’t boring or bland. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a cook time of around 35 minutes, you’ll have your new favorite dinner ready to serve, guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Trust me, whether you’re serving it with roasted veggies, tossing it in a salad, or wrapping it up in a sandwich, these baked chicken breasts will become a cherished part of your cooking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in about an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: Juicy and flavorful, thanks to a perfect blend of spices.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Beautiful golden color that makes your meal pop.
Flexible Serving: Great for dinner, salads, or meal prepping for the week.
Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free and easy to adapt for different diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show; ensure they’re pounded to an even thickness for even cooking.
1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil: Adds richness and helps in getting that golden crust.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for flavor, brings out the natural juiciness.
1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper: Enhances the overall taste and adds a bit of warmth.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a lovely depth of flavor without overpowering.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives a hint of smokiness and beautiful color.

How to Make Baked Chicken Breasts

Brine the Chicken: If your chicken isn’t pre-brined, start by filling a large mixing bowl with 2 cups of lukewarm water and 1/4 cup kosher salt. Stir until most of the salt is dissolved. Then, add 2 cups of cold water or a few ice cubes to cool it down. Let the chicken breasts soak in this brine for about 15 minutes to keep them juicy. After brining, rinse them off with cold water to remove excess salt and dry them with paper towels.

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450°F, allowing it to reach the perfect temperature to roast the chicken breasts beautifully without making them dry.

Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in a large baking dish. Brush both sides with 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil—this not only adds flavor but helps achieve that stunning golden brown exterior. In a small bowl, whisk 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 mixture all over the chicken, ensuring both sides are evenly coated.

Bake to Perfection: Pop the chicken in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the chicken should be cooked through, with the thickest part measuring 165°F on a cooking thermometer. If you like a crispy top, turn on the broiler for the last 3-5 minutes but stay close to avoid burning.

Rest the Chicken: Once it’s cooked, remove the pan from the oven and transfer the chicken to a clean plate. Tent it with aluminum foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve your baked chicken breasts warm and relish in their mouthwatering texture and taste!

Storing & Reheating

You can store leftover baked chicken breasts at room temperature for about 2 hours. To prolong freshness, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 4 days. If you’d like to freeze them, place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag, and it’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until warmed through—this helps retain the juicy texture. However, be mindful that freezing may slightly alter the texture, so consider adding a splash of broth or oil when reheating to freshen them up.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the chicken to maintain its juiciness; using a meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of it.
Bringing chicken to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking helps it cook more evenly.
Marinating the chicken for a few hours is a great way to enhance flavor if you have extra time.
For different flavors, try adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or lemon zest to the seasoning mix.
Looking to switch it up? Try using skin-on chicken for extra crispiness and flavor.

Experimenting with flavors makes cooking even more enjoyable. By mastering this simple method for baked chicken breasts, you’re not just following a recipe; you’re crafting a dish that you and your loved ones will appreciate.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken with skin on?

Yes, you can! Using skin-on chicken will create a crispy, flavorful outer layer. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may take a few minutes longer compared to skinless chicken breasts.

What can I serve with baked chicken breasts?

Baked chicken breasts are incredibly versatile! Pair them with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or serve them over rice or quinoa. They also work well in sandwiches or wraps.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken up to 6 hours ahead. Just make sure to season and bake them right before serving for the best texture and flavor.

How can I tell when the chicken is cooked?

Using a cooking thermometer is the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection. The thickest part should reach 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, make a small cut in the thickest part—if the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink, it’s done!

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Baked Chicken Breasts

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

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Description

These Baked Chicken Breasts are a simple yet flavorful dish, featuring tender chicken prepared with aromatic spices and a buttery glaze, making it ideal for a quick, healthy 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

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Instructions

If the chicken breasts are pre-brined, skip this step. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of lukewarm water with 1/4 cup kosher salt. Stir until most salt is dissolved, then add 2 cups of cold water or ice cubes to cool the mixture. Add the chicken breasts and let them brine for 15 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Remove the breasts from the brine, rinse with cold water, and pat dry with paper towels.
Preheat your oven to 450°F.
Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish. Brush both sides evenly with melted butter or olive oil. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, checking with a thermometer for an internal temperature of 165°F. For a crispier top, broil on high for the last 3-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Remove from the oven, transfer the chicken to a clean plate, and tent with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy your meal!

Notes

For best results, ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
Brining the chicken enhances its juiciness, so if you have time, don’t skip this step.
Adjust the cooking time based on your oven and the thickness of the chicken breasts.