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
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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 97mg