Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

This recipe for oven baked chicken breasts delivers succulent, flavorful, and juicy chicken that the whole family will love. It’s a simple and quick weeknight dinner option that can be served with a variety of side dishes or added to pastas, salads, grain bowls, and sandwiches. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of paprika, garlic, onion, and other spices to give it a delicious flavor.

To keep the chicken breast moist, a 20-minute brine is recommended. This involves submerging the chicken in warm salt water, which helps to retain moisture and results in juicier chicken. Brining also brings the chicken to room temperature, allowing for more even cooking.

To make the recipe, start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This tenderizes the meat and helps it cook more evenly. Then, prepare a simple brine solution by combining warm water and kosher salt. Let the chicken soak in the brine for 20-30 minutes or refrigerate for up to 4 hours. After brining, pat the chicken dry and grease a baking pan with softened butter to prevent sticking.

For seasoning, brush the chicken with olive oil and sprinkle the spice blend over both sides. It’s important to pat the spices into the chicken instead of rubbing, as rubbing can cause clumps and uneven seasoning. Bake the chicken at 450 degrees Fahrenheit until it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, which typically takes 13-25 minutes depending on the size of the chicken breasts. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to ensure juiciness.

This juicy oven baked chicken breast recipe is perfect for meal prepping. The chicken can be prepped up to the point of baking and refrigerated overnight. When ready to bake, let the chicken come to room temperature for 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.

This versatile chicken can be served with various side dishes such as mashed potatoes and broccoli or used in other recipes like sandwiches or salads. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Source: Baked Chicken Breasts