Baked Chicken Breasts
A reliable method for perfectly juicy and flavorful baked chicken breasts, ideal for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts Choose breasts of similar size for even cooking
- 4 cups water For quick brine
- 3 tablespoons salt For brining chicken
- 1 tablespoon sugar Optional for brining
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Helps seasoning stick and keeps chicken moist
- 1 teaspoon black pepper For seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder For seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika For seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning For seasoning
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the oven to 425°F.
- Pound or trim the chicken breasts to ensure even thickness.
- Lightly oil a baking dish or sheet pan to prevent sticking.
- If brining, mix water, salt, and sugar in a bowl or zip bag and let chicken sit for 15 to 30 minutes.
Cooking
- Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and season both sides with olive oil and the seasoning mix.
- Bake the chicken until the thickest part reaches 165°F, about 18 to 24 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
For extra juicy results, always rest the chicken after cooking. Store cooked chicken in a sealed container with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.