Description
This easy and flavorful baked chicken breasts recipe yields juicy, tender chicken with a smoky paprika and garlic seasoning. The chicken is optionally brined for enhanced moisture and baked perfectly in the oven, making it a quick and healthy dinner option suitable for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
Brine (optional)
- 2 cups lukewarm water
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 2 cups cold water or a few ice cubes
Seasoning & Coating
- 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 (Optional): Fill a large mixing bowl with 2 cups lukewarm water and 1/4 cup kosher salt. Stir until most salt dissolves. Add 2 cups cold water or ice cubes to cool the solution to a safe temperature. Submerge chicken breasts and let them brine for 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 6 hours refrigerated. Remove, rinse with cold water, and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to ensure an even and hot cooking environment for the chicken.
- Prepare 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 small bowl, whisk together kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake for 15-18 minutes, depending on thickness, until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (74°C). For a crispier, golden top, broil on high for an additional 3-5 minutes while watching closely to avoid burning.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove from oven and transfer chicken breasts to a clean plate. Loosely cover with aluminum foil and let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute for tender results.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the baked chicken breasts warm paired with your favorite sides.
Notes
- If chicken breasts are pre-brined or pre-seasoned, skip the brining step.
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry thoroughly after brining to help the seasonings stick better.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken and avoid dryness.
- To vary the flavor, try different herbs or spices like thyme, oregano, or cumin.
- Allowing the chicken to rest after baking helps retain moisture and improves tenderness.
