Description
Juicy Baked Chicken Breast: Tender, succulent chicken baked to perfection with garlic, herbs, and lemon for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 oz/225g each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Optional: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cups water
- ¼ cup salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Begin by brining your chicken breasts if time allows. Dissolve ¼ cup salt in 4 cups water, add chicken, and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a rack in the middle position. After brining, rinse the chicken under cold water and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels. If the breasts have uneven thickness, place them between plastic wrap and gently pound the thicker parts to create uniform thickness of approximately ¾ inch. This ensures even cooking and prevents the thinner parts from drying out.
- Step 2: Season Generously Place the chicken breasts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and use your hands to ensure each piece is lightly coated. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and thyme, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken, pressing gently to help the seasonings adhere. This creates a flavorful crust that seals in moisture as the juicy baked chicken breast cooks.
- Step 3: Bake to Perfection Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 16-22 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. For enhanced flavor and moisture, add a small pat of butter on top of each breast during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The chicken is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 160°F (71°C). The temperature will continue rising to the safe 165°F as it rests. Avoid opening the oven frequently as this causes temperature fluctuations.
- Step 4: Rest and Serve Once done, remove the baked chicken breast from the oven and loosely tent with foil. Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes, which is crucial for retaining juiciness. The resting period allows the protein fibers to relax and reabsorb the juices that would otherwise run out if cut immediately. After resting, slice against the grain for maximum tenderness or serve whole. The result is perfectly juicy baked chicken breast that’s ready to be the star of your meal.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (8 oz)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg