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Baked Chicken Breast

Baked Chicken Breast

These easy Baked Chicken Breasts are marinated in a simple brine before being seasoned to perfection and baked in the oven until golden, tender, and JUICY!
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 quarts cold water
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 2 lbs.
  • 2.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • 1.5 tsp salt
  • 1.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Start by making the brine. In a large bowl add the kosher salt, granulated sugar, and water. Whisk until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
  • Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board, cover them with plastic wrap, then use a rolling pin or a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken breast until the entire breast is an even thickness from one end to the other (about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick).
  • Place the chicken breasts in the brine mixture, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and place the bowl in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a small bowl mix the smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, freshly cracked black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  • After 30 minutes remove the chicken breasts from the brine and rinse under cold water. Be careful not to over-brine your chicken breasts.
  • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and allow it to come to room temperature for at least 10 minutes.
  • Now drizzle the olive oil over both sides of the chicken breasts, then generously coat both sides with the seasoning blend.
  • Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a large 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake uncovered for 18-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes so the juices can redistribute throughout the breast.

Notes

These easy Baked Chicken Breasts are marinated in a simple brine before being seasoned to perfection and baked in the oven until golden, tender, and JUICY!
Keyword Baked Chicken Breast, chicken recipes, dinner ideas, easy meals