Baked Chicken Breasts
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Brine Time
15 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
252 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
International
Baked Chicken Breasts
Description
Baked Chicken Breasts starts with seasoning the chicken breasts with a blend including paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and brushing them with olive oil to help the spices adhere and maintain moisture during baking. The recipe suggests brining the chicken briefly to enhance juiciness but notes it is optional. Baking at a relatively high temperature ensures the chicken cooks fully with a nicely roasted exterior without drying out.
Once out of the oven, sitting the chicken to rest for 10 minutes allows the temperature to rise through carry-over cooking and the juices to redistribute evenly through the meat, producing a tender, moist texture when sliced.
This simple baked chicken is versatile for serving as a main protein alongside vegetables, salads, or grain dishes. The seasoned crust adds flavor beyond salt and pepper without overwhelming the chicken's natural taste.
The notes advise against overbrining or overbaking as both can reduce quality, recommend uniform thickness for even cooking, and emphasize spacing chicken on the baking sheet for roasting rather than steaming. Following these tips helps ensure consistently good results.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breast boneless, skinless
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt each
- ½ teaspoon black pepper each
- ¼ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Brine the chicken breasts in water with salt for 15 minutes. Remove chicken breasts from the brine and pat dry with a paper towel. (Brining is optional)
- Brush both side with olive oil, and season the chicken on both sides with spices.
- Place seasoned chicken breasts to a parchment lined baking sheet, and bake chicken at 425 for 15-20 minutes depending on thickness of the chicken breasts, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 155 F.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. During this time the temperature will rise to 165 F.
Notes
- Brine chicken breasts for 15 minutes in saltwater to help retain moisture; avoid brining beyond 1 hour to prevent meat breakdown.
- Use similarly sized chicken breasts and consider pounding them to an even thickness for uniform baking.
- Brush chicken with olive oil before seasoning to improve flavor adhesion and juiciness.
- Arrange the chicken breasts spaced apart on a baking sheet to allow for proper roasting without steaming.
- Remove chicken from the oven at 155°F internal temperature and let rest for 5-10 minutes to reach 165°F and maintain juiciness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 252 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 252kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 72mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 423mg | 18% |
| Potassium | 430mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 280IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 14mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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