Baked Chicken Breasts
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Additional Time
30 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
210 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Baked Chicken Breasts
Description
The recipe starts by brining chicken breasts in a saltwater solution for at least 30 minutes or up to 6 hours refrigerated, which enhances moisture retention and seasoning. After rinsing and drying the chicken, an olive oil or melted butter rub is applied along with a blend of dried herbs and spices including Italian seasoning, garlic and onion powders, paprika, thyme, basil, parsley, and optional pepper flakes.
The seasoned chicken is baked in a lightly greased pan at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The balance of herbs and spices gives a complex and aromatic flavor while the olive oil helps create a lightly crisp and browned crust with tender juiciness inside.
This chicken breast is straightforward to prepare and versatile, suitable for serving alongside vegetables, salads, or grains. It can be sliced for sandwiches or served as a main protein portion. Resting the chicken before slicing helps redistribute juices for optimal texture.
Ingredients
Brine:
- 1/4 cup salt
- water
Chicken & Seasoning:
- 4 chicken breast boneless skinless, about 3-4 pounds
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika regular or smoked
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme dried
- 1/2 teaspoon basil dried
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley dried
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper flakes optional
Garnish:
- parsley chopped
Instructions
Brine:
- To brine chicken breasts, fill a large bowl with 1 quart of lukewarm water and 1/4 cup salt. Then, stir to combine until the salt is dissolved. Next, add the meat to the brine mixture and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Also, you could cover the bowl and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. When ready to cook, remove them from the brine and rinse them under cold water. Lastly, pat them dry with some paper towels.
Chicken and Seasoning:
- First, preheat the oven to 400°F. Then, lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a few tablespoons of olive oil.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried basil, dried parsley, and pepper flakes.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil or melted butter and seasoning on both sides. Rub well so it absorbs properly.
- Add the chicken to the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Before slicing, let rest for 5-10 minutes for optimal tenderness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 210 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 210kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 0g | 0% |
| Protein | 32g | 64% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 101mg | 34% |
| Sodium | 385mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 557mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Sugar | 0g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 145IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 1.8mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 13mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.7mg | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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