5.0 from 21 votes
Juicy Baked Chicken Breasts
These JUICY Baked Chicken Breasts are delicious on their own with a simple seasoning, but we take it up a notch with a White Garlic Sauce!
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Additional Time
4 hrs
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 494 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
Baked Chicken:
- 4 large chicken breasts , trimmed of excess fat
- 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon white ground pepper , or black
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted
White Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4-6 garlic cloves , minced or pressed
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup whole milk or half and half
- 1/3 cup Parmesan or pecorino cheese , freshly and finely grated
- ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
- ¼ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs , chopped, optional
Instructions
Baked Chicken Breasts:
- Fill a large mixing bowl about halfway with warm water and stir in the salt until nearly dissolved. Add the chicken breasts and add more water if they are not fully submerged. Place in the refrigerator for 1-4 hours.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy clean up. Set aside.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the brine, discarding the liquid. Pat dry with paper towels and place into the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- In a small bowl, stir together the seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder and pepper.
- Baste each breast with melted butter and then evenly sprinkle with the seasoning mixture.
- Bake, uncovered, for 18-20 minutes or until the chicken is lightly browned and reaches an internal temperature of 160-165°F.
- Remove and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes.
Cup of Yum
White Garlic Sauce:
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. When melted, add the garlic, sauteing for 1 minute. Whisk in the flour to make a paste and then whisk in the milk until smooth (except for garlic bits).
- Reduce heat to low and whisk in the cheese, pepper, salt and fresh herbs. When cheese has melted, remove from the heat until ready to serve.
Serving:
- When ready to serve, spoon the white garlic sauce generously over the chicken breasts.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings!
Notes
- Chicken breasts vary greatly in size and shape and thus, cooking times will also vary. Make sure to keep an eye on them and use an instant digital thermometer. Smaller breasts can take only 15 minutes, while super big ones, up to 23 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Calories
494kcal
(25%)
Carbohydrates
10g
(3%)
Protein
55g
(110%)
Fat
25g
(38%)
Saturated Fat
13g
(65%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
7g
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
195mg
(65%)
Sodium
2021mg
(84%)
Potassium
985mg
(28%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
670IU
(13%)
Vitamin C
4mg
(4%)
Calcium
206mg
(21%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 494
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 494kcal | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 55g | 110% |
| Fat | 25g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 195mg | 65% |
| Sodium | 2021mg | 84% |
| Potassium | 985mg | 21% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 670IU | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 206mg | 21% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.