Name: Baked Chicken Breasts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness; 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

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Baked chicken breasts are the perfect solution for a hearty meal that won’t keep you in the kitchen all day. With their juicy interiors and seasoned, crisp exteriors, they are a delightful option for dinner any night of the week. Whether you’re coming home from a long day at work or planning a casual gathering with family and friends, this recipe is quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear from your dinner table. The golden color and enticing aroma as they bake will have everyone eager to dig in.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Baked Chicken Breasts
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Baked Chicken Breasts

When I first discovered this method of baking chicken breasts, it became a staple in my kitchen. There’s something immensely satisfying about creating perfectly cooked chicken with so little effort. Plus, the versatility of baked chicken breasts means they can be served in countless ways, from salads to sandwiches, or alongside a mountain of roasted veggies. It’s budget-friendly, delicious, and sure to please a crowd—what’s not to love? I invite you to give this recipe a try and make your weeknight dinners a whole lot easier!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip this up in just 20 minutes of prep and 35 minutes in the oven.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic powder and smoked paprika creates a mouthwatering taste that you’ll crave again and again.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Beautifully browned chicken that looks like it belongs in a restaurant.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a quick lunch, a stunning dinner, or meal prep for the week ahead.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets with seasoning adjustments.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: These are the star of the dish; pounded to even thickness for uniform cooking.
1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil: Adds richness and helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for flavor; use kosher for its larger crystals that permit more precise seasoning.
1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper: Adds depth and a bit of spice.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a savory kick without the chopping; can substitute with fresh garlic if preferred.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives a lovely smoky flavor and subtle warmth, enhancing the overall profile of the chicken.

How to Make Baked Chicken Breasts

Brine the Chicken: Check the label of your chicken breasts—if they’ve been pre-brined, skip this step. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of lukewarm water with 1/4 cup kosher salt. Stir until mostly dissolved and then add 2 cups of cold water or a few ice cubes to cool it down. Submerge the chicken breasts in this brine, allowing them to soak for 15 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 6 hours. When ready, rinse them off with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450°F to ensure it’s hot enough for that ideal chicken crust while keeping the insides juicy.

Prepare the Chicken: Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in a large baking dish. Brush both sides with 1 tablespoon of melted butter or olive oil, ensuring they’re well-coated. In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Sprinkle this mixture generously over both sides of the chicken breasts.

Bake the Chicken: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as cooking length can vary depending on thickness. If you have a meat thermometer, check that the thickest part reads 165°F. For a golden finish, broil on high for the last 3-5 minutes—watch closely to prevent burning.

Rest the Chicken: After baking, remove the dish and transfer the chicken to a clean plate. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes. This step keeps the juices inside for perfectly tender meat.

Serve: Enjoy your baked chicken breasts warm, either on their own or sliced over a fresh salad or in a sandwich. The possibilities are endless!

Storing & Reheating

Leftover baked chicken breasts can be stored at room temperature for about 2 hours after serving. For longer storage, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze them, ensure they are well-separated with parchment paper, storing in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. When it’s time to reheat, simply bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different after freezing, so consider slicing and adding a drizzle of olive oil or chicken broth to refresh the juiciness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid drying out your chicken by not overcooking; a meat thermometer is your best friend in ensuring juicy meat.
Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly, so let them sit out for about 10-15 minutes before cooking.
Consider brining as a crucial step; it enhances the chicken’s moisture and flavor profile.
You can customize your spice blend! Italian herbs, lemon zest, or even a hint of cayenne pepper can change the flavor significantly.
Want to multitask? Prepare a quick side of vegetables while the chicken bakes!

Baked chicken breasts are truly a wonderful addition to your recipe rotation. They’re easy to prepare and loaded with flavor, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and marinades to find the combination that speaks to you.

Recipe FAQs

What should I serve with baked chicken breasts?

Feel free to pair them with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or even a side of rice or quinoa for a complete meal. This chicken is so versatile that it complements many different sides!

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but it’s crucial to fully thaw them before cooking to ensure even baking. You can either thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Adjust the cooking time if they are still somewhat frozen.

How long will leftovers last in the refrigerator?

Leftover baked chicken breasts should be consumed within 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For optimal freshness, consume as soon as possible!

Can I add other spices to the seasoning mix?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices. Herbs de Provence, Italian seasoning, or even curry powder can add unique flavors that enhance the dish splendidly.

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Baked Chicken Breasts

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These baked chicken breasts are wonderfully flavorful and easy to prepare. With simple ingredients including chicken, butter, and spices, this dish creates a quick and healthy meal ready to please anyone’s taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

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Instructions

If your chicken breasts are pre-brined, skip this step. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups lukewarm water with 1/4 cup kosher salt. Stir until the salt is mostly absorbed, then add 2 cups cold water or ice cubes to cool the mixture. Submerge the chicken breasts for 15 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Rinse and pat dry the chicken after brining.
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer within a large baking dish. Brush both sides with melted butter or olive oil. In a bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Evenly sprinkle this mixture onto both sides of the chicken.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until cooked through, ensuring the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C). Optionally, broil on high for 3-5 minutes to achieve a golden top, being careful to watch for overcooking.
After baking, remove from the oven and transfer the chicken to a clean plate. Tent it loosely with foil and let rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy your delicious chicken dish!

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in your favorite seasonings before baking.
Use a meat thermometer for precise cooking to keep the chicken juicy.
Feel free to serve with your choice of side dishes, such as vegetables or rice.