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
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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 110mg