Baked Chicken Breasts
Baked chicken breasts are a weeknight savior that everyone needs in their recipe arsenal. They’re juicy, tender, and packed with flavor, but they’re also shockingly easy to make. Whether you’re preparing dinner after a long day or hosting a casual gathering, this simple recipe delivers satisfying results. With a crispy, seasoned exterior and a moist inside, they truly stand out!
Table of Contents
When I first made baked chicken breasts, I realized how quickly they transformed from humble ingredients into something special. The blend of garlic powder and smoked paprika offers a comforting warmth, while the brining technique guarantees juicy flavor with every bite. They’re perfectly adaptable—serve them with a heap of veggies for a wholesome meal or slice them up for salads and wraps. Trust me, once you master these baked chicken breasts, you’ll be ready to impress friends and family alike!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip these up in just over 50 minutes with minimal effort.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic powder and smoked paprika creates a savory, memorable taste.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Perfectly golden and nicely seasoned, this dish is a feast for the eyes.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for dinner, meal prep, or even topping a salad for lunch.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free and low in carbs, making it perfect for many diets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: This is the star of the dish; use fresh or thawed for best results.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil: Adds moisture and flavor; olive oil is a great option for a dairy-free version.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavor; adjust based on your taste preferences.
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper: For a subtle kick and to balance the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives that wonderful savory aroma and depth to the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: This adds a lovely smokiness; regular paprika can be used if you prefer a milder flavor.
How to Make Baked Chicken Breasts
Brine the Chicken: Fill a large mixing bowl with 2 cups of lukewarm water and 1/4 cup kosher salt, stirring until most salt is absorbed. Add 2 cups of cold water—ice cubes can help cool it down quickly. Immerse the chicken breasts for 15 minutes to enhance juiciness. If you have time, cover and refrigerate for up to 6 hours for even better results. After brining, rinse the chicken in cold water and pat dry with paper towels; this helps achieve a crispier skin.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to a blazing 450°F. This high temperature helps seal the juices in and gives a delightful golden crust to your chicken.
Prepare the Chicken: Lay the chicken breasts flat in a large baking dish, ensuring they’re in a single layer. Brush both sides with 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Sprinkle this seasoning blend evenly over the chicken for a burst of flavor.
Bake: Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Be aware that cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. To be sure it’s perfectly cooked, check that the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F on a cooking thermometer. For an extra crispy top, turn on the broiler during the last 3-5 minutes of cooking—just watch closely to prevent burning.
Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked and golden, take it out of the oven, carefully transferring it to a clean plate. Loosely tent the plate with aluminum foil and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
Serve & Enjoy: Slice and serve your baked chicken breasts warm. They’re delicious on their own, or can be served with your choice of sides—vegetables, quinoa, or in a refreshing salad.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover baked chicken breasts, simply place them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Keep in mind that texture may slightly change upon reheating, so drizzle with a bit of olive oil or broth to refresh the moisture.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Always brine the chicken if you can; it makes a significant difference in moisture and flavor.
- Make sure your chicken breasts are pounded to even thickness for consistent cooking throughout.
- Avoid overcooking your chicken; even a minute too long can dry it out. Use a meat thermometer!
- If you prefer a different flavor twist, try adding a squeeze of lemon or fresh herbs before serving.
- Meal prep enthusiasts can easily double the recipe for a week’s worth of lunches!
Baked chicken breasts are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making them a staple for any kitchen. From family dinners to lunch meal prep or salads, this dish is sure to please everyone. Experiment with spices and sides to make it your own, and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite in your household!
Recipe FAQs
How do I know when my baked chicken breasts are done?
The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast, and it should read 165°F for optimal safety and juiciness. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for clear juices and no pink inside.
Can I marinate the chicken instead of brining?
Absolutely! Marinating is a great alternative to brining, and it allows you to impart different flavors. For a simple marinade, mix olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge.
Are there any substitutions for the spices?
Certainly! While garlic powder and smoked paprika are lovely in this recipe, feel free to experiment. Italian seasoning, lemon-pepper seasoning, or even a touch of cayenne for heat could make for a delicious variation. Just keep the salt proportions balanced!
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as no grains or wheat-based ingredients are used. Always ensure that any additional spices or sauces you might use are also gluten-free varieties to maintain that dietary requirement.
PrintMore Dinner Recipes
- Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
- Crockpot Curry Chicken
- Homemade Shake and Bake
- Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
- Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Baked Chicken Breasts
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Baked Chicken Breasts are bursting with flavor and simple to prepare. With juicy chicken coated in butter and seasoned to perfection, this dish makes a healthy and comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy a quick, homemade dinner that will please the whole family!
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
Instructions
- If your chicken breasts have been pre-brined, skip this step. Fill a large mixing bowl with 2 cups of lukewarm water and 1/4 cup kosher salt, stir until the salt dissolves, then add 2 cups of cold water to cool the mixture. Add the chicken and let it brine for 15 minutes or refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Rinse and pat dry after brining.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F.
- Arrange the chicken breasts in a large baking dish. Brush both sides with melted butter or olive oil. In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sprinkle evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. Check with a thermometer; the thickest part should reach 165°F. For added browning, broil for the last 3-5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Remove from the oven, transfer chicken to a plate, and tent with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked properly.
Letting the chicken rest helps retain juices and improve flavor.
Feel free to customize the spices to suit your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
