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Tender Juicy Baked Chicken Breast Recipe Easy Perfect Dinner Every Time

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A simple and reliable baked chicken breast recipe that yields tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken every time with minimal ingredients and fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 ounces/170–225 grams each)
  • 1/4 cup kosher salt (reduce to 2 tablespoons if using table salt)
  • 4 cups cold water
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • Lemon zest from half a lemon (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup kosher salt and 4 cups cold water. Stir until salt dissolves. Add the chicken breasts, making sure they’re fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  3. Remove chicken from brine and pat dry with paper towels. Discard brine.
  4. Place chicken on a baking sheet or wire rack. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and rub evenly over the surface.
  5. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and lemon zest. Sprinkle this seasoning blend evenly on both sides of each breast.
  6. Bake the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes, depending on thickness. Start checking at 20 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, press the thickest part of the breast—it should feel firm but springy, not squishy.
  7. Remove chicken from oven and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  8. Slice against the grain and serve immediately or keep warm.

Notes

Do not skip the brining step to keep chicken moist. Dry chicken thoroughly before seasoning to ensure browning. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Let chicken rest after baking for juicy results. For crispy edges, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch carefully to avoid burning. Smaller breasts may need less baking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken breast, juicy chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, simple chicken, healthy chicken, gluten-free chicken

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