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Easy Baked Chicken Breast Recipe for Juicy Tender Dinner Results

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A quick and easy baked chicken breast recipe that delivers juicy, tender, and flavorful results using a simple brine and seasoning blend.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 ounces each)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup water (240 ml) for quick brining
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Prepare the quick brine by combining 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt in a mixing bowl. Stir until dissolved.
  3. Submerge the chicken breasts in the brine for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Remove chicken from brine and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  5. Mix the seasoning blend in a small bowl: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  6. Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
  7. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish or rimmed baking sheet with space between them.
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or chicken feels firm but springy.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest loosely covered with foil for 5 minutes.
  10. Slice against the grain and serve.

Notes

If chicken browns too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking. Resting the chicken after baking is essential for juicy results. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. The sugar in the brine is optional but helps with browning. Variations include swapping herbs or adding spices like cayenne or chipotle powder.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken breast, easy chicken recipe, juicy chicken, tender chicken, quick dinner, healthy chicken, weeknight meal

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