Baked Chicken

Perfect oven baked chicken breasts every time! Learn this simple, easy method for how to make perfectly juicy and deliciously seasoned chicken. This recipe includes a secret trick, a homemade spice mixture and instructions for the best baking method to give you wonderful results every time!

Course Main

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free, Low Fat

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Total Time 35

Servings servings

Calories 156

Author Kim

Ingredients

4 (4-5 oz) boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to even thickness and brined (instructions below)
1 tablespoon melted butter olive or avocado oil can be used instead
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

To brine the chicken, fill a large bowl with 1 quart of warm water and stir in 1/4 cup kosher salt. Place the chicken breasts in the water for 15 minutes to brine. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for up to 6 hours, if you're not ready to cook the chicken right away. Remove the chicken breasts from the salt water, rinse them with cold water, then pat them dry with some paper towels. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the seasonings.
Preheat oven to 450°F. and spray a large glass baking dish with cooking spray. Place the chicken breasts in an even layer.
Brush the chicken with butter or oil on both sides. Then sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken on both sides.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken. I recommend using a cooking thermometer to know exactly when it is fully cooked. The thickest part of the chicken will read 165°F. when fully cooked.
When the chicken is fully cooked, pull it out of the oven, and immediately cover with foil. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before it is cut into, so the juices will stay intact.

Notes

Substitutions: Feel free to swap out the garlic powder and paprika with any other favorite seasonings. Italian seasoning or taco seasoning would be great options. See full post, above, for more ideas.

Storing leftovers:

Once the chicken has been baked and is cooled to room temperature, it can be stored for later, and it freezes well too! This dinner will reheat easily and quickly when ready!

Refrigerator: Add leftovers to a ziplock bag or airtight container and place in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
Freezer: You might want to shred, dice or slice it before freezing for easier use. Place in a ziplock bag releasing all of the air. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to reheat, move the chicken into the refrigerator overnight and let it thaw completely before warming up.
Reheating: Bake it in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through, or place in the microwave flipping it every minute until it is warmed through. You could also pop it into the air fryer at 350ºF for about 3-5 mins, or until warmed through.

Nutrition