How to cook baked chicken breasts simply

Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless: I like buying fresh chicken breasts, but you may also buy frozen chicken breasts (which you will need to completely thaw before using). Nowadays, some chicken is also pre-brined; in that case, skip step one below.

BAKED CHICKEN BREAST INGREDIENTS

Pick either butter or olive oil! Olive oil will also work fine, but I prefer the additional taste that butter provides. Kosher Salt: A vital component of our brine, as well as the seasoning we'll use to season the chicken before baking.

BAKED CHICKEN BREAST INGREDIENTS

Seasonings: For the super-easy and versatile recipe below, I used an all-purpose blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. However, you are free to substitute any dry seasoning mixture you like.

BAKED CHICKEN BREAST INGREDIENTS

Brine (Step 1): I'm telling you, whenever you want to bake chicken breasts in the oven, this step is a need. Brining chicken is really simple, results in exceptionally juicy chicken, and best of all, can be finished successfully in just 15 minutes.

HOW TO BAKE CHICKEN BREASTS

Brush (Step 2): Apply melted butter to your chicken breasts. At the very least, I strongly advise using butter. It enhances flavor and contributes to a lovely golden crust on the outside. However, you are welcome to use olive oil instead (or any other preferred cooking oil).

HOW TO BAKE CHICKEN BREASTS

Rub (Step 3): If you really want to keep things easy, just season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. But once more, chicken will absorb the flavor of any seasonings you use.

HOW TO BAKE CHICKEN BREASTS

Therefore, even if you're preparing a straightforward dish that asks for chicken breasts that are "plain," I highly suggest the basic chicken seasoning recipe I've included below, which includes salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

HOW TO BAKE CHICKEN BREASTS

Do you bake it at a low temperature for 30 minutes (350 °F)? Do you roast chicken quickly and high? I have tried both — and pretty much every interval in between — countless, countless, countless times. In the end, when it comes to baked chicken, I strongly belong to the latter group.

HOW TO BAKE CHICKEN BREASTS

Rest (Step 5): This is a mandatory step. Before slicing into your nicely roasted chicken breasts, you absolutely must allow them to rest. This advice is valid for cooking any type of meat.

HOW TO BAKE CHICKEN BREASTS

After baking, the chicken can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container. It can also be frozen for up to three months.

HOW TO STORE BAKED CHICKEN BREASTS:

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