Chicken Breast Recipe | Juicy Oven Baked American Style

The Importance of Chicken Breast in a Healthy Diet

The Secret to Juicy Chicken Breast

Making Delicious Chicken Breast Recipe

Ingredients

For brining

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 1/8 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 2 cups cold water

For the chicken

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Whisk warm water, salt and sugar in a small bowl until dissolved.
2. Add the chicken breasts and cold water and soak for 15 minutes. Remove and give it a quick rinse then pat with a paper towel to remove the excess water
3. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
4. Whisk together olive oil, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne (if using) in a small bowl.
5.  Place the chicken breasts in a bowl and add the marinade. Mix well.
6. Transfer to a baking tray and bake for 15-18 min. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken so I recommend using a cooking thermometer to check doneness. The thickest part of the chicken should read 165°F (74°C)
7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
8. Serve warm and enjoy!

The Best Chicken Breast Recipe

Indulge in the most tender and delicious chicken breast recipe, that yields juicy results every time, making it perfect for meal prep, lunch or dinner.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 288 kcal

Ingredients

  

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For the brining

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 1/8 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 2 cups cold water

For the Chicken

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp oregano dried
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper optional

Instructions

 

• Whisk warm water, salt and sugar in a small bowl until dissolved.
• Add the chicken breasts and cold water and soak for 15 minutes. Remove and give it a quick rinse then pat with a paper towel to remove the excess water
• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Whisk together olive oil, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne (if using) in a small bowl.
•  Place the chicken breasts in a bowl and add the marinade. Mix well.
• Transfer to a baking tray and bake for 15-18 min. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken so I recommend using a cooking thermometer to check doneness. The thickest part of the chicken should read 165°F (74°C)
• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Please note that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 288kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 24gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 1022mgPotassium: 279mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 458IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Chicken Breast, Chicken Breast Recipe

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Tips and Variations

• Add your favourite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to the baking dish.
• Pair it with this Crispy Smashed Potatoes or Fluffy Roast Potatoes for a complete meal
• Swap out oregano for rosemary, thyme or for a different herbal flavour.
• This dish can be stored in a sealed container and refrigerated for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is brining and why is it important for this recipe?

Brining is the process of soaking the chicken in a salt and sugar water solution before cooking, which allows the meat keep moisture during baking. This simple step is the key reason the chicken comes out tender and juicy rather than dry and tough, which is a common problem with chicken breast.

2. Can I miss the brining step if I am short on time?

The brining step only takes 15 minutes and makes a important difference in the final texture and juiciness of the chicken, so it’s highly recommended. If you absolutely must skip it, make sure not to overbake the chicken and let it rest properly after cooking to retain as much moisture as possible.

3. How do I know when chicken breast is completely cooked without drying it out?

Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method, insert it into the thickest part of the breast and remove the chicken from the oven once it reads 165°F (74°C). Baking time typically falls between 15–18 minutes at 425°F, but this varies depending on the thickness of each piece.

4. Why is it necessary to let the chicken rest before slicing?

Resting the chicken for at least 5 minutes after baking lets the internal juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat rather than running out when cut. Slicing too soon results in a noticeably drier piece of chicken, so this brief rest makes a real difference in the final result.

5. How can I store leftovers and utilize them throughout the week?

Cooked chicken breast can be kept in a sealed airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it an perfect option for weekly meal prep. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months and used later in sandwiches, wraps, salads or pasta dishes for short and protein packed meal.