If you are tired of the usual dry and tasteless chicken breast, please don’t look further! This juicy and flavorful chicken breast recipe is here to revolutionize your mealtime, it’s a game changer. Like seriously, with simple ingredients and easy to follow instructions, you’ll be enjoying tender and delicious chicken breast in no time. You can use this recipe as is or use it for this Chicken Sandwich Recipe if you are looking for a quick lunch or snack.
The Importance of Chicken Breast in a Healthy Diet
Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, with many benefits making it a staple in many health-conscious households. Rich in nutrients like niacin, vitamin B6, and selenium, chicken breast supports heart health, muscle growth, and immune function. By incorporating our chicken breast recipe into your meal routine, you’ll be nourishing your body with the essential vitamins and minerals it needs to thrive.
The Secret to Juicy Chicken Breast
So, what sets this recipe apart from the rest? The key to achieving juicy chicken breast lies in the brining. Brining keeps the chicken incredibly moist and tender while adding an excellent flavour. Brining is soaking meat in a salt solution for some time before cooking.
Making Delicious Chicken Breast Recipe
To make this moist chicken breast, you will need:
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
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!
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.
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.
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 shortandprotein packed meal.
About Devine Dishes
A lifelong love of cooking, one delicious recipe at a time.
Welcome to Devine Dishes! I'm so glad you're here.
I'm the cook, recipe creator, and food lover behind this little corner of the internet. Born and raised in Kenya, my love for cooking started when I was very young. Even as a child, I would happily volunteer to cook for the family, leaving the dishes and laundry for my siblings. Looking back, I think I had already discovered my passion and a clever way to avoid some chores! 😜
Where My Love for Cooking Began
In high school, I chose Home Science and quickly discovered that baking was something I truly enjoyed. I went on to win awards in provincial school baking competitions for three consecutive years. Those were incredibly proud moments for me, and I loved the feeling of creating something delicious with my own hands.
But not everyone saw cooking the way I did.
I still remember the day my chemistry teacher laughed out loud in class after I received one of my baking medals. He told me I was wasting my time with cooking and that I should focus on the sciences, which would give me a better future than cookies and cakes.
It was an embarrassing moment, especially as a student who was proud of something she had worked hard to achieve. But I didn't stop cooking.
That experience stayed with me, not because it changed my passion, but because it reminded me that sometimes you have to believe in yourself even when others don't understand your dreams.
From Cooking for Family to Building a Food Business
Over the years, my love for cooking has taken me on quite a journey.
I've explored different food business ideas, from cooking and selling chapatis and mandazis to catering, meal preparation, and delivery. Each experience taught me something new about food, business, and the joy of sharing a good meal with others.
Today, I'm excited to bring that passion to food blogging.
Devine Dishes is a place where I share the recipes I love, the ones I'm learning, and the ones I can't wait for you to try. You'll find African and Kenyan favorites, comforting family meals, delicious baking recipes, and practical dishes that make cooking at home enjoyable.
My goal is simple: to help you discover recipes that are delicious, approachable, and worth making again.
More Than Just Recipes
For me, food has always been about more than feeding people. It's about family, memories, creativity, and bringing people together.
When I'm not working, you'll often find me trying out new recipes, creating and editing content, or spending time with family. Sometimes we're swimming, watching TV, or simply chatting over a good meal. Those ordinary moments are some of my favorite moments.
I also love traveling and discovering new places, cultures, and foods. I'm hoping to do much more of it in the near future, and I'm excited about the inspiration those experiences will bring to my cooking and future recipes.
Thank You for Being Here
Whether you're visiting Devine Dishes for a Kenyan recipe, looking for something delicious to bake, or simply exploring new meals to try, thank you for being part of this journey.
Every recipe shared here is a little piece of my love for cooking, my experiences, and the belief that it's never too late to pursue something you're passionate about.
I hope you find something delicious, make wonderful memories around your table, and come back often.
Happy cooking!
With love,
Milli
The heart behind Devine Dishes
