Never Eat Dry Chicken Again: The #1 Fail-Proof Method to Bake Chicken Breasts
Chef Andrew
Tired of dry, tough chicken? Discover the #1 fail-proof method to bake chicken breasts perfectly every time. This easy, 3-step guide guarantees juicy, tender results.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 18 minutes mins
Brining Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Baking Dish
Meat Thermometer
Meat Mallet
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 8 oz each
For the Quick Brine
- 4 cups water divided into 2 cups lukewarm and 2 cups cold
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
For Seasoning & Baking
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Quick Brine (The Moisture Secret): In a large bowl, dissolve ¼ cup kosher salt in 2 cups lukewarm water. Add 2 cups cold water. Submerge chicken breasts and let sit for 15 minutes. Remove, rinse with cold water, and pat completely dry.
Prep for Baking: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Pound chicken breasts to an even ¾-inch thickness. This is crucial for even cooking.
Season the Chicken: Arrange chicken in a single layer in a metal or ceramic baking dish. Brush with melted butter or oil. In a small bowl, mix the 1 tsp salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sprinkle evenly over all sides of the chicken.
Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes. The exact time depends on thickness, so use a meat thermometer. Chicken is done when the thickest part reaches 165°F (for best results, pull from oven at 160°F).
Rest for Juiciness (Essential Step): Transfer chicken to a clean plate, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, guaranteeing a moist result.
Chef's Pro-Tips: The Fail-Proof Method
- Pounding is Key: An even thickness is the #1 secret to ensuring the entire breast cooks evenly without drying out.
- Trust the Thermometer: Cooking to temperature (165°F), not time, is the only way to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken. Pulling it at 160°F and letting it rest is the pro move.
- Don't Skip the Rest: Slicing the chicken too early will cause all the precious juices to leak out. Be patient!
Keyword bake chicken breasts, healthy chicken recipe, juicy chicken breast, Meal Prep