Name: Healthy Baked Chicken Breast (Juicy & Easy) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups Water; 1/4 cup Sea salt (or kosher salt); 4 8-oz Boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 tbsp Olive oil; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp Garlic powder; 1 tsp Sea salt; 1/2 tsp Paprika (or smoked paprika); 1/4 tsp Black pepper

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This healthy baked chicken breast recipe is both juicy and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With a simple brine and flavorful seasonings, you’ll get tender, delicious chicken every time.

The image shows three pieces of cooked chicken breasts lying flat in a white pan with golden yellow cooking juices around them. Each chicken piece has a golden-brown crust with specks of black seasoning and is sprinkled with small green herb leaves. The texture appears slightly crispy with a mix of darker browned spots and lighter golden areas. In the corner of the pan, there is a small bunch of fresh green parsley. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 8-oz boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 cups water

1/4 cup sea salt (or kosher salt)
2 tbsp olive oil

2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp paprika (or smoked paprika)
1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: To brine the chicken breasts, place them in a large bowl and cover with about 4 cups of water. Add the 1/4 cup of sea salt and stir until mostly dissolved. Let the chicken sit in the brine for 10 minutes at room temperature or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Drain the salt water, rinse the chicken breasts under cold water, and pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 3: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (232 degrees C).

Step 4: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish large enough so they don’t overlap or just barely touch. Brush both sides with olive oil.
Step 5: Sprinkle both sides evenly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon sea salt, paprika, and black pepper.
Step 6: Bake the chicken for 18 to 22 minutes, until it feels firm and the internal temperature reaches 160-165 degrees F (71-74 degrees C). The temperature will rise about 5 degrees while resting. Using a probe or instant-read thermometer is best for accuracy.

Step 7: Cover the chicken with foil and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken juicy.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving or sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top.
Try smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a subtle smoky taste.

If short on time, the brine can be skipped, but the chicken will be less moist and tender.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a low oven to avoid drying it out. This chicken can also be sliced and added cold to salads or sandwiches.

How to Serve

The image shows three pieces of cooked chicken breast on a white plate with a white marbled background. Two pieces are whole, golden-brown with a crispy texture and sprinkled with green herbs and spices, creating an appetizing crust. The third piece is sliced into even strips, showing juicy, tender white meat inside with a similar herb and spice coating on the surface. Two bright red cherry tomato halves are placed near the top left, adding a pop of color. Small bits of green herbs are scattered lightly around the plate, giving it a fresh look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I brine the chicken overnight?

Yes, brining overnight in the refrigerator is perfectly fine and will make the chicken even juicier and more flavorful.

What if I don’t have a thermometer?

If you don’t have a meat thermometer, bake the chicken for about 20 minutes and check that the juices run clear and there’s no pink in the thickest part. However, a thermometer ensures the best results.