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Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
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Ingredients
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Step by step
Method
4 steps
- 1
Whisk ¼ cup kosher salt, ¼ cup sugar, and 2 quarts cold water in a large bowl until dissolved. Pound four chicken breasts to an even ½–¾-inch thickness, then chill them in the brine for 30 minutes.
- 2
Heat the oven to 425°F. Mix the smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne in a small bowl.
- 3
Rinse the chicken briefly, pat it very dry, and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rub both sides with olive oil and the spice mix, then set the pieces in a baking dish without overlapping.
- 4
Bake uncovered for 18–20 minutes, checking the thickest piece for 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing so the juices stay in the meat instead of running across the board.