OVEN BAKED CHICKEN BREASTS - vhira.com

Baked Chicken Breasts in the oven are deliciously seasoned and perfectly juicy. This homemade recipe is super easy to follow and requires simply a mixture of herbs, olive oil or butter, and chicken breasts. It yields the most tender and flavorful meat that can go on salads, sandwiches or even casseroles. It doesn’t get much better than this!

This is one of the easiest and most delicious meals you can prepare in a short time. In addition, the cooked chicken breasts store well, and leftovers are just as great. You can even make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup or Chicken Spaghetti Casserole with it. Whatever you decide to use it for, it is guaranteed to make a satisfying and tasty meal.

Baked Chicken Breasts in the oven are always tender, flavorful, perfectly cooked and smell heavenly. Though it is a simple and easy dish to make, it is very important not to overcook the meat. If cooked the wrong way or for too long, you will end with dry and rubbery meat, which you want to avoid. We will guide you on how to best cook them in the oven, to get the perfect meal that you will love.

Baked Chicken Breasts are easy to customize with your favorite seasonings or toppings. They are naturally lean, Keto friendly and high in protein which makes them ideal for any meal. Similarly, you can bake them with your favorite veggies, such as asparagus, broccoli or bok-choy, for a more nutritious and healthy meal.

Baked Chicken Breasts in the oven are deliciously seasoned and perfectly juicy. This homemade recipe is super easy to follow and requires simply a mixture of herbs, olive oil or butter, and chicken breasts.

Ingredients

• Brine:


•  1/4 cup salt


•  water


• Chicken & Seasoning:


•  4 chicken breasts boneless skinless, about 3-4 pounds


•  3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter


•  1/2 teaspoon salt


•  1/4 teaspoon black pepper


•  1 teaspoon Italian seasoning


•  1 teaspoon garlic powder


•  1/2 teaspoon onion powder


•  1 teaspoon paprika regular or smoked


•  1/2 teaspoon dried thyme


•  1/2 teaspoon dried basil


•  1/2 teaspoon dried parsley


•  1/4 teaspoon pepper flakes optional


• Garnish:


•  chopped parsley

Instructions

Brine:

• To brine chicken breasts, fill a large bowl with 1 quart of lukewarm water and 1/4 cup salt. Then, stir to combine until the salt is dissolved. Next, add the meat to the brine mixture and let it sit for 30 minutes.


• Also, you could cover the bowl and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. When ready to cook, remove them from the brine, and rinse under cold water. Lastly, pat them dry with some paper towels.


• Chicken and Seasoning:


• Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease of a 9x13 inch baking dish with a few tablespoons of olive oil.


• In a small bowl mix: salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried basil, dried parsley and pepper flakes.


• Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil or melted butter and seasoning on both sides. Rub well so it absorbs properly.


• Add chicken to the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.


• Before slicing, let rest for 5-10 minutes for optimal tenderness.


• Calories: 210, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 101mg, Sodium: 385mg, Potassium: 557mg, Protein: 32g, Vitamin A: 2.9%, Vitamin C: 2.2%, Calcium: 1.3%, Iron: 3.8%

RECIPES AND IMAGE ADAPTED FROM https://sweetandsavorymeals.com