Oven roasted chicken breasts that have been brined in a salt solution are a delicious and juicy recipe that has been enjoyed for centuries. This simple yet effective technique involves soaking the chicken breasts in a salt water brine solution allowing the salt to penetrate the meat and add flavor and moisture.
Brining originated as a technique for soaking meat in salt water to help preserve it. Over time, the technique evolved to also improve the taste and texture of the meat. Today, brining is a common practice in many cuisines around the world, and oven roasted brined chicken breasts remain a classic and versatile recipe that can be enjoyed on its own or used in a variety of dishes.
ChickenEquipment
- glass baking dish
- instant read thermometer
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless
- 1 onion
- 1 Tbsp. melted butter or olive oil
- Kosher salt
- coarse black pepper
- garlic powder
- smoked paprika
- Italian seasoning or herbs de Provence
Instructions
Brine
- Add 1 quart of warm water and ¼ cup of kosher salt to a bowl and stir until the salt is melted.
- Cover each chicken breast with plastic cling film and tenderize gently to even out the thickness of the chicken.
- Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and let them brine for 20 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the brining solution, rinse each piece thoroughly, and pat dry with paper towels.
Roast
- Pre-heat the oven to 450°F.
- Slice an onion and break up the rings.
- Spray cooking oil on the bottom of a glass baking dish.
- Cover the bottom of the baking dish with a bed of onions.
- Rub each chicken breast with melted butter or olive oil
- Sprinkle each chicken breast on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Sprinkle on additional seasonings like herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning.
- Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or so, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove chicken breasts from the oven to a plate and cover with aluminum foil.
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes, then serve.