Baked Chicken Breasts - JUICY and MOIST!

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Baked Chicken Breasts - JUICY and MOIST!

Prep Time15

Cook Time20

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Author: Chris Joe

Equipment

Kitchen Scale
Wireless Thermometer

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 6oz each
1 tablespoon neutral oil
1 tablespoon honey
kosher salt see note
¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp dried rosemary
¼ tsp dried thyme

Instructions

Weight the chicken breasts to get a total weight in grams, then multiply that number by .015 to get the weight of kosher salt you need.
Lay the chicken flat on a cutting board and sprinkle both sides evenly with the salt. Let sit for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the spice mixture.
In a large bowl, combine neutral oil, honey, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, rosemary and thyme. Mix until combined. Add in the dry brined chicken and let sit while the oven preheats to 425°F.
Place the chicken on a parchment paper lined tray and place a wireless thermometer (if desired) in the smallest chicken breast. Place in the center rack of the oven. Bake for 16-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 155°F.
Remove, cover with foil and rest until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Serve with the rendered chicken juices and enjoy!

Notes

Tips: Dry brining with a specific 1.5% weight of salt will ensure the chicken breast is juicy throughout, guaranteed.

A hot and fast cook temperature in the oven will ensure a juicy chicken breast that won’t dry out.

A fool proof way to ensure chicken never dries out is by using a wireless thermometer or probe thermometer. I stick mine in the smallest chicken breast, so I know when to take it out. Worst case I can cook the larger ones a little bit longer but you can’t undo overcooked chicken breast!

If using skin on chicken breasts – follow the same method but salt under the skin in step 2 and fold the skin back over the chicken. Sprinkle a pinch of baking powder on the skin and rub it into the skin until no longer visible. Then continue to step 3.

Nutrition