Brined Chicken Breasts

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.

MeatChicken

Prep Time: 30 min

Cook Time: 20 min

Total Time: 50 min

Yield: 4 servings

Oven roasted chicken breasts after they have been brined.

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

Equipment

  • Glass baking dish
  • Instant read thermometer

Instructions

Brine

  1. 1.
    Add 1 quart of warm water and ¼ cup of kosher salt to a bowl and stir until the salt is melted.
  2. 2.
    Cover each chicken breast with plastic cling film and tenderize gently to even out the thickness of the chicken.
  3. 3.
    Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and let them brine for 20 minutes.
  4. 4.
    Remove the chicken from the brining solution, rinse each piece thoroughly, and pat dry with paper towels.

Roast

  1. 5.
    Pre-heat the oven to 450°F.
  2. 6.
    Slice an onion and break up the rings.
  3. 7.
    Spray cooking oil on the bottom of a glass baking dish.
  4. 8.
    Cover the bottom of the baking dish with a bed of onions.
  5. 9.
    Rub each chicken breast with melted butter or olive oil
  6. 10.
    Sprinkle each chicken breast on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  7. 11.
    Sprinkle on additional seasonings like herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning.
  8. 12.
    Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or so, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  9. 13.
    Remove chicken breasts from the oven to a plate and cover with aluminum foil.
  10. 14.
    Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes, then serve.