Introduction

This healthy baked chicken breast recipe delivers juicy, flavorful results with minimal effort. Thanks to a simple brine and a blend of seasonings, the chicken stays moist and tender every time. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Healthy Baked Chicken Breast (Juicy & Easy) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 8-oz boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 cups water
1/4 cup sea salt (or kosher salt)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp paprika (or smoked paprika)
1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: To brine the chicken breasts, place them in a large bowl and pour in enough water to cover (about 4 cups). Add the sea salt and stir until mostly dissolved. Let the chicken sit for 10 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Step 2: Drain the salt water, rinse the chicken thoroughly, and pat the breasts dry with paper towels.
Step 3: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
Step 4: Arrange the chicken breasts in a baking dish so they fit without overlapping or just barely touching. Brush both sides with olive oil.
Step 5: Evenly sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, sea salt, paprika, and black pepper on both sides of the chicken.
Step 6: Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the chicken feels firm, shows no pink inside, and an internal thermometer reads 160–165°F (71–74°C). The temperature will rise an additional 5 degrees while resting.
Step 7: Cover the chicken loosely with foil and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.

Tips & Variations

Use a probe or instant-read thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken without drying it out.
Substitute smoked paprika for a subtle smoky depth in flavor.
For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
Try marinating the chicken in the brine overnight for even juicier results.

Storage

Store cooked chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to keep them moist—covering with foil when reheating in the oven helps retain moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I skip the brining step?

Brining helps keep the chicken juicy and flavorful, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it. Just be careful not to overcook the chicken to avoid dryness.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

You can substitute with equal parts dried basil, oregano, and thyme or use any other herb blend you prefer.

Healthy Baked Chicken Breast (Juicy & Easy) Recipe

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4.4 from 119 reviews

This Healthy Baked Chicken Breast recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken breasts with minimal effort. The chicken is first brined briefly to enhance moisture, then seasoned with Italian herbs, garlic powder, paprika, and baked to perfection at a high temperature for a tender, juicy result. Ideal for a wholesome weeknight dinner, this method ensures moist chicken without frying or heavy sauces.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 15 minutes (including 10 minutes brining at room temperature)
Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
Total Time: 33-37 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Brine

4 cups Water
1/4 cup Sea salt (or kosher salt)

Chicken and Seasoning

4 8-oz Boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp Olive oil
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp Garlic powder
1 tsp Sea salt
1/2 tsp Paprika (or smoked paprika)
1/4 tsp Black pepper

Instructions

Brine the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl and cover with about 4 cups of water. Add the sea salt and stir until mostly dissolved. Allow the chicken to sit in the brine for 10 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This step helps to keep the chicken juicy.
Prepare the Chicken: After brining, drain the saltwater, rinse the chicken breasts under cool water, and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a good sear and seasoning adherence.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) to ensure it reaches the high temperature needed for quick, even cooking and moisture retention.
Oil and Season: Arrange the chicken breasts in a baking dish so they are spaced out without overlapping. Brush both sides of each chicken breast evenly with olive oil. Then, sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, sea salt, paprika, and black pepper on both sides for rich flavor.
Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the chicken is firm, no longer pink inside, and reaches an internal temperature between 160-165°F (71-74°C). The temperature will increase slightly while resting.
Rest before Serving: Cover the chicken breasts loosely with foil and allow them to rest for 5 minutes. This resting time helps redistribute the juices, ensuring moist and tender chicken when sliced.

Notes

Brining enhances juiciness but is optional; if short on time, you can skip this step and still get good results.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked without overbaking.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
For more flavor, customize the seasoning with herbs and spices to your preference.

Keywords: healthy baked chicken, baked chicken breast, juicy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, oven-baked chicken