My husband and I were vegetarians for years so I sometimes still feel a little intimidated when I cook meat. Is it cooked enough to be safe? Is it overcooked and maybe dry? These are the things I worry about.
With this in mind, I thought I would share how I bake chicken breasts without brining. This is something I make almost every week with lots of different side dishes, depending what we have.
This is the easiest and most foolproof way I know to bake chicken breasts so they turn out juicy and perfectly cooked.
And while I am not against brining, I don’t think it’s necessary and it adds an extra step plus more planning. This is just simple, moist, perfectly cooked chicken.
Related: If you love baked chicken, you may also like Air Fryer Chicken Tenders and Crispy Air Fryer Wings. Don’t have an air fryer? Learn How to Broil Steak to perfection.
Ingredients:
This is all I use when I bake chicken. That being said, you can absolutely add or change up the seasonings; try Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, paprika, or any other spice combination you like.
How to Bake Chicken:
Add half the olive oil to a baking dish and rub around the bottom (where the chicken will touch). Then, add the chicken and pour the remaining oil on top. Rub it around so the entire top of the chicken breast is covered.
Sprinkle on the seasoning salt and pepper.
Bake at 450°F for 14-18 minutes. Check to make sure the chicken is done (see below). Then, allow to rest for 3-5 minutes before cutting or serving.
Tips for Success:
- The best way to check that your chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer and make sure the thickest part of the chicken has reached 165°F.
- If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can check the chicken by cutting into the thickest part. The meat should be white (not pink) and the juices from the chicken should run clear.
- My favorite seasoning salt is good ole Lawry’s. I tend to keep baked chicken simple so I can make a flavorful or interesting side dish. And, if we have leftovers, they can be easily used for other meals later in the week.
Serving Suggestions:
You can serve this baked chicken with pasta, rice, potatoes, or really anything to make it a meal. Here are some side dishes we love:
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should baked chicken reach?
Chicken should be 165°F at the thickest part. The meat should be white and the juices should run clear.
Do I need to flip or rotate chicken breasts as I bake?
No, it’s not necessary for this recipe.
Do I have to brine chicken breasts before baking?
You can, but it’s not necessary for this recipe.
What is the best temperature to bake chicken at?
I bake chicken breasts at 450°F for 14-18 minutes.
How do you keep baked chicken moist?
Lightly coat with olive oil before baking and don’t overcook the chicken.
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how to bake chicken breasts without brining
Instructions
-
Add half the oil to a baking dish and rub around the bottom (where the chicken will touch).
-
Then, add the chicken and pour the remaining oil on top. Rub it around so the entire top of the chicken breast is covered.
-
Sprinkle on the seasoning salt and pepper.
-
Bake at 450°F for 14-18 minutes. Check to make sure the chicken is done (see notes).
-
Then allow to rest for 3-5 minutes before cutting or serving.
Notes
- The best way to check that your chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer and make sure the thickest part of the chicken has reached 165°F.
- If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can check the chicken by cutting into the thickest part. The meat should be white (not pink) and the juices from the chicken should run clear.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Baked Chicken
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
