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Juicy Chicken Breast Recipe Easy Perfectly Cooked Tender Moist Results

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A quick and easy method for perfectly cooked chicken breast that is tender, juicy, and flavorful every time. Uses a simple brine, pan-searing, and oven finishing for best results.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 ounces each)
  • 4 cups cold water
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or neutral oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed
  • Fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary sprigs, optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the brine by mixing 4 cups cold water with 1 tablespoon kosher salt and 1 teaspoon sugar until dissolved. Optionally add crushed garlic cloves or herbs. Allow about 5 minutes.
  2. Submerge chicken breasts in the brine for 15 to 30 minutes. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels after brining.
  3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until butter foams and turns golden.
  5. Add chicken breasts to skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes without moving until golden crust forms. Flip and sear the other side for 2 minutes. Add smashed garlic and herbs around chicken.
  6. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, checking internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Chicken will rest and carry over cook to 165°F (74°C).
  7. Remove chicken from oven, transfer to plate, tent loosely with foil, and rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Do not skip the brine step to ensure juiciness. Pat chicken dry before searing to get a crisp crust. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Rest chicken after cooking to redistribute juices. If no oven-safe skillet, transfer chicken to a baking dish before oven finishing. For dairy-free, omit butter and increase oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: juicy chicken breast, tender chicken, easy chicken recipe, pan-seared chicken, oven-baked chicken, quick chicken dinner, healthy chicken breast

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