Print

Juicy Chicken Breast Recipe for Sunday Lunch Perfectly Easy

juicy chicken breast - featured image

A foolproof recipe for tender, juicy chicken breasts that are perfect for Sunday lunch or versatile enough for salads and wraps during the week.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Brine the Chicken: In a large bowl, dissolve 2 tablespoons of kosher salt in 4 cups of water. Add the chicken breasts and let them brine for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Season the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels. Rub them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
  3. Preheat the Pan: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and swirl to coat the pan.
  4. Sear the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  5. Finish Cooking: Lower the heat to medium, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165Β°F (74Β°C).
  6. Add Butter: Remove the skillet from the heat and brush the chicken breasts with melted butter. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For even cooking, pound thick chicken breasts to an even thickness before brining. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness and let the chicken rest after cooking to retain juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: Juicy chicken breast, easy chicken recipe, Sunday lunch, healthy chicken, skillet chicken