This easy and flavorful recipe for Julia Child’s roasted chicken breasts is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create juicy, tender chicken that’s seasoned to perfection. It’s a simple, nutritious dish that’s sure to impress with its crispy golden top!
Ingredients Needed
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
How To Make Chicken Breast
- Brine the Chicken: If your chicken breasts haven’t been pre-brined, fill a large bowl with 2 cups lukewarm water and 1/4 cup kosher salt. Stir until most of the salt dissolves, then add 2 cups cold water or a few ice cubes to cool it down. Submerge the chicken breasts in the brine for 15 minutes, or cover and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. After brining, rinse the chicken with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450°F to get it hot and ready for baking.
- Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large baking dish. Brush both sides of the chicken evenly with melted butter or olive oil. In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture generously over both sides of the chicken.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured at the thickest part of the breast. For a crispier, golden top, turn the broiler on high for the last 3-5 minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
- Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and transfer to a clean plate. Tent the plate with aluminum foil and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the chicken warm and enjoy your perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken breasts!
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Recipe Tips
- Brine the Chicken: Soak the chicken breasts in a saltwater solution for 15 minutes to enhance moisture and flavor.
- Use Room Temperature Chicken: Allow the chicken to come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer without overlapping to promote even cooking.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Bake the chicken for 15-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, to prevent overcooking.
- Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to let the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier meal.
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Place leftover chicken breast in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap leftover chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
- Reheating: To reheat leftovers, place leftover chicken breast in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. you can microwave for 2-3 minutes, but the oven will help retain its crispiness.
Nutrition Fact
Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately 174 grams)
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Potassium: 500mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 0g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 53g
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Julia Child Chicken Breast
Description
This easy and flavorful recipe for Julia Child’s roasted chicken breasts is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create juicy, tender chicken that’s seasoned to perfection. It’s a simple, nutritious dish that’s sure to impress with its crispy golden top!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brine the Chicken: If your chicken breasts haven’t been pre-brined, fill a large bowl with 2 cups lukewarm water and 1/4 cup kosher salt. Stir until most of the salt dissolves, then add 2 cups cold water or a few ice cubes to cool it down. Submerge the chicken breasts in the brine for 15 minutes, or cover and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. After brining, rinse the chicken with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450°F to get it hot and ready for baking.
- Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large baking dish. Brush both sides of the chicken evenly with melted butter or olive oil. In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture generously over both sides of the chicken.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured at the thickest part of the breast. For a crispier, golden top, turn the broiler on high for the last 3-5 minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
- Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and transfer to a clean plate. Tent the plate with aluminum foil and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the chicken warm and enjoy your perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken breasts!
Notes
- Brine the Chicken: Soak the chicken breasts in a saltwater solution for 15 minutes to enhance moisture and flavor.
- Use Room Temperature Chicken: Allow the chicken to come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer without overlapping to promote even cooking.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Bake the chicken for 15-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, to prevent overcooking.
- Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to let the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier meal.