JUICY BRINED CHICKEN BREAST RECIPE

If you’ve ever struggled with dry chicken, this juicy brined chicken breast recipe will become your new go-to! Brining is a game-changing method that results in juicy chicken! Brining might sound complicated, but it’s a simple technique that uses salt and water to lock in the moisture and elevate the taste of your chicken!

The best part? This recipe is quick and easy! With just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can transform ordinary chicken breasts into a delicious, mouthwatering meal. It’s perfect whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or looking to impress guests!

Why Brining Works

Brining is a simple technique that makes a world of difference! The salt in the brine helps break down the protein structures in the chicken. This allows it to absorb and retain more moisture, resulting in incredibly juicy chicken breasts! Plus, it’s a super quick and easy method with minimal effort! This combination of brining and the flavorful spice rub is what makes this recipe so special, giving you tender, juicy, and well-seasoned chicken! You can pair the cooked brined chicken with your favorite side dishes, or use it in salads, wraps, or sandwiches.

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken Breast: Brine two boneless skinless chicken breasts with this recipe.
• Water: You will need water for the brine.
• Salt: Dissolve the salt in the water to create the brine before adding the chicken.
• Seasoning Blend: After brining, the chicken is already primed for juicy, flavorful results, but the magic doesn’t stop there. Our spice mix of Italian herbs, smoked paprika, and garlic powder takes it to the next level. 
• Olive Oil: You will need olive oil spray so the seasonings stick to the chicken.

The Best Kind Of Salt For Brining

When it comes to brining chicken, pay attention to the type of salt you use, as it makes a difference in your results. For this recipe, you can use either kosher salt or pink Himalayan salt. Both are excellent choices for brining. You can use either type of salt, just ensure that you add the correct amount.

Kosher salt is the most commonly used type of salt for brining. Kosher salt has large, coarse grains that dissolve slowly. You will need two tablespoons of kosher salt for this recipe. Since it has a larger grain, it requires more volume to achieve the same level of saltiness as finer salts.

On the other hand, pink Himalayan salt is known for its mineral content and is a great alternative to kosher salt. It tends to be more dense than kosher salt, so you don’t need as much of it for this recipe. If you choose to use pink Himalayan salt, only use one tablespoon. Its slightly smaller crystals dissolve more quickly, so you don’t need as much.

Salt To Water Ratio For Brining Chicken

The key to a successful brine for chicken is the proper salt-to-water ratio. For this recipe, the ratio is 3 cups of water to 2 tablespoons of kosher salt or 3 cups of water to 1 tablespoon of pink Himalayan salt. Ensuring you have the correct balance is crucial so the brine isn’t too salty.

How To Brine Chicken Breasts For Juicy Results

Step 1: Add one cup of warm water to a large bowl. Then, add the salt and stir until the salt is completely dissolved.

Step 2: Add the remaining 2 cups of cold water to the bowl to cool the mixture.

You can also add ice cubes to cool the brine faster. Also, as an option, add a bay leaf to the brine. The brine must be completely cool before adding the chicken.

Step 3: Place the chicken breasts in the bowl with the brine.

Then, tightly cover the bowl with foil or plastic wrap.

Step 4: Transfer the bowl to the refrigerator and let the chicken brine for 40 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 5: Once brined, remove the chicken from the bowl and pat it dry with paper towels. After that, place the chicken breasts on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.

Step 6: In a small bowl, mix the Italian herbs, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.

Then, lightly spray the chicken breasts with olive oil and evenly rub the spice mixture on the chicken.

Step 7: Bake the chicken breasts at 450°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

Step 8: Remove the cooked chicken from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing to retain its juices.

How Long To Brine Chicken Breasts

Brine boneless skinless chicken breasts for 40 minutes to one hour. This allows enough time for the salt to work its magic, but it’s also short enough to make this recipe a quick and easy weeknight option! Avoid brining for too long, as it can result in overly salty chicken. Also, keep the brined chicken in the refrigerator the whole time.

Serving Suggestions

After baking the brined chicken, there are so many ways to enjoy it! You can slice it and serve it as a main dish with other side dishes such as roasted vegetables, potatoes, or brussels sprouts. Or, chop the baked chicken and add it to a salad, such as our chicken Caesar salad! It is also great in wraps or sandwiches!

Expert Tips

• Pat Dry Before Seasoning: Make sure to pat dry the brined chicken with paper towels before seasoning it. Then, spray the chicken breasts with olive oil and add the seasoning blend. This step removes excess moisture from the surface of the chicken, which helps it brown beautifully and allows the seasonings to stick.
• Add The Spice Blend: We made an incredibly delicious spice blend for this brined chicken. It consists of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and Italian herbs. Pat dry the brined chicken, spray it with olive oil, and add the spice blend. This results in juicy and flavorful chicken!
• Let The Cooked Chicken Rest: It is important to let the cooked chicken breasts rest for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout, making every bite moist and flavorful. Slicing too early can cause the juices to run out, resulting in dry chicken.
• Don’t Add Too Much Salt: Since the chicken absorbs some of the salt during the brining stage, be careful not to add too much salt when seasoning the chicken. For this recipe when seasoning the brined chicken, don’t add any more salt. Just add our delicious spice mix for flavor. Also, be careful not to add too much salt to the brine.
• Brine Chicken In Cold Water: Start with 1 cup warm water to dissolve the salt. Then, add two cups of cold water to cool it down before adding the chicken.

Storage Instructions

Once cooled, store cooked brined chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Or, you can store it in a freezer-safe bag in the freezer for 2-3 months.

Variations

• Make More For Meal Prep: Brined chicken breasts are great for meal prep! Double or triple this recipe to brine multiple chicken breasts at once. After brining and baking the chicken, store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze it for longer storage. This makes it perfect as a go-to quick meal throughout the week!
• Use A Bowl, Container, Or Bag: You can brine the chicken in a large bowl covered with foil or plastic wrap, in an airtight container with a lid, or in a large sealable plastic bag. Just ensure it is properly sealed and stored in the refrigerator.
• Customize The Brine: You can customize the brine to add even more flavor! You could add garlic, bay leaves, rosemary, peppercorns, or citrus slices. Any of these can infuse the brine with flavor, making the final result even more delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Brine Chicken Too Long?

Yes, you can brine chicken for too long, which can lead to overly salty and tough chicken. This is why it is important to brine boneless skinless chicken breasts in the refrigerator for 40 minutes to an hour for this recipe.

Can Brined Chicken Be Frozen?

Yes, brined chicken can be frozen once it is baked and cooled. Once fully cooked, allow the chicken to rest for about 20 minutes before slicing it to retain its juices. You can freeze the baked chicken for 2-3 months. Store it in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container.

More Recipes To Try Next!

• Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken
• Air Fryer Chicken Bites
• Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
• French Onion Chicken Skillet
• Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
• One Skillet Cream of Mushroom Chicken

If you try this recipe please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating ★★★★★ letting us know how it turns out for you.