Baked Chicken Breasts

Ingredients 

Brine:

• 1/4 cup  salt
•  water

Chicken & Seasoning:

• 4  chicken breasts  (boneless skinless, about 3-4 pounds)
• 3 tablespoons  olive oil  (or melted butter)
• 1/2 teaspoon  salt
• 1/4 teaspoon  black pepper
• 1 teaspoon  Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon  garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon  onion powder
• 1 teaspoon  paprika  (regular or smoked)
• 1/2 teaspoon  dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon  dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon  dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon  pepper flakes  (optional)

Garnish:

 chopped parsley

Instructions

Brine:

1. To brine chicken breasts, fill a large bowl with 1 quart of lukewarm water and 1/4 cup salt. Then, stir to combine until the salt is dissolved. Next, add the meat to the brine mixture and let it sit for 30 minutes. 
2. Also, you could cover the bowl and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. When ready to cook, remove them from the brine, and rinse under cold water. Lastly, pat them dry with some paper towels. 

Chicken and Seasoning:

1. Preheat oven to 400�F. Lightly grease of a 9x13 inch baking dish with a few tablespoons of olive oil.
2. In a small bowl mix: salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried basil, dried parsley and pepper flakes.
3. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil or melted butter and seasoning on both sides. Rub well so it absorbs properly.
4. Add chicken to the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165�F. 
5. Before slicing, let rest for 5-10 minutes for optimal tenderness.

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