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Quick Never-Dry Chicken Breast Recipe 20 Minutes Easy and Perfect

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A fast and foolproof chicken breast recipe that locks in moisture and flavor, delivering juicy, tender chicken in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–7 oz / 170–200 g each)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • A few sprigs of thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Quick Brine the Chicken (5 minutes): In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup (240 ml) cold water, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Stir until dissolved. Submerge the chicken breasts completely in the brine and let sit for 5 minutes.
  2. Pat Dry & Season (3 minutes): Remove chicken breasts from the brine and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Drizzle with lemon juice and rub in 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  3. Heat the Skillet (2 minutes): Place skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  4. Sear the Chicken (6-7 minutes): Lay chicken breasts in the pan and sear without moving for 3-4 minutes until edges are golden and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes. Check for internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or ensure juices run clear.
  5. Rest the Chicken (2-3 minutes): Remove chicken from skillet and let rest on a plate loosely covered with foil to redistribute juices.
  6. Slice and Serve: Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve.

Notes

If chicken breasts are thicker than usual, pound slightly before brining for even cooking. Always pat chicken dry after brining to ensure a good sear. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain heat. Rest chicken after cooking to keep it juicy. For variations, try adding honey-mustard glaze or swapping smoked paprika for chili powder.

Nutrition

Keywords: quick chicken breast, juicy chicken, easy chicken recipe, never dry chicken, weeknight dinner, healthy chicken

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/quick-never-dry-chicken-breast-recipe-20-minutes-easy-and-perfect/