Ingredients:

  • 4 cups (950 ml) water
  • 1/4 cup (60g) kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (2g) black peppercorns, crushed
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces/170-225g each), trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon (3g) garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1g) paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 Lemon sliced (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Combine water, salt, sugar, peppercorns, garlic, and bay leaf in a large bowl. Whisk until salt and sugar dissolve. Add chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour.
  2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  3. Remove chicken breasts from brine and pat completely dry with paper towels.
  4. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Brush the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Optional: Place lemon slices on top of the chicken.
  5. Place seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper for easy cleaning. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast. This is how to bake chicken breast perfectly!
  6. Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving.