The secret to Secret Baked Chicken is just how simple it actually is even as it explodes with flavor. The chicken is brined to ensure its juiciness and savoriness and then coated in garlicky, smoky, and warm spices. Secret Baked Chicken only takes 35 minutes to make, so the other secret is that it can be made in a hurry even though it tastes like a slow-cooked masterpiece! You may want to keep this secret to yourself!
Ingredients
- 1 quart of water, warm
- 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, and pounded to an even thickness
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon melted butter, olive oil, or avocado oil
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
Step 2 –Spray a large glass baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 3 –Fill a large bowl with the warm water and 1/4 cup kosher salt.
Step 4 –Place the chicken in the saltwater to brine for 15 minutes and up to 6 hours covered in the refrigerator.
Step 5 –Remove the chicken from the brine and rinse with cold water.
Step 6 –Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Step 7 –In a small bowl, combine the remaining kosher salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
Step 8 –Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in an even layer with no overlap.
Step 9 –Brush the chicken with the butter on both sides.
Step 10 –Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken on both sides.
Step 11 –Bake until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, reading 165 degrees F when tested with a meat thermometer in the thickest part, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 12 –Remove the baking dish from the oven and tent it with foil.
Step 13 –Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes.
Step 14 –Serve hot!
