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Brined Herb Chicken Breasts

Close-up of a perfectly cooked brined herb chicken breast, golden brown with visible herbs.
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Learn how to make ultra-juicy chicken breasts using a simple herb brine. This recipe provides clear instructions for grilling, baking, or pan-searing, along with tips for meal prepping.

Ingredients

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  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 ounces each)
  • 1/4 cup kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 cups water, divided
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, dissolve the salt and sugar in 2 cups of water. Add the rosemary, thyme, garlic, and peppercorns. Stir to combine.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the brine mixture over the chicken, ensuring it is fully submerged.
  3. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Do not brine for longer than 1 hour, as the chicken can become too salty.
  4. Remove chicken from brine and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Pat dry completely with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear.
  5. Preheat your grill, oven, or skillet. If grilling, preheat to medium-high heat. If baking, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). If pan-searing, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  6. Cook chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Grilling time is typically 6-8 minutes per side. Baking time is usually 20-25 minutes. Pan-searing takes about 5-7 minutes per side.
  7. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For meal prep, cook multiple batches and store cooled chicken in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • You can customize the herbs to your preference. Sage or marjoram also work well.
  • Ensure you rinse the chicken thoroughly after brining to remove excess salt.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mdlatdmm.com/brined-herb-chicken-breasts-juicy-4-ways/