Description
A foolproof, juicy chicken breast recipe that delivers tenderness and flavor every time. This technique uses brining, balanced seasoning, and even cooking to help you keep thin chicken breast moist—perfect for salads, sandwiches, or a main dish.
Ingredients
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2 boneless, skinless thin chicken breasts
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1/4 cup kosher salt (for brining)
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4 cups cold water
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for added flavor)
Instructions
1️⃣ Brine the Chicken
• In a bowl, dissolve 1/4 cup salt in 4 cups of cold water.
• Submerge the chicken breasts fully and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
• Rinse and pat dry with paper towels after brining.
2️⃣ Flatten for Even Cooking
• Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag.
• Gently pound with a mallet or rolling pin until evenly 1/2 inch thick.
3️⃣ Season and Prep the Pan
• Rub chicken with olive oil on both sides.
• Sprinkle garlic powder, pepper, and optional paprika evenly.
• Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
4️⃣ Sear to Seal in Moisture
• Add chicken to the hot pan and sear for 3–4 minutes on the first side.
• Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes, or until the internal temp reaches 165°F.
• Optional: Add a splash of lemon juice in the last minute for brightness.
5️⃣ Rest Before Serving
• Remove chicken from pan and let rest for 5 minutes.
• Slice against the grain and serve immediately or store for later use.
Notes
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Don’t skip the brine. It’s the #1 method to lock in moisture for thin cuts.
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If using frozen chicken, thaw completely in the fridge overnight for best results.
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A meat thermometer helps avoid overcooking aim for 165°F internal temp.
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Want extra flavor? Try marinating after brining, but reduce salt accordingly.
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This recipe works great for meal prep just store sliced in airtight containers with a bit of broth or olive oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thin chicken breast
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 630 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: keep thin chicken breast moist, moist chicken recipe, juicy chicken breast, how to cook chicken breast, brined chicken breast, easy chicken dinner, healthy chicken recipe