Three Ingredient Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are the main protein source in the recipe.

Olive oil: Adds moisture and a rich flavor to the chicken, helping it stay juicy while baking.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and the olive oil.

When preparing chicken breasts, it's crucial to ensure they cook evenly. To achieve this, consider pounding the chicken to an even thickness before baking. This not only promotes uniform cooking but also helps the olive oil and salt to adhere better, enhancing the overall flavor. Additionally, using a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) can guarantee perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with boneless, skinless turkey breasts: Turkey breasts have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a good alternative for chicken breasts.

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with pork tenderloin: Pork tenderloin is lean and tender, providing a similar mouthfeel to chicken breasts.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in baking.

• olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used for its mild flavor and similar fat content, though it may impart a slight coconut taste.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with a bit of umami, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in place of regular salt for a slightly different mineral content and flavor profile.

• Allow the chicken breasts to cool completely before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can lead to soggy chicken.
• Place the cooled chicken breasts in an airtight container. If you prefer, you can also wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This ensures the chicken remains fresh and safe to eat.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken breasts. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container with the date so you can keep track of how long the chicken has been stored. Frozen chicken breasts can be kept for up to 3 months.
• To reheat refrigerated chicken breasts, place them in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
• For reheating frozen chicken breasts, it's best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as for refrigerated chicken.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken in the microwave. Place the chicken breasts on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover chicken breasts in a baking dish.
  3. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the dish to keep the chicken moist.
  4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
  5. Bake for 20 minutes or until the chicken is heated through.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces for even heating.
  2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  4. Place the chicken slices in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  5. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is warmed through.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the chicken breasts on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the chicken with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Check the temperature and continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until heated through.

• Sous Vide Method:

  1. Preheat your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C).
  2. Place the chicken breasts in a vacuum-sealed bag or ziplock bag.
  3. Submerge the bag in the water bath.
  4. Heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly warmed.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is hot and slightly crispy.

• Oven: Used to bake the chicken breasts at the specified temperature of 400°F (200°C).

• Baking dish: Holds the chicken breasts while they bake in the oven.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the olive oil and salt accurately.

• Basting brush: Optional tool to evenly spread the olive oil over the chicken breasts.

• Tongs: Useful for handling the chicken breasts without touching them directly.

• Meat thermometer: Ensures the chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature.

• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface to let the chicken rest after baking.

• Knife: Used to slice the chicken breasts if needed before serving.

Preheat efficiently: Preheat your oven while you prepare the chicken breasts to save time.

Use a baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Marinate in advance: Marinate the chicken with olive oil and salt the night before for enhanced flavor and quicker prep.

Batch cooking: Cook extra chicken breasts and store them for future meals.

Instant-read thermometer: Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness quickly, ensuring perfectly cooked chicken every time.