Secret Baked Chicken

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!