How to Bake Chicken Breasts

Method 1 - Searing in Cast Iron Skillet:

1. Brine your chicken breasts in pickle juice for at least 15 minutes. This significantly enhances juiciness.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Heat a cast iron skillet to medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts as desired.
4. Add some oil to the skillet and sear the chicken breasts on each side for 2-3 minutes until they have a nice golden-brown color.
5. Transfer the skillet with the chicken to the preheated oven and cook until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 20-30 minutes).
6. Remove from the oven and let the breasts rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep the juices locked in.

Method 2 - No Searing:

1. Brine your chicken breasts in pickle juice for at least 15 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Rub the chicken breasts with oil and season as desired. Place them onto a baking sheet or dish.
4. Cook for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Halfway through the cooking time, baste the chicken breasts with any oil or juices in the pan for extra browning and to maintain moisture.
6. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This method produces juicy and flavorful chicken breasts, though without the deep brown sear of the cast iron method.