Three Ingredient Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are the main protein source for the dish.

Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps to keep the chicken juicy while baking.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.

To ensure your chicken breasts remain juicy and flavorful, consider marinating them in the olive oil and salt mixture for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the seasoning to penetrate the meat more deeply, enhancing the overall taste and tenderness. Additionally, using a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) can help avoid overcooking.

• Chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a good alternative for baked dishes.

• Chicken breasts - Substitute with pork chops: Pork chops can be used as a substitute due to their comparable thickness and cooking time.

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

• Olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used for its similar cooking properties, though it will impart a slight coconut flavor.

• Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add 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 as a direct replacement, offering a similar level of saltiness with a slightly different mineral content.

• Allow the chicken breasts to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the chicken soggy.

• For short-term storage, place the cooled chicken breasts in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• If you plan to keep the chicken breasts longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each breast individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Then, place the wrapped pieces in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container.

• Label the container with the date so you can keep track of how long the chicken breasts have been stored. Frozen chicken breasts can be kept for up to 3 months.

• When ready to use, thaw the chicken breasts in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor.

• If you're in a hurry, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave, but be cautious as this can sometimes start to cook the edges of the chicken breasts.

• Once thawed, you can reheat the chicken breasts in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can slice the chicken and reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil.

• To keep the chicken breasts moist during reheating, you can add a splash of chicken broth or cover the dish with aluminum foil.

• 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 keep the chicken moist.
  4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
  5. Bake for about 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 skillet over medium heat and add a bit of olive oil or butter.
  3. Add the chicken slices to the skillet.
  4. 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 with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway to ensure even heating.
  4. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals if needed, until the chicken is hot.

• 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 a resealable plastic bag using the water displacement method.
  3. Submerge the bag in the water bath.
  4. Heat for about 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.

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

• Measuring spoons: Measures the olive oil and salt accurately.

• Drizzle spoon: Helps in drizzling the olive oil evenly 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 rest the chicken breasts before serving.

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

• Aluminum foil: Can be used to cover the baking dish if you want to keep the chicken moist.

• Oven mitts: Protects your hands when handling the hot baking dish from the oven.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the chicken breasts to save time.

Use a baking dish liner: Line your baking dish with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Measure ingredients ahead: Measure out the olive oil and salt before you start to streamline the process.

Check doneness with a thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to quickly check if the chicken is cooked through, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Rest the chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to retain its juices and make it easier to slice.