Maynard's Baked Chicken Breasts

MAYNARD'S BAKED CHICKEN BREASTS
Maynard Pittendreigh

Looking for something healthy, tasty, and easy?  This may be the answer to your search.  

There are five steps: brine, brush, rub, roast and rest.

STEP ONE: THE BRINE

DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP!  Anytime you want to bake chicken breasts in the oven, it is important to brine.  It makes your chicken extra juicy.  This brine takes only 15 minutes and if the process is done with lukewarm water, it will bring the chicken to room temperature for more even cooking.

1. Fill a big bowl with lukewarm water (not hot).
2. Stir in a handful of Kosher salt until it is almost dissolved.
3. Add the chicken breasts.
4. Let sit for at least 15 minutes. 

STEP TWO: THE BRUSH

1. Remove the chicken from the brine.
2. Rinse the salt from the chicken with cold water.
3. Pat chicken dry.
4. Brush the chicken with melted butter. Oil may be used instead, but butter provides a pleasant golden crust.
5. Brush liberally on both sides to prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan.
6. Place chicken in a backing dish or roasting pan.


STEP THREE: THE RUB
A simple rub of salt and pepper is fine, but to keep this dish from being too plain, a more robust rub of your choice can improve the recipe.  A good homemade rub is made by combining equal parts of salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika.

STEP FOUR:  ROAST

You might choose to roast slowly at low heat, but I opt for high heat.

1. Preheat oven at 450 degrees F.
2. Cook for 15 to 18 minutes until a 165 degree F is reached.

STEP FIVE: REST

1. Remove chicken from oven.
2. Tent in aluminum foil for 5 to 10 minutes and then serve and enjoy.