Different technique for roasting chicken breasts

[MexicoKaren]

If you're like me, you use alot of chicken breasts. I like to cook them up ahead of time and use them for sandwiches, salads, quesadillas, tacos, etc. But I keep looking for new ways to cook them without them drying out and being tough. Sometimes I saute them, sometimes poach them, but there is a technique that I modified a bit from an old CI magazine that I tried today and it really worked. Just what I wanted. So maybe it will work for some of you as well.

Preheat your oven to 450F and line a 9X13 metal pan with foil. If you have a rack that will fit n the pan, so much the better.

Take two large and meaty (about 1.5 lbs each) whole chicken breasts, not split, complete with skin and bone. Stand them in the pan, letting the ribs make a sort of rack for them to stand on.

Make a paste of 2 TBS soft butter and 2 tsp salt. Gently lift the skin from the breasts and use a spoon to insert 1/4 of this mixture under each half of each breast. Pat it gently to spread it around. Then, turn the breasts over and salt and pepper liberally. Rub about a TBS of oil all over the top of the breasts and then liberally pepper them.

Roast at 450F for 35-40 minutes, until an instant thermometer reads 160F. Remove from oven, cover with foil, and let them rest about 10 minutes, then carve. There is enough juice left in the pan to make gravy, sauces, or just pour over the chicken.

This chicken meat was SO juicy and well-seasoned. Very tender. You can use your imagination and come up with lots of seasoning ideas, but this is just a basic start.

Hope you enjoy. We did. We ate some for dinner and saved the rest for tomorrow.

[Katie E]

Yum, Karen. I need to wipe all the drool off my keyboard. Sounds definitely worth trying. Yum, double yum and so easy.

[Andy M.]

Karen, I do this too. Not always with the butter under the skin. It's a great way to make juicy and flavorful chicken breasts.

[MexicoKaren]

One of the most rewarding things about cooking is when I learn something totally new. I was so pleased when the chicken turned out so juicy and tender.

[JGDean]

Thanks, Karen
I will try this. I usually over-cook mine to the point it is inedible.
Jude

[MexicoKaren]

Me too, Jude - but trust me, this really works. I was amazed.

[In the Kitchen]

I knew I saw this someplace but failed to keep it. Researched and found it just in time. I do thank you so much for sharing one of your favorite secrets. Now it is my secret and I love secrets (although if someone needs help, I will reveal the secret) Thanks to all. Reason so grateful it is almost 5 and I am getting frantic how to prepare them.

[MexicoKaren]

ITK - two words: "It works." I love having secrets, too - but they're no fun if you can't share them!

[In the Kitchen]

geez, you are FAST! thanks for being so attentive. Wish I could have half of your enthusiasm. Just getting started wears me out! I hope this turns out the way yours did. I do not like DRY chicken. Like chewing a rubber band.

[MexicoKaren]

Be sure to let us know how it turns out....