Homemade Deli-Style Chicken Breast
Homemade Deli-Style Chicken Breast
Ingredients
For the Brine
- 4 1/4 cups water
- 1/2 cup kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
For the Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the brine: In a large bowl or container, combine the water, kosher salt, and granulated sugar. Stir until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
⏱️ 2 min
- 2
Submerge the chicken breasts in the brine solution. Ensure they are fully covered. Cover the container and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour, or ideally overnight (8-12 hours) for best results.
⏱️ 5 min
- 3
Once brining is complete, remove the chicken breasts from the brine. Discard the brine. Pat the chicken breasts thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good crust.
⏱️ 3 min
- 4
Season the chicken: Generously sprinkle both sides of each chicken breast with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Rub the seasonings into the meat by hand to ensure an even coating. Feel free to adjust spices to your preference.
⏱️ 3 min
- 5
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. While it preheats, individually wrap each seasoned chicken breast tightly in parchment paper. This helps keep the chicken moist and tender.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 375
- 6
Place the wrapped chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken breasts and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer.
⏱️ 20 min•🌡️ 375
- 7
Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer. Let them rest, still wrapped in parchment paper, for 5 minutes before unwrapping and slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
⏱️ 5 min
- 8
Slice the chicken breasts thinly against the grain for deli-style servings. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for use in sandwiches, salads, or wraps throughout the week.
⏱️ 2 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Homemade Deli-Style Chicken Breast
Ingredients
For the Brine
- 4 1/4 cups water
- 1/2 cup kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
For the Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the brine: In a large bowl or container, combine the water, kosher salt, and granulated sugar. Stir until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
⏱️ 2 min - 2
Submerge the chicken breasts in the brine solution. Ensure they are fully covered. Cover the container and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour, or ideally overnight (8-12 hours) for best results.
⏱️ 5 min - 3
Once brining is complete, remove the chicken breasts from the brine. Discard the brine. Pat the chicken breasts thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good crust.
⏱️ 3 min - 4
Season the chicken: Generously sprinkle both sides of each chicken breast with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Rub the seasonings into the meat by hand to ensure an even coating. Feel free to adjust spices to your preference.
⏱️ 3 min - 5
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. While it preheats, individually wrap each seasoned chicken breast tightly in parchment paper. This helps keep the chicken moist and tender.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 375 - 6
Place the wrapped chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken breasts and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer.
⏱️ 20 min•🌡️ 375 - 7
Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer. Let them rest, still wrapped in parchment paper, for 5 minutes before unwrapping and slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
⏱️ 5 min - 8
Slice the chicken breasts thinly against the grain for deli-style servings. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for use in sandwiches, salads, or wraps throughout the week.
⏱️ 2 min