Chicken breasts can easily turn out dry and chewy, but soaking them in a simple ingredient could help to make them juicy and tender. The method is super easy to pull offKatie-Ann Gupwell13:54, 29 May 2026Updated 13:58, 29 May 2026Chicken breasts are a popular choice for many, yet countless home cooks are constantly searching for methods to ensure they turn out extra juicy. After all, they can easily become dry during cooking, but a straightforward technique means this common pitfall can be completely avoided.‌According to a food guru, the key to success lies in a simple recipe that involves soaking the meat in one crucial ingredient before you cook it. Forget about marinades or butter, as it turns out you need to look towards a staple store cupboard ingredient to get the best out of your chicken, and the results can be remarkable.‌The tip was previously shared by Maxine Sharf, a recipe developer who posts useful hints on TikTok. She revealed one of several tricks you can employ to guarantee your chicken stays extra juicy.‌Maxine said: "I'm going to let you in on the secret to super tender, juicy chicken. It's brining it in a salt water bath. This works because the salt penetrates into the chicken's surface, and locks in mositure."So you're left with super tender, juicy chicken. So good."She then shared her recipe, which includes the coating she applies to add flavour to the chicken. However, for the brine itself, you only need two ingredients and it couldn't be simpler.‌Simply combine four cups of water with a quarter of a cup of Kosher salt. Submerge the chicken breasts in the brine for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to eight hours in the fridge.Once you've finished brining, dry the chicken thoroughly with kitchen paper. From this point you can roast your chicken however you prefer, though Maxine also provides a recipe for a delicious coating.Content cannot be displayed without consent‌That's all there is to preparing a succulent, roasted chicken breast, according to Maxine, and people have confirmed it delivers excellent results. One person commented: "This was the juiciest chicken I HAVE EVER HAD. Thank you!"Another said: "This does not make it salty nor does it dry it out. It makes it so juicy. Yes, season as normal after."A third also remarked: "I did this recipe tonight and it was a massive hit. Thank you so much."‌How does this technique work?What you might not realise is that brining chicken in salt is widely regarded as the most effective method for ensuring juiciness. The salt modifies the structure of the meat, enabling it to retain considerably more moisture and flavour throughout cooking.The salt breaks down some of the muscle proteins in the chicken, which serves to relax the meat fibres. This loosened structure stops the proteins from contracting tightly and forcing out water when subjected to heat.The salt draws water into the cells, assisting the meat in holding onto more moisture than unbrined chicken. You can also scatter coarse salt uniformly over the skin and flesh and leave it sitting uncovered in the fridge overnight if you're unable to prepare a brine.Article continues belowThis approach can also influence the final outcome. However, if kept in the solution for too long, the meat can cure, which results in a rubbery texture, so you must exercise caution.Always thoroughly pat the chicken dry using kitchen roll before cooking to guarantee crispy skin. That's really all you need to do to make certain your chicken breasts turn out beautifully tender every single time!