Chicken breast is a popular choice for quick and healthy meals, as it is packed with protein, low in fat, and without bones; however, no matter how much you add herbs and spices, it often turns out dry, chewy, and lacking in flavour. Many home cooks don’t realise that the secret to tender, flavorful chicken starts before the seasoning even begins.

According to a food content creator on Instagram, Dorothy Linda Ogwuru (@itsmsdlo), there's one simple ingredient that can completely change the way your chicken turns out. It should be done before you season the meat—and it takes only five minutes. Do it right, and your chicken breast will practically "melt in your mouth."

The secret? 

Dorothy began her video by captioning: "You’ve been eating dry chicken breast because no one told you this. A bit of bicarbonate soda is the secret to that juicy, tender restaurant-style chicken. Try it and thank me later."

As the video plays, she goes on to say: "Now, let's not lie, chicken breast? Dry. As. Hell. I abandoned it years ago, I was a thigh girl through and through until last year I found this secret and I've never looked back since.

"Bicarbonate soda, yep, the same one you bake with. Rub a little in your chicken breast, let it sit for five minutes, then rinse it off really well." Season it and cook it however you like.

As Dorothy reaffirms, "That thing will melt in your mouth. You'll think you're eating chicken thigh, juicy, tender, and flavour-packed."

Does it actually work? 

According to Arm and Hammer, baking soda ( bicarbonate soda) is a powerful tenderiser. It raises the pH level on the surface of the meat, which prevents the proteins from tightening and becoming tough.

As a result, the meat stays juicy, tender, and full of flavour. This method is also called velveting and is especially useful for cuts of steak or chicken before grilling, roasting, or adding to a stir-fry.

How to do it 

1. For every 250g of chicken breast strips or pieces, toss three to four teaspoons of bicarbonate soda
2. Marinate for 20 minutes
3. Rinse well under running water and then pat with a paper towel to remove excess water, reported Recipetineats