Garlic Herb Baked Chicken Breasts

$For this Garlic Herb Baked Chicken Breasts recipe, you need simple and fresh items. Here’s a full list of what to gather: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 4 cloves of garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 teaspoons lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - Zest of 1 lemon These ingredients bring bold flavor to the chicken. Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary add brightness. The minced garlic gives it a rich taste. Olive oil helps keep the chicken moist. Lemon juice and zest add a tangy kick. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. It's key to use fresh herbs for maximum flavor. You can find them at local markets or grocery stores. Fresh herbs make a noticeable difference compared to dried ones. This dish is not just easy to make; it also tastes amazing. Make sure your chicken is thawed and at room temperature before marinating. This helps the herbs stick and infuse well. Enjoy the process and savor the delightful aromas as you cook! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheating the oven: Start by setting your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps to lock in flavor and keeps the chicken juicy. 2. Making the herb marinade: In a bowl, mix 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon each of thyme and rosemary, and 1/4 cup olive oil. Add 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, the zest of 1 lemon, and some salt and pepper. Stir until well combined. This marinade is the key to tasty chicken. - How to ensure proper coating: To coat the chicken well, place the 4 chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece is covered with the marinade. This step helps the chicken absorb all those great flavors. - Recommended marinating time: Seal the bag or cover the dish and put it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For even better taste, try to marinate for up to 2 hours. 1. Preparing the baking dish: Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil. This makes cleanup easier and helps prevent sticking. 2. Cooking time and checking for doneness: After marinating, take the chicken out of the fridge. Place the chicken in the prepared baking dish and throw away any leftover marinade. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is done. It should reach 165°F (74°C). Once done, take it out and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period keeps the chicken juicy. To get the best flavor with herbs, use fresh ones. Fresh herbs add a bright taste that dried ones can't match. I love using parsley, thyme, and rosemary. Chop them finely and mix them into your marinade. This helps the flavors blend well with the chicken. Resting the chicken after baking is very important. Let it rest for about five minutes. This step allows the juices to settle. When you slice the chicken too soon, the juices run out. This can make your chicken dry. Resting keeps it juicy and tender. When serving garlic herb chicken, presentation matters. Place the chicken on a nice platter. You can add lemon wedges and extra herbs around the chicken. This adds color and makes it look fancy. Garnishes can boost visual appeal. Fresh herbs or lemon slices on top add a nice touch. You can also drizzle some pan juices on the chicken. This not only looks great but adds more flavor too. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours, for a more intense flavor that penetrates the meat. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let It Rest: After baking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful. Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to substitute or add other fresh herbs like basil or oregano according to your taste preferences for a unique twist. {{image_2}} You can change herbs to suit your taste. Try using basil or oregano instead of thyme or rosemary. These herbs still pack a flavorful punch. If you want a kick, add some hot sauce or a spoon of mustard to the marinade. This adds a nice zest without overpowering the chicken. Grilling is a great way to get smoky flavors. Just marinate the chicken as usual and grill it over medium heat. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, checking for doneness. You can also pan-sear the chicken for a crispy outside. Heat olive oil in a skillet, then cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side. If you prefer a hands-off method, try a slow cooker. Place the marinated chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. This method keeps the chicken juicy and tender. To keep your Garlic Herb Baked Chicken Breasts fresh, use the right storage methods. First, let the chicken cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. This method keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. Store the container in the fridge. You should eat the leftovers within three to four days. If the chicken smells bad or looks off, throw it away. Always trust your senses. If you want to save the chicken for later, freezing is the way to go. First, cut the chicken into smaller pieces if you like. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag or container with the date. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it safely. The best way to thaw is in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can use cold water. Just remember to cook it right away after thawing. How long to bake garlic herb chicken? Bake garlic herb chicken for 25 to 30 minutes. Check that the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and very juicy. Can I use frozen chicken breasts? You can use frozen chicken breasts, but thaw them first. Thawing helps the marinade soak in better. It also cooks more evenly. What to serve with garlic herb chicken? Serve garlic herb chicken with roasted veggies or a fresh salad. Rice or mashed potatoes also pair well. These sides soak up the tasty juices! In this blog post, we explored how to make tasty garlic herb chicken. We covered the key ingredients and detailed steps to marinate and bake the chicken. I shared cooking and serving tips to enhance flavor and presentation. We also discussed variations and storage methods for leftovers. Whether you choose to grill or bake, you can enjoy this dish anytime. Remember, simple changes can add great flavor. Try this recipe for a meal that is easy, delicious, and satisfying. Dive in and enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Garlic Herb Baked Chicken Breasts

A flavorful and juicy baked chicken dish infused with garlic and fresh herbs.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 quarter cup olive oil
2 teaspoons lemon juice
to taste salt and pepper
1 piece zest of lemon

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir well to form a herb marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the herb marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil for easy cleanup.
Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and place them in the prepared baking dish. Discard any leftover marinade.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Once done, remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Serve the chicken on a platter, garnished with additional fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a pop of color. Drizzle any pan juices over the top for added flavor.

Keyword baked, chicken, garlic, herbs