Garlic Herb Baked Chicken Breast
A simple yet flavorful dish that transforms ordinary chicken breast into a restaurant-worthy meal. Seasoned generously with aromatic garlic and mixed herbs, this chicken breast bakes up moist and tender, making it versatile enough for everything from weeknight dinners to meal prep sessions.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Marination Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 215 kcal
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 2 pounds
- 4 cloves garlic minced (or 2 tablespoons pre-minced garlic)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herb blend or mix of rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese optional
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider butterflying them or using a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness of about ¾ inch.
In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, dried herbs, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Massage the garlic herb mixture thoroughly onto both sides of each chicken breast, ensuring every inch is covered.
Optional: For extra flavor, marinate the seasoned chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Bake the chicken in your preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F (74°C). For golden chicken, switch your oven to broil for the last 2 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the chicken while still hot from the oven.
Don't have fresh garlic? Garlic powder works in a pinch (use 1 teaspoon). For those avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast makes an excellent Parmesan substitute.
Properly stored in an airtight container, this chicken stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
For meal prep, slice the cooled chicken and portion it into individual containers. When reheating, add a teaspoon of water to your microwave-safe container and cover loosely to help retain moisture.
Calories: 215kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 35gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 420mgPotassium: 570mgFiber: 0.5gVitamin A: 220IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 1.2mg
Keyword Chicken Breast, Garlic Herb Chicken, Baked Chicken, Healthy Dinner