Are you searching for dependable Chicken Breast Recipes that turn out great every single time? You are in the right place. We all know the struggle. You want a healthy, tasty dinner, but chicken breast can be so tricky. It can go from juicy to dry in a matter of minutes.
Well, get ready to change your dinner routine for the better. This recipe is one of my favorite quick dinner ideas because it is so simple and uses basic ingredients. It is a fantastic way to prepare chicken that is packed with flavor and incredibly moist. Let’s get started.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the flavor is just wonderful. The combination of lemon, garlic, and herbs creates a fresh and savory marinade that soaks right into the chicken. It is a classic profile that feels both comforting and a little bit fancy, all at once.
This is one of those baked chicken recipes that is truly easy to make. There is no complicated technique involved. You just mix, marinate, and bake. It is a great starting point for anyone new to cooking or anyone who wants a low stress meal.
It is also very versatile. This chicken is wonderful on its own, sliced over a salad, put into a sandwich, or served with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables or rice. It is a staple for creating delicious family dinners all week long.
The best part is how juicy the chicken turns out. The marinade and the specific baking method lock in all the moisture. You get tender chicken breast every single time, which makes this one of the most reliable Chicken Breast Recipes you will find.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather for these amazing Chicken Breast Oven Recipes. The list is simple and full of pantry staples you might already have.
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 to 1½ pounds total)
- 1 large lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Step By Step Instructions
Following these simple steps will give you the best results. Let’s walk through this easy process for one of our favorite Chicken Breast Recipes.
Step 1: Mix The Marinade
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, thyme, oregano, and black pepper. This mixture is going to be the flavor base for our chicken. It smells so good already.
Once it is mixed, take out about 3 tablespoons of the marinade and put it in a separate small cup. Cover this and place it in the refrigerator. We will use this part later to drizzle over the chicken before baking.
Step 2: Marinate The Chicken
Pour the rest of the marinade into a large resealable bag. Add your four chicken breasts to the bag. Seal it up, making sure to press out any excess air. Give the bag a gentle shake and massage to make sure the chicken is fully coated.
Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes on the counter. If you have more time, you can refrigerate it for up to 8 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavor it will absorb.
Step 3: Prepare The Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a baking dish with some cooking spray. Arrange the thin lemon slices in a single layer on the bottom of the dish. This creates a wonderful base for the chicken to cook on.
If you are not a huge fan of a strong lemon taste, you can skip adding the lemon slices to the dish. The chicken will still be very tasty. While the oven preheats, take the chicken out of the fridge to let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 4: Season The Chicken
In another small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This will be our dry rub. This is a key step in many great Chicken Breast Oven Recipes.
Take the chicken breasts out of the marinade bag and gently pat them dry with paper towels. You can discard the marinade left in the bag. Sprinkle the spice rub evenly over all sides of the chicken. This adds a lovely color and another layer of flavor.
Step 5: Bake The Chicken
Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces over the lemon slices in your prepared baking dish. Now, grab that reserved marinade from the fridge and drizzle it all over the chicken. This adds extra moisture and flavor as it bakes.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps to steam the chicken a bit, keeping it incredibly juicy. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The cooking time for baked chicken recipes can vary, so the best way to check for doneness is with a meat thermometer. You are looking for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 6: Broil And Rest
For a little browning on top, you can remove the foil for the last few minutes of cooking. Just set the oven to broil and watch it carefully. It only takes a minute or two to get a nice golden color. This step is totally optional.
Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven. Let the chicken rest in the dish for about 5 to 8 minutes before you slice and serve it. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers from your delicious family dinners, storing them is easy. Allow the chicken to cool down completely to room temperature first. This is an important step to prevent condensation inside the container.
Place the leftover chicken in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it a great option for meal prepping. You can use the leftovers for lunches throughout the week. These are some of the most versatile Chicken Breast Recipes for meal prep.
Tips
Do not overcook the chicken. This is the number one reason chicken breasts turn out dry. A meat thermometer is your best friend for baked chicken recipes. Pull the chicken out as soon as it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Feel free to change up the herbs. If you have fresh thyme or oregano on hand, you can definitely use them. Just remember the general rule is to use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
Letting the chicken rest after baking is a crucial step. It might be tempting to slice into it right away, but patience pays off. A good rest ensures the juiciest possible result for all your Chicken Breast Recipes.
Patting the chicken dry before adding the spice rub helps the spices stick better. It also helps the chicken to get a nicer color, especially if you decide to broil it at the end. This is a small detail that makes a big difference in many Chicken Breast Oven Recipes.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A straightforward and delicious way to prepare chicken. This recipe proves that making flavorful, juicy chicken at home does not have to be complicated. It is one of those fantastic quick dinner ideas you will return to.
This is truly one of the best Chicken Breast Recipes for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, and everything in between. It is a meal that brings everyone to the table and leaves them smiling. I hope your family enjoys these delicious family dinners as much as mine does.
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
It is always best to use thawed chicken for this recipe. Thawing it completely ensures the chicken cooks evenly. Cooking from frozen can result in a rubbery texture and uneven cooking. For best results, thaw chicken in the refrigerator overnight.
What Can I Serve With This Chicken?
This chicken is incredibly versatile. It pairs well with roasted potatoes, steamed asparagus, a fresh green salad, quinoa, or rice. Honestly, almost any of your favorite side dishes will work beautifully with these Chicken Breast Recipes.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can absolutely use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They are naturally juicier, so they are very forgiving. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly. Use a meat thermometer and cook until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How Do I Know When The Chicken Is Cooked?
The most reliable way to check if chicken is cooked through is with a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast. It should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you do not have one, you can slice into the thickest part. The juices should run clear, and the meat should be opaque all the way through.
Easy Lemon Herb Baked Chicken
This easy lemon herb baked chicken breast recipe ensures juicy, flavorful chicken every time. Simple ingredients and quick steps make it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners and meal prep.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, thyme, oregano, and black pepper.
- Pour 3 tablespoons of the marinade into a separate small cup, cover, and refrigerate for later.
- Pour the remaining marinade into a large resealable bag. Add the chicken breasts, seal, and massage to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes on the counter, or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray. Arrange thin lemon slices on the bottom if desired.
- In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Remove chicken from the marinade bag, pat dry with paper towels, and discard used marinade. Sprinkle spice rub evenly over all sides of the chicken.
- Arrange seasoned chicken over lemon slices in the baking dish. Drizzle with the reserved marinade.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F with a meat thermometer.
- (Optional) For browning, remove foil and broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest in the dish for 5 to 8 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure chicken cools completely before storing to prevent condensation.
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; remove chicken once it reaches 165°F. Resting the chicken for 5-8 minutes after baking allows juices to redistribute, ensuring juiciness.
Feel free to use fresh herbs; typically, use three times the amount of fresh compared to dried. Patting the chicken dry before applying the spice rub helps the seasoning stick and promotes a better crust.
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