Introduction
Classic Baked Garlic Herb Chicken Breast is the perfect go-to recipe when you want something healthy, flavorful, and easy to make. With a simple blend of garlic, fresh herbs, and olive oil, the chicken comes out juicy, tender, and packed with delicious savory notes. This dish is elegant enough for dinner parties but also quick enough for weeknight meals.
It’s one of those versatile recipes that pairs beautifully with vegetables, rice, salads, or even pasta, making it a staple in any kitchen.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s so simple yet so flavorful. You only need everyday pantry ingredients, but the results taste like a dish from a restaurant. The garlic and herbs create an aromatic crust on the chicken, while baking locks in the juices for tender, succulent meat.
It’s also a healthy choice — lean protein, low in calories, and packed with flavor without heavy sauces or frying. Plus, it’s customizable! You can switch up the herbs or add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Healthy & Lean: High protein, low-fat, and baked instead of fried.
- Easy & Quick: Minimal prep, ready in about 30 minutes.
- Versatile: Goes with almost any side dish.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Stores well for lunches and weeknight dinners.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves juicy garlic herb chicken!
Preparation & Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: ~220 kcal
Cuisine & Course
- Cuisine: American / Mediterranean-inspired
- Course: Main Course, Dinner, Healthy Meal
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 700g)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional but recommended)
Simple Cooking Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Make a garlic-herb marinade with olive oil, garlic, and spices.
- Coat chicken breasts evenly with the mixture.
- Bake until juicy and golden (20–25 minutes).
- Rest, slice, and serve with sides.
Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare Garlic Herb Mixture
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well into a paste.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels (important for good browning).
- Rub each breast with the garlic-herb mixture until well coated.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
- Place chicken breasts in the baking dish in a single layer.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes (depending on thickness) until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Rest & Serve
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing (this keeps it juicy).
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
How to Serve
- Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a fresh salad.
- Slice and use for sandwiches, wraps, or grain bowls.
- Drizzle with pan juices for extra flavor.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for more consistent cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken (no guesswork).
- For extra juiciness, marinate chicken for 30 minutes (or up to overnight).
- Add a splash of white wine to the baking dish for richer flavor.
Variations
- Spicy Garlic Herb Chicken: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken: Add zest and juice of 1 lemon to the marinade.
- Cheesy Garlic Chicken: Sprinkle Parmesan or mozzarella before baking.
- Mediterranean Style: Add olives and cherry tomatoes to the baking dish.
Freezing & Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked chicken in sealed bags for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently in oven at 325°F (160°C) or microwave with a splash of broth to prevent dryness.
Special Equipment Needed
- Baking dish or sheet pan
- Meat thermometer (recommended for best results)
- Mixing bowl
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
Conclusion
Classic Baked Garlic Herb Chicken Breast is a timeless dish that proves simple ingredients can create outstanding flavor. Juicy, tender, and fragrant with garlic and herbs, it’s a versatile recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
Whether you serve it with a hearty side dish for dinner, slice it into a salad, or meal-prep it for the week, this chicken is healthy, flavorful, and truly satisfying. One bite, and it will become a staple in your kitchen
Classic Baked Garlic Herb Chicken Breast
Description
Classic Baked Garlic Herb Chicken Breast is the perfect go-to recipe when you want something healthy, flavorful, and easy to make.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Step 1: Preheat Oven : Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
-
Step 2: Prepare Garlic Herb Mixture : In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well into a paste.
-
Step 3: Coat the Chicken : Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels (important for good browning). Rub each breast with the garlic-herb mixture until well coated.
-
Step 4: Bake the Chicken : Place chicken breasts in the baking dish in a single layer. Bake for 20–25 minutes (depending on thickness) until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
-
Step 5: Rest & Serve : Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing (this keeps it juicy). Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
