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To make Italian Herb Oven Baked Chicken Breast, gather these simple ingredients: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 2 teaspoons dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Using fresh herbs brings a bright taste. They add a punch of flavor. If you can't find fresh herbs, dried ones work well too. Dried herbs are more concentrated. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs. This helps keep the flavors strong. Olive oil is key in this recipe. It adds richness and keeps the chicken moist. Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil. This oil enhances the taste of your dish. Look for oil that smells fresh and fruity. A good olive oil makes a big difference. It can elevate your cooking to the next level. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps the chicken cook fast and stay juicy. While the oven warms up, grab a small bowl. In this bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, 2 teaspoons of dried basil, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Then, add 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir this mixture well. This will be your flavorful marinade. Next, take 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them in a baking dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Use your hands or a spoon to spread the marinade evenly. Let the chicken soak up those flavors for a few minutes if you have time. This step makes a big difference in taste. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps the chicken cook evenly without drying out. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an extra 15-20 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and have a nice golden color on top. Once it’s done, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. To keep your chicken juicy, don't overcook it. The ideal internal temperature is 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check. Letting the chicken rest after baking helps too. This lets the juices settle back in. Cover it with foil to keep it warm while it rests for five minutes. This simple step makes a big difference. Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, let it sit in the fridge for a few hours. This helps the flavors soak in well. Use a zip-top bag or a bowl to mix the chicken with the marinade. Ensure every piece is coated. If you want extra flavor, reserve some marinade before adding the chicken. You can brush it on during cooking for more taste. For this recipe, you need a few simple tools. Use a baking dish to hold the chicken. A meat thermometer ensures perfect cooking. A small bowl is great for mixing the marinade. Use aluminum foil to cover the dish while baking. Finally, a sharp knife helps you slice the chicken nicely after it rests. These tools make cooking easy and fun! Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For even more flavorful chicken, marinate the chicken breasts in the herb mixture for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight in the refrigerator. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked. Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more tender chicken. Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs or other dried herbs based on your preference. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley can enhance the dish even further. {{image_2}} You can change the herbs to get new tastes. Try using rosemary or sage. For a spicy kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes. Mixing fresh herbs can also bring bright flavors. Use fresh basil or parsley for a fresh twist. Adding veggies makes this dish even better. Chop bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. Toss them in the marinade with the chicken. They will soak up the herb flavors and roast nicely. Bake them together for a tasty side that’s easy to make. This chicken pairs well with many sides. Try serving it with rice or mashed potatoes. A crisp salad adds freshness. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a hearty meal. Don’t forget to drizzle extra olive oil on your sides for added flavor! After your meal, let the chicken cool down. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you’re like me, you’ll want to enjoy that flavor again soon! To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm. You can also use a microwave. Just heat for one to two minutes, but check it often. If you want to save chicken for later, freezing is perfect. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag and remove as much air as you can. This way, they’ll stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You should bake chicken breasts at 400°F for about 40 to 45 minutes. Start by covering the dish with foil for the first 25 minutes. This keeps the chicken moist. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. The chicken should reach 165°F inside. This method makes the chicken tender and tasty. Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs are juicier and more flavorful. They also stay moist during cooking. Just adjust the baking time slightly. Thighs may need about 5 to 10 more minutes than breasts. Always check the internal temperature to ensure they are safe to eat. Many sides go well with this dish. Here are some great options: - Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy and rich, they balance the herbs nicely. - Roasted vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers add color and nutrients. - Caesar salad: Crisp romaine with dressing adds a nice crunch. - Rice pilaf: Fluffy rice with herbs complements the chicken's flavors. - Pasta with olive oil: Simple pasta is a great side for a hearty meal. These sides will enhance your meal and make it more satisfying. In this post, we covered key aspects of making Italian herb oven-baked chicken. We discussed essential ingredients, focusing on fresh herbs and quality olive oil. You learned step-by-step instructions for baking tender chicken, along with tips to keep it juicy. We explored delicious variations and provided storage tips for leftovers. Remember, quality ingredients and care in preparation make a big difference. Enjoy your flavorful dishes and don’t hesitate to experiment for your taste!

Italian Herb Oven Baked Chicken Breast

Delight in this Italian Herb Oven Baked Chicken Breast recipe, perfect for any dinner table! This seasoned chicken breast is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor from oregano, basil, and garlic. If you love crowd-pleasing recipes, this oven baked chicken breasts dish will surely impress your family and friends. Discover one of the best chicken breast recipes baked to perfection. Save this recipe for a delicious meal! #ChickenRecipes #BakedChicken #HealthyEating #EasyDinner
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons dried oregano

2 teaspoons dried basil

1 teaspoon dried thyme

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon lemon zest

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

    In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, oregano, basil, thyme, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.

      Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well-coated.

        Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

          Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C) and slightly golden on top.

            Once done, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.

              Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4