Classic Baked Garlic Herb Chicken Breast

Classic Baked Garlic Herb Chicken Breast is a simple yet flavourful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners alike. Lean chicken breasts are seasoned with a fragrant blend of garlic, fresh herbs, olive oil, and lemon juice, then baked until tender and juicy.

This recipe captures the essence of healthy, wholesome cooking — minimal ingredients, maximum flavour. It’s versatile enough to serve with salads, roasted vegetables, pasta, or rice, and it’s ideal for meal prepping. By baking instead of frying, you keep it light while still locking in flavor and moisture.

Why I Love This Recipe ❤️

I love Classic Baked Garlic Herb Chicken Breast because it’s the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. The aroma of fresh garlic and herbs filling the kitchen while it bakes is enough to make everyone hungry before it even hits the table.

What makes this recipe extra special to me is its consistency — no matter how many times I make it, the chicken always comes out juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned. I also love how versatile it is; some days I serve it with roasted vegetables for a light, healthy dinner, and other times I slice it up for salads, wraps, or pasta dishes.

It’s also a go-to for busy weeknights because it requires minimal effort and clean-up. Yet, despite being so easy, it tastes like something you’d order at a cozy bistro. The balance of savory garlic, fragrant herbs, and perfectly baked chicken just never gets old.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

Classic Baked Garlic Herb Chicken Breast is a must-try because it’s simple, healthy, and bursting with flavor, proving that you don’t need complicated techniques to make a truly satisfying meal. The tender, juicy chicken soaks up the aromatic blend of garlic and herbs, creating a flavor profile that’s both comforting and elegant.

Here’s why it deserves a spot in your kitchen:

• Foolproof and beginner-friendly — minimal prep, no special equipment, and consistent results every time.
• Healthy yet satisfying — high in protein, low in carbs, and made with wholesome ingredients.
• Incredibly versatile — pairs well with roasted veggies, salads, rice, pasta, or even sandwiches.
• Meal-prep friendly — stays moist and flavorful for days, making it perfect for batch cooking.

It’s the kind of recipe that works for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even entertaining guests. With its golden, herb-crusted exterior and juicy interior, this chicken breast is proof that classic recipes never go out of style.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: ~220 kcal (without sides)
• Cuisine: International (with Mediterranean influence)
• Cooking Method: Baking
• Course: Main Course

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat Oven
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Prepare the Marinade
   • In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Season the Chicken
   • Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub the marinade evenly over each piece.
4. Bake
   • Place chicken breasts in the baking dish and bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Rest and Serve
   • Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep juices locked in. Serve warm.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Gather all ingredients.
2. Preheat oven and prepare baking dish.
3. Mix olive oil, garlic, herbs, lemon juice, and seasonings.
4. Pat chicken dry and rub with the herb mixture.
5. Arrange chicken in dish and bake until fully cooked.
6. Let rest, then slice or serve whole.

How to Serve

Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, steamed rice, quinoa, or a crisp garden salad. Drizzle any leftover pan juices over the chicken for extra flavour.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Juicier chicken: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before baking.
• Spicy twist: Add chilli flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• Citrus upgrade: Use orange zest along with lemon juice for brightness.
• Cheesy version: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over chicken before baking.

Freezing and Storage Refrigeration: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Wrap cooked chicken tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes or until heated through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking dish
• Small mixing bowl
• Meat thermometer (for perfect doneness)

Conclusion

Classic Baked Garlic Herb Chicken Breast is a delicious, healthy, and easy main dish that works for almost any occasion. With fragrant herbs, zesty lemon, and juicy baked chicken, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Short Note About This Recipe

This recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken every time — a perfect go-to for quick weeknight meals or meal prep.