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Juicy Baked Chicken Breast with Italian Herbs

juicy baked chicken breast with italian herbs - featured image

A simple and flavorful baked chicken breast recipe infused with Italian herbs, delivering juicy, tender meat perfect for quick dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (68 oz or 170225 g each)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian herb blend (oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, marjoram)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and paprika if using. Stir until well blended.
  4. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and toss until each piece is evenly coated with the herb mixture. Let sit for 10 minutes if time allows.
  5. Place the coated chicken breasts in a baking dish, spaced evenly.
  6. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of each breast if using.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking at 20 minutes for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and clear juices.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

For thicker chicken breasts, pound to even thickness before seasoning. Avoid opening the oven door frequently to prevent drying. Let chicken rest after baking for juicier results. Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper doneness. Tent with foil if chicken browns too quickly.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken breast, Italian herbs, juicy chicken, easy dinner, healthy chicken recipe, quick chicken breast, herb baked chicken