Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken Breasts

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves - 3 tablespoons high-quality olive oil - 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste - Lemon wedges for serving The key to juicy and flavorful garlic herb roasted chicken breasts lies in the ingredients. First, you need four skinless chicken breasts. Choose fresh ones for the best taste. Next, garlic is a must. Four cloves, finely minced, will add a strong flavor that complements the chicken well. Fresh herbs are essential. Use two tablespoons of chopped rosemary and two tablespoons of thyme. These herbs bring a lovely aroma and taste. For the marinade, three tablespoons of high-quality olive oil ensure the chicken stays moist. You will also need one teaspoon of lemon zest. This adds brightness to the dish. Finally, season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to enhance all the flavors. Don’t forget to have lemon wedges on the side for serving. They add a nice touch and extra zing when squeezed over the chicken. With these ingredients, you set the stage for a fantastic meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps cook the chicken evenly. 2. In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well until you have a fragrant herb marinade. 1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step removes extra moisture and helps the chicken sear well. 2. Coat the chicken with the herb marinade. Make sure every piece is well covered. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. For deeper flavor, refrigerate for up to 2 hours. 1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the marinated chicken breasts on it in a single layer. 2. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). 3. After roasting, let the chicken rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This resting time helps keep the chicken juicy when you slice it. - Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavors. - Use high-quality olive oil for better taste. Marinating chicken is key to great taste. The longer you let it sit, the more flavor it absorbs. I suggest a minimum of 30 minutes. For the best results, marinate for up to 2 hours. This allows the garlic and herbs to work their magic. Choosing good olive oil matters, too. A high-quality oil makes the dish richer and more flavorful. It also helps the herbs stick to the chicken better. - Pat chicken dry before marinating to achieve a better sear. - Let the chicken rest after roasting to retain juices. To keep your chicken juicy, start by patting it dry with paper towels. This simple step helps you get a nice sear when cooking. A good sear gives you a tasty crust. After roasting, allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes. This lets the juices settle back into the meat. When you slice it, you’ll find a tender and juicy piece of chicken. - Slice diagonally for an elegant serving. - Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. Presentation makes your meal look special. Slice the chicken diagonally for a more elegant look. This also makes it easier to serve. To add color and freshness, garnish with chopped herbs and lemon wedges. This not only looks great but also adds a bright flavor. For a complete meal, serve it with seasonal veggies or a light salad. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken breasts for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the herbs and garlic to penetrate the meat deeply. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Rest the Chicken: Always let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes after roasting. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat juicy and tender. Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to swap or add different herbs like parsley or oregano to the marinade for a unique flavor profile tailored to your taste. {{image_4}} You can change the herbs in this recipe. Oregano or parsley work well. They add new tastes. Each herb brings a different flavor. Try what you like best. Mixing herbs can be fun, too! Want more kick? Add crushed red pepper flakes. It gives a nice heat to the dish. You can also try a splash of white wine. Balsamic vinegar adds a sweet touch to the marinade. Both options make the chicken even tastier. Grilling chicken brings a smoky flavor. It adds a great char that many love. If you want a quick option, use an air fryer. It cooks the chicken fast and keeps it juicy. Experiment with these methods for new tastes. Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken fresh and safe to eat. If you know you won’t use it all, try to divide it into smaller portions. This way, you can enjoy it over several meals without losing flavor. You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you want to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. This slow thawing keeps the chicken juicy. To reheat, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This prevents it from drying out. Heat until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Enjoy your tasty chicken just like it was fresh from the oven! Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier outcome. Thigh meat has more fat than breasts. This fat keeps the meat moist while cooking. If you choose thighs, keep the cooking time similar. Check the temperature to ensure they cook fully. Thighs are also more forgiving if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. This method gives you the best accuracy. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear with no pink meat. Pair with roasted vegetables, salad, or rice for a complete meal. Roasted potatoes and carrots make a great side. A simple green salad adds freshness. Rice or quinoa can soak up the chicken's juices. These sides balance the flavors and textures nicely. This blog post covered making delicious garlic herb roasted chicken. We detailed the key ingredients, from chicken breasts to fresh herbs. I provided clear steps for marinating and roasting chicken. You learned tips for enhancing flavor and ensuring a juicy finish. Variations and storage advice were included for easy meal prep. Now, you have all you need to make this dish a success. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and impressing your family and friends!$

Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken Breasts

A flavorful and juicy roasted chicken dish infused with garlic and fresh herbs.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
3 tablespoons high-quality olive oil
1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
to taste salt
to taste freshly cracked pepper
for serving lemon wedges

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures an even cooking temperature for your chicken.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a fragrant herb marinade.
Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear. Place the chicken breasts in a large mixing bowl or a resealable plastic bag for easy marinating.
Pour the prepared herb marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to intensify the flavors.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Once marinated, arrange the chicken breasts on the baking sheet in a single layer for even cooking.
Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
After roasting, carefully remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy chicken when sliced.

Notes

Slice the roasted chicken breasts diagonally and arrange them on a beautiful serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs and lemon wedges for a vibrant touch.

Keyword chicken, garlic, herbs, roasted