Why make this recipe
Easy Baked Chicken is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for any day of the week. It requires minimal ingredients and prep time, making it ideal for busy individuals or families. This recipe is not only flavorful but also healthy, as chicken is a great source of protein. Plus, the method of baking keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
How to make Easy Baked Chicken
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- Herbs (such as rosemary or thyme)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to serve Easy Baked Chicken
You can serve Easy Baked Chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or mashed potatoes. Add some lemon wedges for extra flavor and a splash of freshness. This dish pairs well with various sides, allowing you to create a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
How to store Easy Baked Chicken
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool down completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just be sure to label it with the date.
Tips to make Easy Baked Chicken
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy. Using a meat thermometer can help; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- You can marinate the chicken in advance for more flavor. Let it sit in the seasoning for at least an hour or overnight in the fridge.
- Try experimenting with different herbs and spices to create unique flavors.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables to the baking dish. Try tossing in some sliced onions, bell peppers, or zucchini for a complete one-pan meal. Additionally, you can use bone-in chicken or chicken thighs for a different texture and flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use skin-on chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken breasts. They will be crispy and flavorful, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. What can I use if I don’t have fresh herbs?
If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs instead. Just use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are stronger in flavor.
3. Can I cook this dish in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook Easy Baked Chicken in an air fryer. Set the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 18-22 minutes, checking for doneness.
Easy Baked Chicken
A simple and delicious baked chicken recipe perfect for any day, requiring minimal ingredients and prep time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Poultry
Ingredients
- 2 Chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
- 1 tbsp Herbs (such as rosemary or thyme)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve with roasted vegetables, salad, or mashed potatoes. Add lemon wedges for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
