If you’re looking for a chicken recipe that’s bursting with flavor yet incredibly easy to pull off any night of the week, then you’re going to adore this Herb Baked Chicken Breast Recipe. I absolutely love how juicy and tender the chicken turns out, plus the aromatic herbs create a cozy, homey vibe every time I make it. Stick around because I’m sharing all my best tips to help you nail this simple, heartwarming dish that truly never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity at its Best: You only need a handful of pantry staple herbs and spices to create a flavor-packed dinner.
- Juicy, Never Dry: I discovered a foolproof way to keep chicken breasts juicy, even for weeknights when I’m in a rush.
- Versatile and Customizable: This recipe adapts beautifully with herbs you have on hand or want to experiment with.
- Quick Cooking Time: Perfect for busy evenings, this comes together in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Herb Baked Chicken Breast Recipe calls for simple ingredients you probably already keep in your kitchen. The blend of dried herbs enhances the natural flavor of the chicken without overpowering, and olive oil helps create a lovely crust while keeping the meat moist.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose even-sized breasts for consistent cooking, and if they’re thick, consider pounding them slightly to even thickness.
- Olive oil (or avocado oil): Adds moisture and helps the herbs stick to the chicken while roasting.
- Garlic powder: Gives a subtle savory depth without the hassle of fresh garlic.
- Dried basil: Provides a sweet, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the other herbs.
- Dried thyme: Adds an earthy, slightly minty note that brightens the overall herb mix.
- Dried oregano: Brings a warm, slightly bitter undertone, rounding out the herb blend beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Herb Baked Chicken Breast Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often switch up the herbs depending on what’s fresh or what I’m craving that week, and I encourage you to do the same. It’s all about making this recipe your own.
- Fresh herbs swap: If you have fresh rosemary, parsley, or sage, chop about a tablespoon and mix it into the spice rub for an extra burst of freshness—I love doing this in spring!
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika if you want to add some heat and smoky depth; it’s a favorite twist in my household.
- Gluten-free adjustment: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a reliable choice if you’re cooking for guests with dietary restrictions.
- Marinade method: For even more flavor, I sometimes marinate the chicken in olive oil and herbs for 30 minutes or overnight when I plan ahead.
How to Make Herb Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat is key to getting that beautifully browned exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Meanwhile, grab a small bowl to mix together your garlic powder, dried basil, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper — this is your magic herb blend that brings the whole dish together.
Step 2: Oil and Coat the Chicken
Next, lightly coat your chicken breasts in olive oil. I like to do this with my hands to make sure every nook and cranny is covered. Then comes the best part: rubbing that fragrant spice blend all over the chicken on both sides. Don’t be shy here! A generous coating helps build layers of flavor.
Step 3: Bake and Rest
Place your chicken breasts in a baking dish and slide it into your preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes depending on the size of your breasts — the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest a few minutes before cutting; this lets the juices redistribute and keeps every bite juicy and tender. Trust me, skipping this step is a rookie mistake I learned to avoid!
Pro Tips for Making Herb Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
- Even Thickness Matters: Pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook uniformly and stay juicy.
- Don’t Skip Resting: I learned the hard way that resting the chicken after baking dramatically improves tenderness.
- High Oven Temperature: Baking at 425°F lets the outside crust up nicely while sealing in moisture.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking, check for 165°F internal temperature rather than guessing by time.
How to Serve Herb Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping the chicken with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few lemon wedges — both brighten the plate and add fresh aroma and color. Sometimes a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving takes it up a notch for a touch of richness.
Side Dishes
This herb baked chicken pairs perfectly with simple roasted veggies or a crisp green salad. My go-to sides include garlic roasted potatoes, steamed asparagus, or a fluffy quinoa pilaf to keep things light yet satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to slice the chicken thinly and fan it out on a platter with some fresh herb sprigs and lemon wedges arranged artfully around. You can also serve it atop a bed of herbed couscous with colorful roasted beets or carrots beside it — it looks as delicious as it tastes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover herb baked chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I usually slice it before storing, so it’s ready to toss into salads, wraps, or quick sandwiches throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When thawing, it’s best to do so overnight in the fridge to retain moisture and texture.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven wrapped in foil to keep the chicken moist. Microwaving can work in a pinch, but watch it closely to avoid drying out. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water before heating works wonders to keep it juicy.
FAQs
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Can I use bone-in chicken breasts instead of boneless for this herb baked chicken breast recipe?
You can, but bone-in breasts will require longer cooking time. I recommend baking closer to 35-40 minutes and checking with a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F. The bone can add flavor but may affect the evenness of cooking compared to boneless breasts.
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Is it okay to substitute fresh herbs for dried in this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs often have a more vibrant flavor, but since they contain more moisture, you’ll want to use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried. Adding them on top after baking can also help maintain their bright taste.
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How do I make sure the chicken breasts don’t dry out while baking?
The biggest game changer is baking at a high temperature for a short period and letting the chicken rest afterward. Using a meat thermometer to check for doneness prevents overcooking, and coating the breasts in olive oil helps lock in moisture too.
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Can I prepare the herb seasoning ahead of time?
Definitely! I often mix the dried herbs and spices in a larger batch and store them in an airtight jar. This makes weeknight dinners quicker since the seasoning blend is ready to use whenever you want to whip up the recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Herb Baked Chicken Breast Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight dinner rotation because it delivers reliable, juicy chicken with minimal effort and maximum flavor. I love sharing it with friends because it’s approachable but still feels a little fancy. If you try it, I’m sure you’ll agree—sometimes the simplest recipes become your absolute favorites. So go ahead, give it a shot and enjoy a beautifully herb-infused meal that your whole family will enjoy!
Print
Herb Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This herb baked chicken breast recipe features juicy, tender chicken breasts infused with a flavorful blend of garlic powder, dried basil, thyme, and oregano. Quickly prepared with simple ingredients and baked to perfection, it’s a perfect easy weeknight dinner that’s both delicious and healthy.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning Mix
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Seasoning: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, dried basil, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper until the spices are well mixed.
- Coat the Chicken: Lightly brush the chicken breasts with olive oil to help the spices adhere and add moisture. Generously rub the prepared spice mix all over both sides of each chicken breast to ensure full flavor coverage.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish, spreading them out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, adjusting time based on the size of the breasts, until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute inside the meat, resulting in a moist and tender dish. Serve warm.
Notes
- This herb baked chicken is packed with flavor while remaining juicy and tender.
- Using dried herbs makes the recipe quick and easy without sacrificing taste.
- Ideal for a simple and healthy weeknight dinner.
- Letting the chicken rest before serving helps maintain moisture and juiciness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 196 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 132 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 72 mg
