Easy Italian Baked Chicken Recipe
Easy Italian Baked Chicken, flavored with a simple spice mixture along with fresh garlic and olive oil, and finished with parsley and fresh basil. Be sure to read the tips for best results.
Easy Italian Baked Chicken, flavored with a simple spice mixture along with fresh garlic and olive oil, and finished with parsley and fresh basil. Be sure to read the tips for best results.
- salt and pepper
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 medium red onion halved and thinly sliced
- fresh basil leaves for garnish
- 2 g boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 g dry oregano
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (from 2 springs of thyme)
- 1 g sweet paprika
- 3 ml greek extra virgin olive oil (i used this one)
- 5 small roma tomatoes) halved
- handful chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Carbohydrate 3.01920833333333 g
- Cholesterol 0.193333333333333 mg
- Fat 0.0882166666666667 g
- Fiber 0.574333340401451 g
- Protein 0.481983333333333 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0229466666666667 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (25g)
- Sodium 13.7159288194445 mg
- Sugar 2.44487499293188 g
- Trans Fat 0.0170533333333333 g
- Calories 13 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Pat chicken dry. Place a chicken breast in a large zip-top bag and zip the top (make sure to release any air in the bag first), then place it on your poultry cutting board. Using a meat mallet, pound to flatten the chicken. Remove from zip-top bag and reuse bag and mallet to repeat the process with the remaining chicken breast pieces.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides and place in a large mixing bowl or dish. Add spices, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and lemon juice. Combine to make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices and garlic.
- In a large lightly oiled baking dish or pan, spread onion slices on the bottom. Arrange seasoned chicken on top, and add the tomatoes.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 10 minutes covered, then uncover and bake another 8 to 10 minutes or so. Watch carefully. This can take less or more time depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. To be sure chicken is cooked through, use a instant digital Cooking or Meat Thermometer for the proper temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Remove from heat. Let chicken breasts rest (cover with foil or another pan) for 5 to 10 minutes or so before serving. Uncover and garnish with fresh parsley and basil. Enjoy!
Easy Italian Baked Chicken: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy dinner can feel like a Herculean task. But trust me, this Easy Italian Baked Chicken recipe is a lifesaver! It's quick, simple, and bursting with flavor – perfect for those nights when you need a satisfying meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You'll start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which are incredibly versatile. I like to use a meat mallet to pound them slightly thinner, ensuring even cooking and a shorter baking time. This little trick is a game-changer! Then, it's just a matter of tossing the chicken in a fragrant blend of garlic, herbs, and olive oil. The combination of oregano, thyme, and paprika creates a warm, earthy profile that complements the chicken perfectly. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens everything up, adding a delightful tang.
I love using Roma tomatoes in this recipe. They hold their shape well during baking, offering a juicy burst of sweetness that balances the savory chicken. And the red onion? Don't skip it! It adds a subtle sharpness that cuts through the richness of the dish. I thinly slice it and layer it at the bottom of the baking dish, creating a flavorful base for the chicken and tomatoes.
One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is how adaptable it is. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations. Perhaps you'd prefer rosemary and garlic, or maybe some chili flakes for a hint of spice. The possibilities are endless! You can also easily add other vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus, to make this a complete one-pan meal.
To make it even easier, I often prep the chicken and marinade the night before. This saves valuable time on busy weeknights and allows the flavors to fully meld. Simply store the marinated chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight. When you're ready to cook, simply pop it in the oven and let the magic happen.
This Easy Italian Baked Chicken is a true crowd-pleaser. It's the kind of dish that everyone will love, from picky eaters to seasoned foodies. Serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up all those delicious juices, or pair it with a simple salad for a light and refreshing meal. No matter how you serve it, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.
So, the next time you're short on time but craving a flavorful and satisfying meal, give this Easy Italian Baked Chicken recipe a try. You won't be disappointed! The combination of simple ingredients, minimal effort, and maximum flavor makes it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. Trust me, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a family favorite.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
- Pair with crusty bread to soak up the delicious pan juices.
- Serve over pasta or rice for a heartier dish.
- Add a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Add other vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus, for a complete one-pan meal.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts for a richer flavor.
- If you don't have fresh herbs, you can substitute with dried herbs. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh herbs.
