Juicy Herb-Infused Baked Chicken Breast
A simple and reliable baked chicken breast recipe infused with fresh herbs that stays juicy and tender every time. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Optional: pinch of smoked paprika
- Optional: dash of chili flakes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Coat the chicken breasts evenly with the herb mixture. Let sit for 10–15 minutes at room temperature if time allows.
- Arrange the chicken breasts spaced evenly in a baking dish. Pour any leftover marinade over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, checking internal temperature around 20 minutes; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is essential to avoid rubbery texture. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. Let the chicken rest after baking to lock in juices. If chicken browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (ab
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Protein: 45
Keywords: baked chicken breast, herb chicken, juicy chicken, rosemary chicken, thyme chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy dinner