Description
Succulent Italian baked chicken nestles perfectly between classic Mediterranean flavors and home-style comfort. Herb-infused chicken delivers rich, aromatic notes that invite dinner guests to savor each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 tbsps olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or balsamic vinegar (optional)
- ½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a baking dish with a light oil coating or aluminum foil lining.
- Marinade Creation: Whisk olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and lemon juice in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
- Chicken Infusion: Arrange chicken pieces in the baking dish, thoroughly coating with the prepared marinade. Allow flavors to meld for 10-15 minutes, ensuring complete coverage by massaging or brushing the mixture onto the meat.
- Roasting Process: Place marinated chicken in the preheated oven, roasting uncovered until the meat achieves a golden exterior and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F (74C), approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Finishing Touches: Remove chicken from the oven and let rest briefly to redistribute juices. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs, presenting a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired culinary creation ready for serving.
Notes
- Marinate Mindfully: Allow chicken to soak in the seasoning mix for at least 10-15 minutes to enhance flavor penetration and tenderness.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165F (74C) for perfect doneness and food safety, preventing dryness or undercooking.
- Herb Enhancement: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley during the final garnish to elevate the dish’s aromatic profile and add vibrant color.
- Dietary Flexibility: Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein alternatives for vegetarian versions, adjusting marinade and cooking time accordingly to maintain similar flavor intensity and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg