Oven-Baked Garlic Herb Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Tender chicken is infused with a blend of garlic, fresh herbs, and olive oil, then baked to juicy perfection. This versatile recipe pairs well with a variety of sides and is sure to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Minimal prep with a straightforward baking process.
• Flavorful and Juicy: The garlic herb marinade ensures every bite is delicious.
• Healthy and Nutritious: A wholesome, protein-packed main dish.
• Customizable: Use your favorite herbs or adapt to what’s on hand.
• Meal-Prep Friendly: Great for making ahead and reheating later.

Ingredients

• Chicken (bone-in thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley, or oregano), chopped
• Lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper
• Paprika (optional, for color and extra flavor)
• Optional garnish: Fresh parsley or lemon slices

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet or roasting pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the Marinade:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, chopped herbs, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
3. Season the Chicken:
   • Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Arrange on a Baking Sheet:
   • Place the chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, skin-side up if using skin-on chicken.
5. Bake the Chicken:
   • Bake for 35–45 minutes, depending on the size and type of chicken pieces. For bone-in breasts or thighs, check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
   • If desired, broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking for a golden, crispy finish.
6. Rest and Serve:
   • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon slices, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Option: Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne to the marinade for a kick.
• Citrus Herb Chicken: Use orange or lime juice instead of lemon for a different citrus flavor.
• Boneless Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs can be used, but reduce baking time to 20–25 minutes.
• Veggie Additions: Add potatoes, carrots, or green beans to the baking sheet for a one-pan meal.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap olive oil with a plant-based butter alternative for a richer flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth to retain moisture.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked, marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

FAQs

1. What’s the best type of chicken for this recipe?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks are best for juiciness and flavor, but boneless breasts or thighs also work well.

2. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, use about one-third the amount of dried herbs as fresh.

3. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Avoid overbaking and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

4. Can I use this recipe for chicken wings?

Absolutely! Adjust the cooking time to about 25–30 minutes for wings.

5. Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, marinating for a longer time will enhance the flavors.

6. What sides pair well with this dish?

Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

7. Can I cook this recipe in an air fryer?

Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

8. How do I make this recipe keto-friendly?

This recipe is naturally keto-friendly as it’s low in carbs. Pair with keto sides for a complete meal.

9. Can I add cheese to this dish?

Yes, sprinkle grated Parmesan over the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger baking sheet or roast in two batches to avoid overcrowding.

Conclusion

Oven-Baked Garlic Herb Chicken is a flavorful, healthy dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious. With its aromatic garlic and herb marinade, tender meat, and crispy finish, it’s a versatile recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a meal everyone will love!

Oven-Baked Garlic Herb Chicken

Oven-Baked Garlic Herb Chicken is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Juicy, tender chicken is marinated in a blend of garlic, fresh herbs, and olive oil, then baked to golden perfection. This versatile recipe pairs beautifully with your favorite sides, making it a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and Easy: Minimal ingredients and prep time make this dish perfect for busy days.
• Packed with Flavor: Fresh herbs and garlic infuse the chicken with amazing taste.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Low in carbs and rich in protein, ideal for a balanced meal.
• Customizable: Adapt the herbs and spices to suit your preferences.
• Meal-Prep Friendly: Great for leftovers or for making ahead of time.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs, drumsticks, or breasts (bone-in or boneless)
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley, or oregano), chopped
• Lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper
• Paprika (optional, for added flavor and color)
• Optional garnish: Fresh parsley or lemon slices

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Marinade:

1. Mix the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, chopped herbs, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using).

Marinate the Chicken:

2. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Toss to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.

Bake the Chicken:

3. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet or roasting pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
4. Arrange the chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, skin-side up if using skin-on pieces.
5. Bake: Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

Serve:

6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon slices, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Marinating Time: 30 minutes to overnight
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes (including marinating time)

Variations

• Spicy Garlic Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Citrus Herb Chicken: Substitute orange or lime juice for lemon juice for a different citrus flavor.
• Veggie Option: Add vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or green beans to the baking sheet for a one-pan meal.
• Boneless Chicken: Boneless chicken breasts or thighs can be used, but reduce baking time to 20–25 minutes.
• Grilled Version: Use the same marinade and grill the chicken instead of baking.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked, marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, dried herbs work well—use about one-third the amount of dried herbs as fresh.

2. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Avoid overbaking and use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked.

3. Can I use chicken wings for this recipe?

Absolutely! Adjust the baking time to 25–30 minutes for wings.

4. How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is ideal for maximum flavor.

5. What sides go well with garlic herb chicken?

Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.

6. Can I cook this dish in an air fryer?

Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

7. Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and suitable for a keto diet.

8. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

This recipe is already dairy-free, as it uses olive oil and no butter.

9. What’s the best way to ensure crispy skin?

Use skin-on chicken and broil for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent crispiness.

Conclusion

Oven-Baked Garlic Herb Chicken is a versatile, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender, juicy meat and aromatic marinade, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Serve it with your favorite sides for a wholesome, delicious meal that’s easy to prepare and loved by all. Enjoy!