This Oven-Baked Garlic Herb Chicken is a flavorful and juicy dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and a touch of lemon, this recipe creates a tender and crispy chicken that’s both healthy and delicious. With minimal prep time and easy steps, it’s a go-to meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a hassle-free cooking method.
- Full of Flavor – A perfect balance of garlic, herbs, and lemon.
- Juicy and Tender – Baking ensures the chicken stays moist inside with a crispy outside.
- Versatile – Serve with rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
- Healthy and Nutritious – A great source of lean protein with natural seasonings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Olive oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Fresh or dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano, or parsley)
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
- Paprika (optional, for color)
Directions
- Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Chicken – Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Make the Marinade – In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, herbs, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Coat the Chicken – Rub the marinade all over the chicken pieces.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet – Place the chicken in a single layer on a lined baking sheet or in a greased baking dish.
- Bake – Bake for 25-30 minutes (for breasts) or 35-40 minutes (for thighs) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest the Chicken – Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy – Pair with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-40 minutes (depending on chicken cut)
- Total Time: 35-50 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for heat.
- Creamy Version – Drizzle with a garlic butter sauce after baking.
- Cheesy Garlic Chicken – Top with grated Parmesan cheese before baking.
- Lemon Pepper Chicken – Use extra lemon zest and black pepper for a citrusy twist.
- Sheet Pan Meal – Add potatoes, carrots, or zucchini to the baking dish for an all-in-one dinner.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes! Just increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overbaking and let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes! Marinating overnight enhances the flavor even more.
What herbs work best for this recipe?
Thyme, rosemary, oregano, and parsley are all great choices.
Can I use chicken drumsticks?
Yes! Bake for about 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s low-carb and perfect for a keto diet.
Can I use butter instead of olive oil?
Yes, melted butter adds a rich flavor to the dish.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
What sides go well with this dish?
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad pair well.
Conclusion
Oven-Baked Garlic Herb Chicken is an easy, flavorful, and healthy dish that works for any meal. Whether you serve it with a side of vegetables or over a salad, this juicy, herb-infused chicken is sure to become a favorite. Try different variations and enjoy a homemade, restaurant-quality meal right from your oven!

- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This juicy, flavorful chicken is marinated in a rich garlic herb seasoning and baked to perfection. The crispy, golden-brown skin and tender meat make it an easy yet impressive dinner option!
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey (for caramelization)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and honey.
- Coat the chicken: Rub the marinade all over the chicken thighs, ensuring even coverage. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes for extra flavor.
- Bake: Arrange the chicken in the baking dish, skin-side up. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Broil (optional): For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
- Rest & serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with roasted veggies or rice!
Notes
- If using boneless chicken, reduce baking time to 25-30 minutes.
- You can add fresh rosemary or basil for extra aroma.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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