Imagine sinking your fork into a tender, flavor-packed chicken breast that's crispy on the outside and incredibly moist on the inside. This Garlic Oregano Baked Chicken Breast is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish right in your own kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and a foolproof cooking method, you'll create a meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a ceramic baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better and ensures crispy exterior.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a fragrant marinade.
- Brush each chicken breast generously with the garlic-oregano mixture, ensuring even coating on all sides. Allow chicken to marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature to absorb flavors.
- Place the marinated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other for even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Slice chicken against the grain and serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or additional dried oregano.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden exterior and better flavor absorption.
- Use fresh garlic if possible for a more intense and vibrant flavor profile. If using pre-minced garlic, reduce the quantity slightly.
- Invest in a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken every time. The internal temperature should always reach 165°F (74°C).
- Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes at room temperature to help the flavors penetrate the meat.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking for 5 minutes to redistribute juices, ensuring each bite remains incredibly moist and tender.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
- If you prefer a more golden-brown exterior, you can briefly broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 110mg
