Baked Garlic Chicken Breasts

This garlic chicken breasts recipe brings tender, juicy chicken to your dinner table with a punch of garlicky flavor. Marinated quickly and cooked in a skillet, it makes for a satisfying weeknight meal that feels special without the fuss. The marinade is simple yet robust, giving the chicken a beautiful golden crust and aromatic depth.

I first tried this when I was pressed for time but still wanted a homemade dinner. The garlic and herbs really shine through, and now it’s a go-to whenever I want something quick, tasty, and feel-good.

Ingredients

• Four boneless skinless chicken breasts: about six ounces each. Choose chicken that looks plump and moist for the best texture.
• Four tablespoons olive oil: which not only helps the marinade but also ensures a nice sear when cooking. Pick extra virgin for richer flavor.
• Six cloves garlic: minced. Fresh garlic is key here because powdered garlic won’t give that vibrant punch.
• One teaspoon salt: to season and bring out the flavors. Sea salt or kosher salt works well.
• Half a teaspoon black pepper: freshly ground for the best aroma and spice balance.
• One teaspoon dried oregano: adds a subtle earthy background note. Look for bright green leaves to ensure freshness.
• One teaspoon dried thyme: introduces a gentle herbal complexity.
• One tablespoon lemon juice: brightens the marinade with a hint of acidity balancing the richness. Freshly squeezed lemon gives the cleanest taste.
• Fresh parsley: chopped for garnish adds a burst of color and a mild fresh flavor at the end.

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics and Prepare the Marinade:

Whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano, thyme, and lemon juice in a large bowl. This fragrant mixture creates the perfect base to infuse the chicken with vibrant flavors.

Marinate the Chicken:

Place the chicken breasts into the bowl and gently toss them so every piece is coated well in the marinade. Cover tightly and let them rest in the refrigerator for at least fifteen minutes or up to two hours. The longer the better for deeper flavor absorption.

Heat the Skillet:

Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add a small splash of olive oil if you think the skillet might stick.

Sear the Chicken:

Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off naturally—this prevents sogginess and helps get a nice crust. Place them carefully into the hot skillet. Cook on one side for six to eight minutes until golden brown and caramelized.

Flip and Finish Cooking:

Using tongs, turn the chicken breasts over gently. Continue cooking on the other side for another six to eight minutes or until an internal temperature of one hundred sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit is reached. This ensures the chicken is safely cooked yet juicy.

Rest before Serving:

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate. Let it rest for five minutes allowing the juices to redistribute, preventing dryness.

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley all over the chicken before serving to add freshness and color.

Garlic is truly the star of this dish in my opinion. Its aroma fills the kitchen and makes everything smell like a cozy home-cooked meal. A memorable night was when I served this for guests who usually prefer more complicated recipes and they could not stop complimenting how simple yet delicious the chicken tasted.

Storage Tips

Store leftover chicken breasts in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, warm gently in a pan or microwave to keep the chicken moist.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have fresh garlic you can use garlic powder but add it later in the cooking step for better flavor impact. Swap lemon juice with lime juice for a different citrus twist. Fresh herbs can replace dried oregano and thyme, but add them towards the end of cooking to preserve flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with steamed green beans, roasted potatoes, or a crisp garden salad. A drizzle of extra olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon over the plated chicken brightens the dish even more.

This garlic chicken is an easy weeknight winner that still feels special. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken breasts for at least 15 minutes, but up to 2 hours or overnight works well for deeper taste.

→ What is the recommended cooking temperature?

Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.

→ Can I use different herbs in the marinade?

Yes, herbs like rosemary or basil can be substituted or added to customize the flavor to your liking.

→ How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan?

Use a hot skillet with a drizzle of olive oil before adding the chicken to help prevent sticking and encourage even browning.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Steamed vegetables, fresh salads, or roasted potatoes complement the flavors nicely and create a balanced meal.