Perfectly Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken with Herbs

In this article, we will share a delicious recipe for oven-baked chicken with herbs. This dish is perfect for those looking to enjoy a quick and easy meal that’s packed full of flavor. With minimal effort in the kitchen, you can have a perfectly crispy oven-baked chicken ready in no time at all!

The key ingredients include chicken breasts, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, and lemon zest. You will also need an oven and some parchment paper to line your baking sheet.

Let's begin by preparing the chicken. Start with rinsing the chicken under cold water until it is nice and dry. Pat them down gently using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together two tablespoons of olive oil, one teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of pepper, a generous pinch of garlic powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, and lemon zest. Set aside the marinade until you're ready to use it.

Once that is done, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup once the chicken is done. Place the chicken breasts on top of the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle them generously with the marinade, ensuring each piece gets coated well.

Place your chicken in the preheated oven and bake it until fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C), which usually takes approximately 20-25 minutes for a 3/4-inch thick cut of breast meat, depending on their size. You can always check by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breasts.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skin-on chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• A generous pinch of garlic powder
• Pinch of paprika
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Lemon zest

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Mix olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, and lemon zest together in a small bowl.
3. Rinse chicken breasts thoroughly under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels or a kitchen towel.
4. Drizzle the marinade evenly over the chicken. Allow to marinate for about 20 minutes at room temperature.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then place the seasoned chicken on it.
6. Bake in the preheated oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Serve immediately and enjoy your perfectly crispy oven-baked chicken!

Once you pull the chicken from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy.

This dish pairs wonderfully with sides like roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. The flavors of garlic powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, and lemon zest complement the chicken beautifully, making it not only delicious but also visually appealing when served on your plate.

Why Choose Oven-Baked Chicken?

Oven-baked chicken is an excellent choice for those who are looking to incorporate healthier options into their diet without compromising on taste. Unlike fried chicken, oven-baking helps retain the natural moisture and nutrients of the bird while adding minimal fat content.

Health Benefits

• Easier digestion: Baking chicken at a lower temperature allows for better retention of vitamins and minerals compared to frying or grilling.
• Fewer calories: Oven-baked chicken has fewer calories than fried chicken since it involves less oil usage.
• Natural flavors: By using simple, fresh ingredients like garlic powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, and lemon zest, you enhance the natural taste without adding unnecessary fats or sugars.

This recipe is not only tasty but also budget-friendly. It requires minimal ingredients that are easily found in most households, making it accessible for everyone. Moreover, it's a great option if you're hosting dinner parties as it can be prepared ahead of time and reheated when needed without losing its freshness.

For those who love trying out new recipes, feel free to experiment with different herbs or spices based on your preference. Some variations might include adding additional spices such as oregano, cumin, or even a sprinkle of sugar for added sweetness depending on the type of dish you are creating.

Tips and Tricks

To ensure that your chicken is crispy on the outside yet juicy inside every time:

• Ensure that the chicken breast is completely dry before adding any marinade. This helps create a better bond between spices and oil, resulting in crispier skin.
• Do not overcrowd the baking sheet; give each piece of chicken enough space to allow proper air circulation during baking. Overcrowding can lead to soggy skin instead of crispy.

In conclusion, this oven-baked chicken with herbs is an easy yet delicious meal that everyone in your family will love. It's quick to prepare, healthy, and packed full of flavor. Try it out for yourself and enjoy a satisfying dinner experience!

Cooking time: approximately 20-25 minutes.
Number of servings: 4 servings.