Italian Herb Marinated Baked Chicken Breast
This herb-marinated baked chicken breast combines olive oil, lemon juice, and Italian seasonings to create tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. The marinade infuses the meat with garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this recipe delivers juicy results every time. The simple marinade technique ensures the chicken stays moist during baking, while the fresh parsley and basil add bright, aromatic notes that complement the savory Italian seasoning blend.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Combine olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, water, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and chopped basil in a medium bowl and whisk to combine
- 2
Place chicken breast into a glass container or gallon-size bag and pour the marinade on top, making sure it is covered
- 3
Let chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or for best results, for 24 hours
- 4
Preheat oven to 375°F and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray
- 5
Transfer all contents of the bag including the marinade into a 9x9-inch baking dish
- 6
Bake chicken breasts at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F
- 7
Remove chicken from oven and place onto a plate
- 8
Let chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving
Tips
For extra flavor, pound chicken breasts to even thickness before marinating to ensure uniform cooking and better marinade penetration
Save time by marinating chicken in freezer bags - they take up less space and make cleanup easier
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness rather than relying solely on cooking time, as thickness varies
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked chicken for up to 3 days in an airtight container
Marinate chicken up to 24 hours in advance for best flavor
Slice and serve hot with vegetables, rice, or salad
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the resting period to avoid dry chicken
Avoid overcooking by checking internal temperature at 20 minutes
Don't discard the marinade - it adds flavor when baked with the chicken
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, bone-in thighs will need 35-40 minutes at 375°F until they reach 165°F internal temperature.
What if I don't have time to marinate?
Even 30 minutes will add flavor, but for best results marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
How long will leftovers keep?
Cooked chicken stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.