Best Baked Chicken with Herbs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A moist and herb-infused baked chicken dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (mediterranean, dairy-free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs chicken breasts, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, 1 tbsp chopped rosemary, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and the zest and juice of 1 lemon. Add 4 chicken breasts and toss to coat evenly.
  3. Step 3: Place the chicken in the prepared baking dish and dot each breast with 1 tbsp softened butter. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  4. Step 4: Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with the juices from the baking dish spooned over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Best Baked Chicken with Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Best Baked Chicken with Herbs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Best Baked Chicken with Herbs?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Best Baked Chicken with Herbs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Best Baked Chicken with Herbs dairy-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged dairy-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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