Healthy Baked Chicken Breast With Garlic

Name: Healthy Baked Chicken Breast With Garlic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Clean Healthy Food Collection

When it comes to healthy eating, I often find myself searching for recipes that are not only nutritious but also satisfying. That's why I love making Healthy Baked Chicken Breast With Garlic. This dish is packed with flavor and offers a tender, juicy chicken that just hits the spot. I’m always surprised at how simply roasting chicken with garlic and herbs can elevate the taste, making it feel like a gourmet meal without the hassle. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead!

Created by

Prudence Whitby

Last updated on 2026-02-23T18:48:45.536Z

Every time I prepare Healthy Baked Chicken Breast With Garlic, I’m reminded of how easy it is to create a delicious dinner that the whole family loves. The combination of garlic and herbs brings out a wonderful depth of flavor, making it far from a boring meal. I usually pair it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to complete the dish.

One tip I’ve learned is to let the chicken rest after baking; this ensures the juices redistribute, resulting in an incredibly moist and flavorful chicken. Don’t skip this step, as it makes a significant difference!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Packed with flavor from fresh garlic and herbs
Juicy and tender chicken that rivals any restaurant dish
Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner

Understanding the Marinade

The marinade for the chicken is crucial in infusing flavor and ensuring tenderness. Olive oil acts as a carrier for the flavors of garlic and herbs, helping them to permeate the meat. Additionally, it adds a touch of moisture, which is essential for keeping the chicken juicy during baking. Make sure to coat the breasts thoroughly in the marinade. If time allows, marinating the chicken for about 30 minutes or even overnight can significantly enhance the flavor. Just remember to cover it and refrigerate it if marinating for an extended period.

Garlic is not just aromatic; it has a way of transforming the dish altogether. When roasted, garlic becomes sweet and mellows significantly, balancing the savory notes from the herbs. The combination of oregano and thyme offers an earthy depth that complements the chicken beautifully. If you prefer a punchier flavor, feel free to increase the amount of garlic or even use roasted garlic, which adds a slightly nutty flavor profile.

Perfect Cooking Techniques

Baking chicken at 400°F (200°C) is the optimal temperature for achieving a golden exterior while keeping the interior juicy. It’s essential to check the chicken's doneness with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, look for clear juices running out of the chicken when pierced—if they’re pink, it needs more time. For even cooking, try to select chicken breasts that are similar in size to ensure they finish baking at the same time.

Allowing the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking is key to maximizing juiciness. This process lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is as tender as possible. Serve the chicken with a drizzle of the leftover juices from the baking dish for added flavor, and consider pairing it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated.

Bake the Chicken

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until fully cooked and juices run clear.

Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.

Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving.

Storage and Meal Prep

This Healthy Baked Chicken Breast with Garlic makes an excellent option for meal prep. Once cooked, you can store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out. Alternatively, these chicken breasts can be frozen for up to 3 months; I recommend slicing them before freezing to make reheating easier.

For an even easier meal prep component, consider making a larger batch of the marinade and storing it separately. This way, you can marinate new chicken breasts whenever you’re ready to cook without needing to measure out ingredients each time.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Feel free to get creative with your herbs and spices! While this recipe calls for oregano and thyme, you can experiment with rosemary, basil, or even a sprinkle of paprika for a hint of smoky flavor. Lemon zest or juice can be added to the marinade for a refreshing twist that brightens the dish, complementing the garlic beautifully.

For serving, this chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside quinoa or brown rice for a wholesome grain option, or toss it on top of a fresh green salad for a lighter meal. Adding a homemade garlic vinaigrette over the top can enhance the garlic flavor and bring everything together.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?

Yes, you can, but the cooking time will increase. Make sure to cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

→ What sides go well with this chicken?

This chicken pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a simple green salad.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken the night before and bake it when you’re ready to eat.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free. Just be sure to check any chicken stock or seasoning you use.