Italian Baked Chicken

$- 4 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach - Fresh parsley for garnish - Calories per serving: Approximately 250 - Macronutrient breakdown: - Protein: 30g - Fat: 10g - Carbs: 8g When I make Italian Baked Chicken, I love how simple it is to gather the ingredients. Start with four chicken breasts, skinless and boneless. This choice keeps it lean and tasty. Next, you need olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, and paprika. These spices bring the dish to life. Don't forget the lemon! Its zest and juice add a bright touch. A pinch of salt and pepper enhances the flavors too. For the veggies, grab a cup of cherry tomatoes, halved for easy eating, and a cup of fresh spinach. Finally, some fresh parsley makes a lovely garnish. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Each serving has around 250 calories, with 30 grams of protein. It also has a good balance of fat and carbs, making it a smart choice for many diets. You can enjoy Italian Baked Chicken guilt-free. For the full recipe, check out Italian Herb & Lemon Baked Chicken. - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - In a small bowl, mix: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste This marinade will make your chicken flavorful and juicy. - Place the 4 chicken breasts in a baking dish. - Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece is coated. - Let the chicken sit for at least 15 minutes to soak up the flavors. - Scatter 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the dish. - Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until the chicken is nearly cooked through. - Remove the dish from the oven. - Add 1 cup of fresh spinach on top of the chicken and tomatoes. - Return the dish to the oven for another 10 minutes. The chicken should now be fully cooked, and the spinach will wilt nicely. - Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. - Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. For more details, check out the Full Recipe. Marinating your chicken is key for great flavor. I suggest marinating for at least 15 minutes. This gives the chicken time to soak in the flavors. For a stronger taste, you can marinate for a few hours or even overnight. To boost the flavor even more, add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. You can also use a splash of balsamic vinegar. This adds a nice tangy twist. Mix the marinade well and coat every piece of chicken. To ensure your chicken cooks evenly, arrange pieces in a single layer. Avoid crowding the pan. This allows hot air to circulate around the chicken, cooking it perfectly. Using a meat thermometer helps check for doneness. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This means your chicken is safe to eat and still juicy. For side dishes, consider serving Italian Baked Chicken with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. Garlic bread also pairs nicely. It adds a fun crunch to your meal. For drinks, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio works well. It complements the lemon in the chicken. If you prefer red, try Chianti. Its fruity notes balance the dish perfectly. Explore the Full Recipe for more details! {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of Italian Baked Chicken easily. Adding different herbs and spices can really lift the dish. For a bolder taste, try rosemary or thyme. If you like heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes. You can also mix in fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a fresh kick. Incorporating other vegetables can also bring new life to your meal. Bell peppers, zucchini, or red onion can blend well with the chicken and add color. Just chop them up and scatter around the chicken before baking. This not only enhances taste but also makes your dish more filling. You can make Italian Baked Chicken in different ways. A slow cooker version is a great choice for busy days. Just add the marinated chicken and vegetables to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This method makes the chicken super tender. Grilling or air frying are other great options. Grilling gives the chicken a smoky flavor. For air frying, set your air fryer to 375°F and cook for about 20 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy while giving it a nice crisp outside. To make this dish gluten-free, just check your spice labels. Most dried herbs and spices are gluten-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce if you want to add some umami flavor. If you're looking for low-carb or keto-friendly options, skip the tomatoes. Instead, add more leafy greens or cauliflower. You can also serve it over zucchini noodles for a fun twist. This way, you can enjoy a healthy meal without losing flavor. For the full recipe, check out the Italian Herb & Lemon Baked Chicken. Store your Italian Baked Chicken in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing it. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to eat it later, make sure to check for any signs of spoilage first. If you want to save some for later, freezing works great. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, put it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This keeps the chicken juicy and delicious. Leftovers can be fun! You can slice the chicken and put it on a salad. It makes a great topping. You can also use it in pasta dishes, wraps, or sandwiches. For a quick meal, try mixing it with rice and veggies. There are many tasty ways to enjoy your leftover Italian Baked Chicken! Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas. You can serve Italian baked chicken with many tasty sides. Here are some great ideas: - Roasted vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers add color and flavor. - Garlic bread: This classic side is perfect for soaking up juices. - Pasta salad: A fresh pasta salad with veggies pairs well. - Rice: Lemon or herb rice enhances the chicken's taste. - Caesar salad: Crisp romaine with dressing adds crunch and zest. Yes, you can use bone-in chicken. Just adjust the cooking time. Bone-in cuts take longer. Bake for about 35 to 45 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The chicken should reach 165°F in the thickest part. This ensures it is safe to eat. For chicken breasts, bake at 400°F for about 25 to 30 minutes. Bone-in pieces may need 35 to 45 minutes. Always check the thickest part of the chicken. It should be juicy and have no pink. If you're unsure, use a meat thermometer. It's the best way to ensure perfect results. This blog post covered a simple yet flavorful Italian Baked Chicken recipe. You learned about the ingredients, from the chicken and marinade to the vegetables. We included step-by-step instructions for easy preparation and cooking. I shared tips for marinating, baking, and serving this dish, along with ways to adapt it for different diets. Remember, cooking is fun, so feel free to try your own variations. Enjoy making this dish and sharing it with loved ones!$

Enjoy a burst of flavors with this Italian Herb & Lemon Baked Chicken that's perfect for any dinner table! With just a few simple ingredients like juicy chicken breasts, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach, you can create a delightful meal that’s both healthy and delicious. Ready to impress your family? Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game with this tasty dish!

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Ingredients

4 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh spinach

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a small bowl, mix olive oil, oregano, basil, garlic powder, paprika, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.

Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the marinade evenly over the chicken, ensuring they are well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the dish.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Remove from the oven and add the fresh spinach on top of the chicken and tomatoes. Return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the spinach has wilted.

Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4