Learning how to bake chicken breasts is invaluable as leftover chicken can be repurposed and used for so many things!
This Mediterranean baked chicken recipe is so easy to make; the oven does most of the work!
You are going to love the bright lemon flavor as well as the herbs and the garlic!
Chicken breasts are of the most important things to learn to make as they are versatile, economical and a staple for many families.
When it comes to the flavoring or seasoning of baked chicken breasts, the possibilities are limitless! Today I am going to share with you one of my favorite chicken recipes; Mediterranean baked chicken!
Why Is Baked Chicken Healthy?
Chicken is a naturally lean protein. Baking any food is better than it’s fried or even sometimes pan-fried counterpart.
Deep-fried foods are much higher in fat. Baking chicken allows you to take control of the fat, sodium, and flavor.
How To Season Baked Chicken?
This recipe uses simple seasoning that has a big impact. But, to the truth is, you could season chicken breast with just salt and pepper and it will be tender, juicy, and flavorful if it is cooked correctly!
For this recipe you will need:
Good quality olive oil – I always prefer extra virgin olive oil
Garlic – Fresh or jarred minced garlic
Lemons – You will need slices and lemon juice
Dried Herbs – Basil, thyme, oregano, and parsley
Salt
That’s IT!
How To Make Baked Chicken Breasts
To begin, drizzle your chicken breasts with olive oil and lemon juice.
Combine the garlic, dried herbs, and the salt; generously rub the mixture over the chicken breasts.
Arrange lemon slices on a ceramic baking dish and arrange your chicken breasts over the slices.
You could easily add more seasoning to your chicken. Try adding onion powder, red pepper flakes, paprika or orange zest to your seasoning mixture.
This seasoning blend will also work for baked chicken thighs, baked chicken drumsticks, chicken wings and even seafood like salmon, tilapia, or shrimp.
What Temperature Do you Bake Chicken?
When it comes to baking chicken, I prefer to avoid a high oven temperature. It’s easy to over bake which means you will be left with chewy and dry chicken!
I find 375 degrees to be a good temperature for chicken breasts. These chicken breasts were thick; it took the chicken about 45 minutes to cook through.
If you are using small chicken breasts, check for doneness after 35-40 minutes.
The chicken is done when juices run clear and the chicken has an internal temperature of 165 degrees. You find the internal temperature by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of your chicken breasts.
Once the chicken has been removed, allow it to rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Can Cooked Chicken Breast Be Reheated?
Yes, it can, but you do want to take a few precautions so that your chicken does not dry out during reheating,
There are two ways to reheat your chicken,
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place your leftover chicken in the center. Lightly brush your chicken with olive oil and wrap the foil over your chicken. The steam inside the foil will keep your chicken tender!
Heat the chicken for 15 minutes or until heated through.
The alternative heating method is to place your chicken on a microwave-safe plate and loosely cover the plate with plastic wrap, Reheat the chicken for 1- 2 minutes or until heated through.
Can Cooked Chicken Be Left At Room Temperature?
For safety reasons, your food should not be left sitting out for more than 2 hours. At certain temperatures, bacteria tends to grow on food very quickly, which means you could be setting yourself or your loved ones up for upset stomachs.
If you will not be eating your food right away, place your baked chicken in an airtight container until needed.
Can Baked Chicken Be Eaten Cold?
It most certainly can! Cub your chicken and serve it lettuce wraps, chicken gyros, chicken souvlaki salad ,chicken salad or Thai cashew chicken salad. Shred it and add it to this Mediterranean Pasta Recipe , this Greek Pasta Salad, and be sure to serve this Greek Salad on the side!
What To Serve With Mediterranean Baked Chicken
These few dishes are the perfect complement to Mediterranean Chicken!
Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Greek yogurt makes this tzatziki sauce taste tangy and creamy. Try this Mediterranean sauce with chicken, pork, veggies and pita! It is versatile and delicious!
Spinach and Pesto Orzo Salad
This orzo salad is simple, made with fresh ingredients.
This salad makes a tasty side dish for all your picnic needs!
Lemony Kale Salad
This fresh, crisp, and light kale salad will easily become your new favorite salad! It is a breeze to throw together and always tastes amazing!
Greek Roasted Potatoes
Greek roasted potatoes are the most flavorful side dish!
Sliced potatoes are lightly seasoned, roasted until soft and drizzled with lemon juice!
Greek Green Beans
These Greek Green Beans are made with only a few ingredients but they taste amazing! These beans are a welcome side dish to whatever you serve!
How Long Will Baked Chicken Keep?
If your baked chicken is stored in an airtight container in the fridge, your chicken should be safe to eat for up to 4 days.
If you want to use up your chicken before then, some great ideas for leftover baked chicken are:
Chicken and Broccoli Aflredo, Southwest Chicken Stew, Chicken Pho, Chicken Schwarma Pizza, Chicken Florentine Soup. Mediterranean Chicken Farro Bowl.
More Baked Chicken Recipes:
Mediterranean Baked Chicken
This Mediterranean baked chicken recipe is so easy to make; the oven does most of the work!
You are going to love the bright lemon flavor as well as the herbs and the garlic!
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 3 teaspoons dried oregano
- 3 teaspoons dried basil
- 3 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 lemon thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the chicken.
- Combine the herbs, onion powder, and salt in a bowl. Rub mixture over chicken.
- Arrange lemon slices on the bottom of the baking dish and arrange chicken over the lemon
- Bake the chicken uncovered for 35-40 minutes or until chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Remove chicken and allow it to rest for 10 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 277Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 102mgSodium 621mgCarbohydrates 5gFiber 2gSugar 1gProtein 38g
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