The Best Baked Chicken Dinner Recipe For Family

Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly baked chicken breast, the aroma of herbs and spices wafting up to greet you. The first bite is tender, juicy, and full of flavor, with a satisfying crunch from the crispy skin. This is what you can expect from the best baked chicken dinner recipe for family.

We’ve all been there – scrambling to come up with a delicious, healthy meal that the whole family will love. That’s why we’ve perfected this recipe, using techniques and ingredients that are easy to work with and result in a truly exceptional dish. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s just as delicious as our famous homemade chocolate chip cookies, then you’re in the right place.

Why This Recipe Works

• The combination of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs creates a marinade that not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the chicken.
• By using a wire rack on a baking sheet, the chicken cooks evenly and the air can circulate under the breasts, resulting in crispy skin.
• The addition of garlic and onion powder enhances the flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

Key Ingredients

Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary make a big difference in the flavor of this dish. If you don’t have access to fresh herbs, you can use dried ones, but be sure to reduce the amount used. For more information on cooking with herbs, check out this guide to baking chicken breasts.

Another important ingredient is the chicken itself. Look for breasts that are similar in size so that they cook evenly. You can also use chicken thighs or a combination of breasts and thighs if you prefer.

Recipe Courtesy of Our Kitchen

The Best Baked Chicken Dinner Recipe For Family

★★★★★ (55 Reviews)

Level:
Easy

Prep:
15 min

Cook:
25 min

Yield:
4 Servings

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/4 cup olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Directions

1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels.

2

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and mix well to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.

3

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Place the chicken breasts on the wire rack, leaving about 1 inch of space between each breast.

4

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The skin should be crispy and golden brown.

5

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply bake the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.