Easy Italian Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
User Reviews
4.8
Easy Italian Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Description
This dish starts by pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure quick, uniform cooking and tender texture. The chicken is then seasoned with salt, pepper, dried oregano, fresh thyme, sweet paprika, minced garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice, coating each piece thoroughly. The layering of sliced red onions and halved Campari tomatoes in a baking dish adds gentle sweetness and moisture during roasting.
Baked covered initially at 425°F to trap juices, then uncovered to finish cooking, results in tender, flavorful chicken with softened vegetables. Garnishes of fresh parsley and basil bring fresh herbal notes and color. This preparation suits a straightforward Italian-inspired dinner served alongside salads or grains.
Pounding chicken breasts thin ensures quick, even cooking and a tender result.Let the cooked chicken rest before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken breast boneless, skinless
- salt
- black pepper
- 2 tsp oregano dry
- 1 tsp thyme fresh
- 1 tsp paprika sweet
- 4 garlic minced, cloves
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- lemon juice of half
- 1 red onion halved and thinly sliced, medium
- 5 to 6 campari tomatoes or small Roma tomatoes, halved
- parsley handful, chopped, fresh, for garnish
- basil fresh leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Pat chicken dry. Place a chicken breast in a large zip-top bag and zip the top (make sure to release any air in the bag first), then place it on your poultry cutting board. Using a meat mallet like this one, pound to flatten the chicken. Repeat the process with the remaining chicken breast pieces.
- Season the chicken with kosher salt and pepper on both sides and place in a large mixing bowl or dish. Add spices, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and lemon juice. Combine to make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices and garlic.
- In a large lightly oiled baking dish or pan, spread the onion slices on the bottom. Arrange seasoned chicken on top, and add the tomatoes.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 10 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes or so. Watch carefully. This can take less or more time depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. To be sure the chicken is cooked through, use an instant digital cooking thermometer. It should register 165 degrees F.
- Remove from the heat. Let the chicken breasts rest (cover with foil or another pan) for 5 to 10 minutes or so before serving. Uncover and garnish with fresh parsley and basil. Enjoy!
Notes
- Pounding chicken breasts thin ensures quick, even cooking and tenderness.
- Let chicken rest after baking to retain juiciness and improve texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6people (up to)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 1918 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 191.8kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 3.4g | 1% |
| Protein | 32.6g | 65% |
| Fat | 4.5g | 7% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 96.8mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 177.5mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 641.6mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 0.8g | 3% |
| Vitamin A | 349.6IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 6.3mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 24.3mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.9mg | 5% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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