Description
This Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. Whether pan-seared or oven-baked, the chicken turns out perfectly cooked, moist, and infused with bright, savory notes, making it an ideal main course served alongside rice, salad, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry: Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the chicken breasts. This step helps the marinade adhere better and promotes even cooking.
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to blend all flavors.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken ensuring all pieces are coated evenly.
- Refrigerate to marinate: Let the chicken sit in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, ideally 1 to 2 hours, to allow flavors to infuse deeply into the meat.
- Choose cooking method & preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking, or heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil if pan-searing.
- Cook the chicken in a skillet: If pan-searing, cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Bake the chicken: If baking, place the marinated chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Serve and garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve whole or sliced over rice, salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating for longer than 2 hours can increase flavor but avoid exceeding 24 hours to prevent the lemon juice from breaking down the meat too much.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check the chicken’s internal temperature for food safety.
- If using the stovetop method, adding a splash of water or broth can help keep the chicken moist during cooking.
- This recipe is versatile; adjust seasonings like paprika and thyme to suit your personal taste.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
