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This Oven Roasted Greek Chicken is juicy and full of flavor, packed with delicious herbs like oregano and lemon. Easy to make, it’s a tasty twist on regular chicken!
Let’s face it, the smell of this chicken cooking will make everyone gather in the kitchen! I always serve it with some veggies for a colorful plate that looks fantastic.
I love how quick this is to prepare. Just season, pop it in the oven, and get ready for a delightful meal without any fuss!
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe, but you can use thighs for a juicier bite. Thighs tend to have more flavor, so consider them if you want a richer taste.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds great flavor, but you can substitute it with avocado oil if you’re looking for a different taste or a higher smoke point while cooking.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a punch to the marinade. If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder – just remember it’s not as strong, so use about 1/4 tsp for each clove.
Dried Herbs (Oregano, Thyme, Rosemary): These herbs create an aromatic layer. If you have fresh herbs, feel free to use those instead! Fresh herbs would be about three times the amount you would use for dried.
Lemon: The juice and zest of a lemon brighten the dish. If you can’t find lemons, limes or vinegar (like white wine vinegar) can also be refreshing alternatives.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Roast Chicken?
Roasting chicken can be tricky, but here’s what you should focus on to get it just right. First, marinate the chicken well – 30 minutes is fine, but letting it sit overnight boosts the flavor.
- When searing, heat your skillet well to get that nice golden color; this adds flavor!
- Make sure to keep an eye on the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes post-cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, making it more tender.
Delicious Oven Roasted Greek Chicken Breasts
What You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh oregano or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and then 30-35 minutes for cooking and resting. If you have time to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight!), you’ll deepen those wonderful flavors!
Instructions:
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will give your chicken a lovely, golden-brown finish as it roasts. While that’s warming up, grab a bowl and mix together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme, dried rosemary, and paprika, along with the juice and zest of 1 lemon. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste! Stir it all up until it’s a fragrant marinade.
Next, take your chicken breasts and place them in a large ziplock bag or a shallow dish. Pour that amazing marinade over them, making sure each piece is well coated. If you have a little extra time, let it marinade for at least 30 minutes in the fridge (or overnight if you want to elevate the flavor even more—delicious!).
Now, get ready to sear! Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the marinated chicken breasts (make sure to save any leftover marinade for later). Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re nice and golden brown. This step adds so much flavor!
Once your chicken is beautifully seared, pour that reserved marinade over the top and pop the entire skillet into the preheated oven. Roast your chicken for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through. Your kitchen is going to smell heavenly!
When the chicken is done, carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This will keep it juicy and tender! If you want to add a pop of color, garnish with fresh oregano or parsley. Serve it warm, and if you’re feeling fancy, a side of veggies or rice goes perfectly!
And there you go! You’re all set to enjoy your wonderfully flavored Oven Roasted Greek Chicken Breasts. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Bone-in Chicken Breasts Instead?
Absolutely! Just remember that bone-in chicken breasts will take longer to cook than boneless ones. You should roast them for about 30-35 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Additionally, you may want to sear them a bit longer to ensure the skin gets crispy.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you need a substitute for olive oil, avocado oil or melted coconut oil work well! Just keep in mind that using another oil may slightly alter the flavor of the marinade. You can also use melted butter for a richer taste.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it moist when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water and cover it with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! You can add your choice of vegetables (like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions) to the skillet along with the chicken. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and place them around the chicken before roasting. You’ll want to check the veggies for tenderness after about 15-20 minutes in the oven, as you may need to adjust their cooking time.
