Are you tired of bland, boring chicken dinners that leave you uninspired? Get ready to transform your weeknight cooking with this irresistible Herb and Garlic Chicken recipe that promises to elevate your culinary game! Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken breasts infused with aromatic rosemary and thyme, delivering a burst of flavor in every single bite. This restaurant-quality dish is so simple to prepare, you'll wonder why you ever settled for ordinary chicken again.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 4 cloves of garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary (chopped), 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme (chopped), and salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and achieves a nice golden color.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a herb and garlic paste.
- Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps to achieve a better sear and prevents steaming.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. This will help the herb mixture adhere to the chicken and keep it moist during cooking.
- Rub the herb and garlic mixture evenly over each chicken breast, making sure to cover both sides. You can use your hands for this step to ensure the mixture sticks well.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. This step adds flavor and texture.
- Once the chicken is seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- After baking, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender and juicy.
- Slice the chicken breasts and serve them warm. You can garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious herb and garlic chicken with your favorite sides!
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden sear and prevent steaming.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible - they provide a more vibrant and intense flavor compared to dried herbs.
- Invest in a meat thermometer to accurately check the internal temperature. Chicken should always reach 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, guaranteeing maximum tenderness.
- For extra flavor, try marinating the chicken in the herb mixture for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the taste profile.
- Choose high-quality, organic chicken breasts for the best texture and flavor.
- If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the chicken to a baking dish after searing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 110mg
