If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bright, Mediterranean flavors and is unbelievably easy to prepare, you are going to love the Oven-Baked Greek Chicken Breast Recipe. This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a vibrant marinade of olive oil, lemon, oregano, and garlic to create a meal that’s fresh, fragrant, and downright addictive. Whether you’re cooking for two or just want a wholesome dinner that’s quick to put together, this recipe brings a little Greek sunshine right to your kitchen with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients together for the Oven-Baked Greek Chicken Breast Recipe is a breeze because everything included is both simple and essential to delivering that iconic Greek flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in balancing the taste, texture, and color to make your dish truly special.
- Chicken breasts: The star of the show, providing lean protein and a tender, juicy base.
- Olive oil: Brings richness while helping the marinade infuse deeply into the chicken.
- Lemon juice: Adds a bright, zesty tang that lifts all the flavors beautifully.
- Dried oregano: Offers that unmistakable herby, earthy aroma central to Greek cuisine.
- Garlic powder: Boosts savory depth without overpowering the delicate balance.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and ties the marinade together.
- Black pepper: Introduces a gentle heat and complexity to the seasoning.
How to Make Oven-Baked Greek Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This temperature ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy without drying out.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This simple marinade is your secret weapon to infusing those signature Greek flavors into the chicken breasts.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Rub the marinade generously over each chicken breast, making sure every inch is coated. This step is key to locking in flavor, so don’t be shy about massaging the mixture into the meat.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Place the coated chicken breasts in a baking dish and pop them into your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced. This careful baking keeps the chicken tender and succulent.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for maximum moisture, making every bite satisfying and flavorful.
How to Serve Oven-Baked Greek Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
To really celebrate the freshness of this Oven-Baked Greek Chicken Breast Recipe, consider garnishing with lemon slices and a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill. They add a burst of color and an extra layer of fragrant flavor that makes the dish feel complete.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with classic Mediterranean sides. Think roasted vegetables, warm pita bread, or a simple Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta. Rice pilaf or creamy mashed potatoes are also lovely options to soak up any extra juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the baked chicken and serve it over a bed of garlic-infused couscous or quinoa, topped with a dollop of tzatziki sauce. You could even create a vibrant grain bowl with colorful veggies and a lemony dressing for a fresh, wholesome meal that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Oven-Baked Greek Chicken Breast Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to three days, making them perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken breasts by wrapping them tightly in foil or placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen, they should keep well for about two to three months. Just make sure to thaw them safely in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the oven or microwave until heated through. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and add a splash of water or broth if necessary to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken breasts can work well, but you’ll likely need to increase the baking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Just keep an eye on it and use a meat thermometer for perfect results.
Is it okay to substitute fresh oregano for dried?
You can use fresh oregano instead of dried, but remember that fresh herbs are less concentrated. You’ll want to use about three times the amount of fresh oregano to achieve the same flavor punch.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Yes, preparing the marinade ahead of time is a great idea and can deepen the flavors. Just keep it refrigerated and mix well before coating your chicken.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way to ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C) when the chicken is safe to eat.
Can I make this recipe larger for more servings?
Definitely! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need, and make sure your baking dish is large enough to hold all the chicken in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Oven-Baked Greek Chicken Breast Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels both special and totally doable any night of the week. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you get a meal that’s bursting with authentic Mediterranean flavor and every bit as satisfying as a time-intensive recipe. Give it a try and see how quickly it earns a regular spot on your dinner rotation—you won’t regret it!
Print
Oven-Baked Greek Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Oven-Baked Greek Chicken Breast recipe offers a flavorful, healthy meal featuring tender chicken marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, and spices. Perfect for a quick dinner, it bakes in under 35 minutes and delivers a delicious Mediterranean taste with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts
Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the ideal temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring thoroughly to create a well-blended marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Rub the marinade mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, making sure they are fully coated to maximize flavor infusion.
- Bake the chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove the chicken breasts from the oven and serve them warm. For extra flavor and presentation, garnish with fresh lemon slices and herbs like parsley or oregano if desired.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking; pounding them slightly helps.
- Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness and avoid overcooking.
- Extra lemon slices and fresh herbs provide a fresh aroma and enhanced presentation.
- This dish pairs well with Greek salad, rice, or roasted vegetables.
