Juicy & Tender Garlic Baked Chicken Breast - VLOGMAS DAY 24

Moist and tender is exactly what these baked chicken breast are! It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas... That's the song that has been playing on my mind for a while and it really is Christmas tomorrow, it's Christmas Eve! Day 24 of my #VLOGMAS2021 and I'm literally over the moon that I've been able to do more than I imagined starting on 1st December. Chicken breasts have so many ways that you can cook them but today since it's baking month, this recipe is exactly what you needed!

It was a rainy  evening when I first realized my baked chicken game needed a serious upgrade. I’d just gotten home from work, soaked from head to toe, and all I wanted was something warm, comforting, and easy. I opened my fridge to find two lonely chicken breasts staring back at me, the kind of situation that usually leads to a dry, uninspired dinner. But not that night. That night I decided I was done with bland, tough chicken. I wanted something juicy, tender, and packed with flavor.

That was the night this Juicy & Tender Garlic Baked Chicken Breast recipe was born. I experimented with a simple but powerful marinade, dialed in the oven temperature, and discovered a baking method that gave me perfectly cooked chicken every single time. Now, it’s the recipe I make when I want a healthy dinner that tastes like I put in way more effort than I actually did. And once you try it, you might just say goodbye to dry chicken forever.

Chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, but they also have a bad reputation for drying out. The secret here is twofold: a flavorful garlic-based marinade and precise baking at the right temperature. The marinade doesn’t just season the meat, it tenderizes it, infusing every bite with garlicky goodness. Then, baking at a moderate temperature keeps the chicken from overcooking while still giving it that beautiful golden finish.

Plus, this recipe doesn’t require complicated steps or fancy tools. Just a few pantry ingredients, a baking dish, and a little patience while your kitchen fills with the mouthwatering smell of garlic and herbs.

Who is this Recipe For?

This recipe is for anyone who appreciates the simple elegance of a well-prepared chicken breast. Whether you're cooking for your family on a weeknight or hosting a dinner party for friends, this dish is sure to impress. The magic of this recipe lies in its versatility; you can serve it as a stand-alone main course or slice it up for salads, sandwiches, or wraps. Plus, it's a wholesome option for health-conscious individuals, as it's low in fat and packed with protein.

Why it's Great

1. Flavor Explosion

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the garlic. The aromatic, earthy notes of roasted garlic infuse every fiber of the chicken, creating a mouthwatering flavor explosion. It's a garlic lover's dream come true!

2. Juiciness Guaranteed

Dry chicken breast is the bane of every home cook's existence. But fear not! This recipe guarantees succulent, juicy chicken every time. Thanks to a simple yet effective brining technique, you'll never have to endure a dry bite again.

3. Easy Preparation

While it may sound fancy, making Juicy & Tender Garlic Baked Chicken Breast is surprisingly straightforward. With just a few essential kitchen tools and some readily available ingredients, you'll have a restaurant-quality dish on your dinner table in no time.

4. Health Benefits

Chicken breast is a lean source of protein that fits into a balanced diet. It's low in calories and saturated fat, making it an excellent choice for those watching their waistlines. Plus, garlic is not only delicious but also known for its potential health benefits, including immune system support.

Flavor Variations

While the garlic-lemon version is my personal favorite, this recipe is a blank canvas for endless variations:

• Herb Lover’s Chicken — Swap the oregano for fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary.
• Spicy Kick — Add ½ teaspoon chili flakes or cayenne to the marinade.
• Asian-Inspired — Replace lemon juice with rice vinegar and soy sauce, and add a teaspoon of grated ginger.
• Honey Mustard Glaze — Mix 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard and 1 tablespoon honey into the marinade for a sweet-savory twist.

Serving Suggestions

This juicy garlic chicken breast pairs beautifully with a range of sides:

A fresh green salad with vinaigrette for a light, summery dinner.

Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter rice for comfort food vibes.

Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or roasted carrots for a nutrient boost.

Tossed into pasta with olive oil, Parmesan, and spinach for a quick, hearty meal.

I also love slicing the leftovers for sandwiches, wraps, or topping a protein-packed grain bowl.

Why resting is non-negotiable. I know it’s tempting to cut into that golden, fragrant chicken the second it comes out of the oven, but don’t. Resting is the unsung hero of juicy chicken. It allows the juices to redistribute instead of running out onto your cutting board. Skip this step, and all your careful baking will be wasted.

This recipe is meal prep gold. Bake a few extra chicken breasts, cool them completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for just 30–40 seconds at a time so you don’t dry them out. You can also freeze cooked chicken breasts, just wrap them tightly in foil and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and are great for quick weeknight dinners.

If you’ve ever been disappointed by baked chicken, I promise this recipe will change your mind. All it takes is a handful of ingredients, a good marinade, and a little patience to rest the meat. The result? A juicy, flavorful chicken breast that you’ll be proud to serve any day of the week.

INGREDIENTS 

4 Chicken Breasts 
1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar 
1/2 Teaspoon Paprika 
1/2 Teaspoon Dried Rosemary 
1 Teaspoon Salt 
1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder 
1/2 Teaspoon Onion Powder 
1 Teaspoon Chili powder/Cayenne 
1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil 

METHOD 

Preheat Oven 425°F/ 220°C
Using rolling pin pound each of the chicken breast so that they each have the same even thickness 
Combine sugar, paprika, rosemary, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili pepper/ Cayenne in bowl whisk well 
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, place the chicken breasts, sprinkle generously the spice mixture, pour oil and run the mixture well into the chicken breasts on both sides 
Bake the chicken for 16 to 18 minutes until chicken is crispy on the edges and golden brown 
Allow to rest before serving with your favorite accompaniment 

Recipe Tips and Variations

• Garlic Lovers' Delight: If you're a true garlic aficionado, feel free to add more minced garlic to the marinade for an even stronger garlic punch.
• Customize with Herbs: Experiment with different herbs in the marinade to suit your taste. Thyme and rosemary are classics, but you can also try oregano, basil, or parsley.
• Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a subtle kick.
• Food Pairings: This chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides such as garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh garden salad. For drinks, consider a crisp white wine or a citrusy iced tea.

Here’s a complete profile for Garlic Baked Chicken Breast, including FAQs, a nutrition card, and dietary notes:

Garlic Baked Chicken Breast – FAQs

1. What is garlic baked chicken breast?

It’s a simple, lean protein dish where chicken breasts are seasoned with garlic and herbs, then oven-baked until juicy and tender.

2. How do I keep chicken breast from drying out?

Bake at a moderate temperature (around 375–400°F / 190–200°C), don’t overcook, and let the chicken rest after baking. Using a marinade or coating helps retain moisture.

3. Can I add other flavors?

Yes! Lemon juice, herbs (like thyme, rosemary, parsley), paprika, chili flakes, or butter/olive oil can enhance the flavor.

4. Can I meal prep this recipe?

Absolutely. Garlic baked chicken stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen. Great for salads, wraps, or rice bowls.

5. Is this recipe good for weight loss or fitness goals?

Yes. It’s high in protein, low in carbs, and easy to portion. Great for low-calorie, keto, or high-protein diets.

Nutrition Card – Approx. per 1 medium fillet (150g cooked)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value (DV)	Notes
Calories	240 kcal	—	Depends on oil used
Protein	35 g	70%	Lean, complete protein
Carbohydrates	1 g	<1%	From garlic and herbs
Sugars	0 g	—	No added sugar
Fat	10 g	15%	From oil or butter used
Sodium	300 mg	13%	Varies based on seasoning
Cholesterol	85 mg	28%	Natural from chicken

Dietary Compatibility & Notes

Diet Type	Compatible?	Suggestions
Gluten-Free	✅ Yes	Ensure spices and oil are gluten-free
Dairy-Free	✅ Yes	Use oil instead of butter
Keto/Low-Carb	✅ Yes	Very low in carbohydrates
Paleo	✅ Yes	Use olive oil or avocado oil
Whole30	✅ Yes	Avoid butter; use ghee or compliant oil
Vegetarian/Vegan	❌ No	Contains chicken

Cooking Tip:

Pound the chicken to an even thickness before baking to ensure it cooks uniformly and stays juicy.

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator with exact ingredient measurements.

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