If you want tender, juicy chicken breasts without standing over a grill or stove, this marinated baked chicken breasts recipe is your answer. A simple, flavor-packed marinade infuses the chicken while baking seals in moisture, giving you perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Why This Recipe Works
-
Prevents dry chicken with a balanced marinade
-
Oven-baked for easy, hands-off cooking
-
Uses simple pantry ingredients
-
Perfect for meal prep and weeknight dinners
-
Adaptable to many flavor styles
Ingredients
Chicken
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each)
Marinade
-
¼ cup olive oil
-
3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
-
3 tablespoons lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
-
2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
-
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
-
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
-
½ teaspoon black pepper
-
½ teaspoon salt
How to Make Marinated Baked Chicken Breasts
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, garlic, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, pepper, and salt.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Add chicken breasts and coat evenly.
Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 8 hours (2–4 hours is ideal).
Tip: Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform baking.
3. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
4. Bake the Chicken
-
Remove chicken from marinade and place in baking dish
-
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes
-
Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for lightly browned edges.
5. Rest & Serve
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Pro Tips for Juicy Baked Chicken
-
Do not over-bake—use a thermometer
-
Let chicken rest before cutting
-
Bake at a higher temperature to seal in moisture
Flavor Variations
-
Herb Lemon: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest
-
Balsamic: Substitute balsamic vinegar for lemon juice
-
Asian-Inspired: Add ginger and sesame oil
-
Spicy: Add cayenne or chili garlic sauce
What to Serve With Baked Chicken
-
Roasted vegetables or potatoes
-
Rice, quinoa, or couscous
-
Fresh green salad
-
Pasta or grain bowls
Storage & Meal Prep
-
Refrigerator: Up to 4 days
-
Freezer (cooked): Up to 3 months
-
Reheat gently to maintain moisture
Final Thoughts
This marinated baked chicken breasts recipe delivers everything home cooks want: ease, flavor, and consistently juicy results. It’s an essential recipe you’ll use again and again.
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons celery salt, divided
- 2 teaspoons paprika, divided
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper, divided
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
- 6 chicken breast halves
- 3/4 cup crushed butter-flavored crackers
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted, divided

No comments:
Post a Comment