Description
This Baked Chicken Breast with Greek Souvlaki Marinade offers juicy, tender chicken infused with vibrant Mediterranean flavors of lemon, garlic, oregano, and olive oil. Perfectly baked until golden and flavorful, it’s an easy, healthy dinner option rich in freshness and aroma.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish & Serving
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large baking dish or resealable bag to ensure they can be evenly marinated.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to let the flavors infuse.
- Preheat the Oven: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure a hot environment for baking the chicken.
- Bake the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and arrange them evenly in a lightly greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, depending on chicken thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring safety and juiciness.
- Rest the Chicken: Let the baked chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven to allow juices to redistribute, enhancing tenderness.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve alongside lemon wedges. This dish pairs wonderfully with tzatziki sauce, a crisp Greek salad, or roasted potatoes for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- Pound thicker chicken breasts to an even thickness for more consistent cooking throughout.
- Avoid marinating for more than 4 hours because the acid in lemon juice can start to break down the chicken’s texture, making it mushy.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for a juicier and slightly richer flavor.
- For an extra golden and slightly crispy top, broil the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes at the end of baking.
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
