Herb Baked Chicken Breast
Herb Baked Chicken Breast offers a flavorful and aromatic dish with warm spices, fresh herbs, and a hint of citrus. Perfect for a comforting family meal or entertaining guests, this recipe combines tender chicken with a fragrant marinade that infuses the meat with lively, spicy, and herbal notes.
Ingredients
- 12 medium boned chicken breasts ⓘ
- 2 cans frozen apple juice, thawed ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. ground ginger ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. ground cardamom ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. fresh sage, chopped fine
- 2 Tbsp. fresh dill, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1/4 cup lemon juice, fresh ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground hot red pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Wash chicken; put in a colander to drain and wipe dry with paper towels.
- Prepare chicken first and set aside.
- Place chicken in a large baking pan flat and pour the marinade over the chicken.
- Refrigerate overnight or at least 6 hours. Cover with wax paper.
Tips & Substitutions
For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight to allow the spices to penetrate deeply. If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs, but reduce the quantity by half since dried herbs are more concentrated. Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste—maybe add more ginger for a spicier kick. For a twist, consider using apple cider vinegar instead of lemon juice.
Serving Suggestions
This herb baked chicken pairs beautifully with Couscous With Chickpeas And Feta Cheese or a fresh green salad for a light meal. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a tangy coleslaw for added texture. For a more substantial meal, serve with warm pita bread or over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the delicious marinade.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover herb baked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it, but be cautious not to overcook, as this can make the chicken dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herb Baked Chicken Breast contains roughly 207 calories, with 22g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 841mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts in this recipe. They are more flavorful and remain juicy even if slightly overcooked. Adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through than breasts. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t include any wheat products. Just ensure that any additional sides or ingredients you serve with the chicken are also gluten-free. You can easily enjoy it with dishes like roasted vegetables or gluten-free grains to maintain a balanced meal.
What is the best way to know when the chicken is done cooking?
The best way to check if the chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast; it should read 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. If you don't have a thermometer, you can cut into the chicken to ensure the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).