If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors yet incredibly easy to prepare, this Oven-Baked Greek Chicken Breast Recipe is an absolute must-try. Juicy, tender chicken breasts get infused with a vibrant marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and garlic, creating a mouthwatering combination that feels both fresh and comforting. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering, this recipe balances simplicity and deliciousness perfectly with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Oven-Baked Greek Chicken Breast Recipe lies in its simplicity — only a handful of familiar ingredients come together to create a dish packed with flavor, freshness, and gorgeous golden color. Each ingredient plays its part, from the richness of olive oil to the zesty punch of lemon and fragrant oregano.
- Chicken breasts: Skinless and boneless for even cooking and a tender texture.
- Olive oil: Adds healthy fats and helps keep the chicken moist while baking.
- Lemon juice: Provides bright acidity that balances the rich oil and seasoning.
- Dried oregano: Classic Greek herb that brings earthy, piney notes to the chicken.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a subtle but savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt: Enhances all the other ingredients and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity to the flavor profile.
How to Make Oven-Baked Greek Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Getting the oven nice and hot ensures your chicken cooks evenly and the outside develops a beautiful, slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir these simple ingredients until well blended. This marinade is where all the magic begins, soaking the chicken in classic Greek flavors.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Rub the olive oil mixture generously over the chicken breasts, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered. This step locks in moisture and infuses the meat with the bright, herbal essence that defines this Oven-Baked Greek Chicken Breast Recipe.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken breasts in a baking dish, making sure they’re spaced out to cook evenly. Bake them in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. The result will be tender, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for any occasion.
Step 5: Serve
Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat juicy and tender. You can serve the chicken warm, optionally garnished with fresh lemon slices and herbs to amp up the presentation and flavor.
How to Serve Oven-Baked Greek Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten the dish with a few fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or oregano. These simple garnishes add a refreshing zing and pop of color that makes this chicken irresistible on the plate.
Side Dishes
This Oven-Baked Greek Chicken Breast Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Think fluffy couscous, roasted vegetables, or a crisp Greek salad loaded with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a truly authentic experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the chicken and layer it over warm pita bread with tzatziki sauce and fresh veggies for a delicious Greek-style sandwich. Another idea is to serve the chicken alongside a bed of lemon-herb quinoa or stuffed into a colorful grain bowl for a modern, balanced meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Oven-Baked Greek Chicken Breast Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for quick lunches or easy dinner additions throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to store it longer, wrap the cooked chicken breasts tightly or place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw them fully in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying it out. You can splash a little water or lemon juice on top to keep things moist and fresh-tasting as if it was just baked.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken breasts will take a bit longer to cook, so adjust the baking time accordingly, usually adding an extra 10 to 15 minutes. The flavors will still be fantastic.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for a long time?
While a longer marinating time can deepen the flavors, this Oven-Baked Greek Chicken Breast Recipe works great even with a quick rub of the marinade before baking. If you have more time, letting the chicken marinate for 30 minutes to a few hours will only enhance the taste.
Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?
Yes, fresh oregano can be a lovely substitution! Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried since fresh herbs are less concentrated. It will add a fragrant, bright note to the dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Oven-Baked Greek Chicken Breast Recipe is completely gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten-containing ingredients. Just be mindful of side dishes if you’re preparing a full meal.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have one, check that the juices run clear when pierced with a knife and that the chicken is opaque all the way through.
Final Thoughts
This Oven-Baked Greek Chicken Breast Recipe is such an effortless way to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. Its bright, fresh flavors are irresistible, and the hands-off cooking makes it perfect for busy days. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it—you’ll quickly find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again to make wholesome, delicious meals for any occasion.
Print
Oven-Baked Greek Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Oven-Baked Greek Chicken Breast recipe features tender and juicy chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, and spices. Baked to perfection, this simple and flavorful dish brings Mediterranean flair to your dinner table with minimal prep and cooking time.
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 reaches the right temperature for baking the chicken evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are fully mixed, creating a fragrant and flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Rub the olive oil mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is evenly coated with the marinade to infuse the meat with the Greek-inspired flavors.
- Bake the chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts in a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal juices run clear, indicating perfect doneness.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and serve warm. Optionally garnish with extra lemon slices and fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for added freshness and presentation.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes if time allows to enhance flavor intensity.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Pair with Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
