Oven-baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Do you want a flavorful, healthful dinner that won't take hours to prepare? Look no farther than these Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts. This recipe is a game changer for busy weeknights.
We've blended juicy, succulent chicken with garlicky butter sauce and fluffy cauliflower rice to create a complete and gratifying meal that's both healthy and delicious. Let's start baking!
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breasts with Cauliflower Rice (Easy & Flavorful!)
Hey everyone, let's whip up some amazing oven-baked chicken breasts tonight! This recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser – juicy chicken packed with flavor from a delicious garlic butter sauce, served over fluffy cauliflower rice.
Here's what we'll need (makes 3 servings):
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 ounces (about 3 cups) riced cauliflower (or pre-riced cauliflower)
- 8 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (plus extra for serving)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a kick!)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter + 1 tablespoon for the cauliflower rice
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the paprika, cumin, chicken broth, lemon juice, onion powder, oregano, garlic, chili flakes (if using), melted butter, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Set aside a bit of this marinade for the cauliflower rice later.
- Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and coat them well with the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (the longer, the better!).
- When you're ready to cook, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-low heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown but still a bit undercooked in the center.
- Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken breasts in the skillet. Pop the whole skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken bakes, let's make the cauliflower rice! Heat another tablespoon of oil and the remaining butter in a separate skillet over medium-low heat. Add the riced cauliflower, season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Saute for 2-3 minutes, then add the leftover marinade you set aside earlier. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the cauliflower is tender. Feel free to add a splash of chicken broth if it gets too dry.
- Take the baked chicken breasts out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes under tented foil. This allows the juices to redistribute for even more tenderness. Slice the chicken against the grain for easy eating.
- Now for the fun part – plating! Divide the cauliflower rice between plates and top with the sliced chicken. Spoon some of that delicious garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the chicken. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon slices. Don't forget to squeeze some extra lemon juice on your chicken before digging in – it really brightens up the flavors!
Enjoy this easy and flavorful meal! It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend lunch.
Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Chicken Breasts:
We've got some bonus tips to make this baked chicken breast recipe a guaranteed winner!
Flipping Finesse: Only flip your chicken once! Wait until one side is golden brown before giving it a turn. Flipping too frequently can dry out the chicken before it hits the oven.
Cauliflower Cravings: Doubling the cauliflower rice is a great option for bigger appetites or if you want a more filling base for your chicken.
Marination Magic: Don't overdo the marinating time. The lemon juice in the marinade can break down the chicken's protein fibers if left too long, making it mushy. 30 minutes is perfect for this recipe, but you can even marinate for less time if you're short on time.
Butter Alternatives: No butter? No problem! Simply substitute the butter with more olive oil.
Chicken Cut Choice: Want to switch things up? You can definitely use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Just swap 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs for each chicken breast in the recipe.
Leftover Love: Got leftover baked chicken breasts? No worries! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep the sauce nice and moist.
Recipe Variations: Spice Up Your Oven-Baked Chicken!
This recipe is a fantastic base, but the beauty of chicken is its versatility! Here are some ideas to add your own twist and create flavor explosions:
Herb Heaven: Love fresh herbs? Ditch the dried oregano and add a tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme or rosemary to the marinade for a fragrant twist.
Spicy Fiesta: Want a kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of sriracha to the marinade for a spicy kick. You can also serve with a dollop of sriracha mayo for dipping.
Lemon Lovers: For a brighter lemon flavor, zest one lemon into the marinade and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the finished dish.
Mediterranean Twist: Swap the oregano for a teaspoon of dried thyme and add a handful of chopped kalamata olives to the cauliflower rice for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Cheesy Goodness: For a cheesy delight, sprinkle the chicken breasts with grated parmesan cheese before placing them in the oven to bake. You can also add a sprinkle of cheese to the cauliflower rice for extra flavor.
Smokey Chipotle: Craving a smoky flavor? Substitute smoked paprika for the regular paprika in the marinade. You can also add a teaspoon of chipotle chili powder for an extra smoky kick.
Balsamic Glaze: When the chicken is almost done baking, brush it with a mixture of balsamic vinegar and honey for a sweet and tangy glaze.
Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and cheeses to create your own signature baked chicken dish!
Why You'll Love This Healthy Baked Chicken Recipe:
This oven-baked chicken recipe is a double win – it's incredibly flavorful and packed with health benefits! Here's why you'll love it:
Flavor Explosion: The combination of juicy chicken, a garlicky butter sauce, and fluffy cauliflower rice creates a symphony of deliciousness in every bite. The recipe is easily customizable with different herbs and spices, so you can find a flavor profile that perfectly suits your taste buds.
Healthy & Hearty: Chicken breasts are a lean protein source, providing essential nutrients for a balanced diet. The cauliflower rice is a healthy alternative to traditional rice, offering lower carbs and more fiber. Plus, the recipe uses minimal oil and butter, keeping the overall fat content in check.
Quick & Easy: With minimal prep time and a short cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. You can have a satisfying and healthy meal on the table in under an hour!
Family-Friendly: This recipe is a crowd-pleaser! The combination of chicken and rice is familiar and comforting, while the flavorful sauce keeps things exciting. Plus, it's easily adaptable to different palates – you can adjust the spice level or add different vegetables to cater to everyone's preferences.
Budget-Conscious: Chicken breasts are a relatively affordable protein source, and the other ingredients in this recipe are pantry staples or readily available at most grocery stores.
So, if you're looking for a healthy, flavorful, and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love, look no further than this oven-baked chicken recipe! It's a true labor of love (for your taste buds and your health)!
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