Who doesn't love a dish that's bursting with flavor yet so easy to make? This Easy Marinated Baked Chicken is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or when you need a no-fuss meal that still impresses.
In this Article:
With a tangy, savory marinade made from simple pantry staples, this recipe transforms everyday chicken into a juicy, flavorful meal. And it's one the whole family will actually eat - even the kids.
Make it a Freezer Meal!
This recipe also works great for meal prep! To turn it into a freezer meal, simply combine the raw chicken and marinade in a freezer-safe bag, squeeze out any excess air, and freeze it flat for easy storage. When you're ready to cook, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and you're good to go!
The marinade does double duty, infusing the chicken with bold flavors while it sits, so when it's time to bake, the hard work is already done. It's a lifesaver for busy weeknights or when you want to get ahead on meal planning.
Some of my other favorite freezer meals include this warm and cozy Ham and Potatoes Casserole or this tasty Vegetarian Chili. Want to have a fancy freezer dinner? Try these Pesto Lasagna Roll-ups (one of my favorites). And if you're looking for an easy meal prep breakfast, make your own variation of these Garden Vegetable Freezer Burritos.
Helpful Tips and Variations
Use cooking time as a guide: Depending on the cut and thickness of your chicken, cook time will vary. Be sure to cook it through for safety! Make sure to watch the chicken closely because over baking will dry it out.
Cheat with a prepared marinade: If you do not want to make your own chicken marinade, you can use your favorite store-bought brand. Use this recipe as a guide for marinating and baking the chicken.
Using bone-in chicken: Consider using chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of boneless chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time to make sure the chicken reaches 165°F internally. Don't touch the bone with thermometer when checking temperature, or the thermometer will give you a false reading.
FAQs from Readers
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The chicken is cooked when the juices run clear and the chicken meat is white with no pinkish color. The best way to know when chicken is done is by using a meat thermometer. The chicken needs to reach 165°F internally to be safe.
What temp do I cook chicken at in the oven?
I baked this chicken at 425°F in the oven. Most recipes call for a temperature between 350 and 425 degrees. It turned out nice and tender and juicy!
Do you need to let the chicken rest once you are done cooking?
It is best to allow chicken to rest 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. As the chicken rests, it will lock in the moisture. If you cut chicken as soon as it's cooked, all the juice runs out and can leave you with dry chicken.
More Easy Recipes
If you love this easy marinated chicken, be sure to check out these other simple recipe ideas:
- Honey Sesame Chicken Breast
- Ginger Lime Chicken
- Chicken Stuffed Shells
- 25+ Easy Family Friendly Chicken Recipes
Recipe
Easy Marinated Baked Chicken
Ingredients
- 5 chicken breasts
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 ½ Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in a 9" x 13" casserole dish and set aside.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, and Worchestershire sauce.
- Place the brown sugar and water in a small microwave-safe dish and melt for 20 seconds.
- Add the melted brown sugar to the olive oil mixture, then stir in the garlic and seasonings.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Bake chicken for 30 minutes, then flip and continue baking for 5-10 minutes until an inserted meat thermometer reaches 165°F.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition details are an estimate, per serving.
Judy Donaldson says
I'm going to try this today!