Savory Italian Herb Baked Chicken
This Savory Italian Herb Baked Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a medley of aromatic herbs, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. With a simple and straightforward preparation method, this recipe allows the chicken to soak up the richness of the butter and the zesty notes of vegetable juice or tomato juice. Topped with gooey mozzarella cheese for that extra indulgence, this dish is sure to impress at the dinner table. Originally created on a whim with pantry staples, this savory chicken dinner has quickly become a household favorite that promises consistent deliciousness every time. Enjoy it with a side of pasta or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
2 (None)
butter
1 tablespoon (Melted)
V-8 vegetable juice or tomato juice
2 tablespoons (None)
garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon (None)
dried basil
1/2 teaspoon (Crushed)
dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon (Crushed)
salt
to taste (None)
pepper
to taste (None)
mozzarella cheese, grated
1/2-3/4 cup (optional) (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Pat the chicken breast halves dry with a paper towel. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper.
3
Place the seasoned chicken pieces in a glass baking dish that fits them snugly without crowding.
4
In a microwave-safe measuring cup or bowl, combine the butter and V-8 vegetable juice (or tomato juice). Microwave for about 20 seconds, or until the butter is melted.
5
Add garlic powder, dried basil, and dried oregano to the melted butter mixture, crushing the herbs with your fingers to release their flavors.
6
Pour the herb-infused butter mixture over the chicken, making sure to coat each piece evenly.
7
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven, uncovered, for approximately 25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8
If using mozzarella cheese, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the cheese evenly over the chicken.
9
Lightly tent the chicken with aluminum foil and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Italian Herb Baked Chicken?
Savory Italian Herb Baked Chicken is a dish that combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a medley of aromatic herbs, butter, and vegetable or tomato juice.
What oven temperature is required for this chicken recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How many chicken breast halves does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed for 2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves.
What type of juice can be used for the herb mixture?
You can use either V-8 vegetable juice or tomato juice.
How much butter is needed for the Savory Italian Herb Baked Chicken?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
What spices are used to season the chicken?
The chicken is seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried basil, and dried oregano.
How long should the chicken bake in the oven?
The chicken should bake for approximately 25 minutes.
What is the target internal temperature for the baked chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Is mozzarella cheese required for this recipe?
No, the mozzarella cheese is optional, but recommended for extra indulgence.
How much mozzarella cheese should I use?
If using cheese, you should use 1/2 to 3/4 cup of grated mozzarella.
Why should I pat the chicken dry before seasoning?
Patting the chicken dry with a paper towel ensures the seasoning sticks properly to the meat.
What is the best way to release the flavor of the dried herbs?
Crush the dried basil and dried oregano with your fingers as you add them to the mixture to release their aromatic oils.
Should the baking dish be covered while in the oven?
No, the chicken should be baked uncovered.
How do I prepare the herb-infused butter mixture?
Combine butter and juice in a microwave-safe bowl, heat until melted, then stir in the garlic powder, basil, and oregano.
How long do I microwave the butter and juice?
Microwave the mixture for about 20 seconds or until the butter is fully melted.
What kind of baking dish is recommended?
A glass baking dish that fits the chicken pieces snugly without crowding is recommended.
What should I do after adding the mozzarella cheese?
Lightly tent the dish with aluminum foil and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
What side dishes go well with this Italian chicken?
This dish pairs perfectly with a side of pasta or a fresh salad.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is described as an easy dinner and a quick recipe that uses pantry staples.
How much garlic powder is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder.
How much dried basil is needed?
You will need 1/2 teaspoon of crushed dried basil.
How much dried oregano is required?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of crushed dried oregano.
Can I substitute the chicken breasts with another cut?
While the recipe specifies boneless skinless chicken breast halves, other cuts could be used but cooking times would vary.
Is this a one-pan meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a one-pan meal for easy cleanup.
How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Baking it with the butter and juice mixture and letting it rest under foil helps retain its juiciness.
What is the preparation for the chicken breasts?
The chicken should be patted dry and seasoned on both sides with salt and pepper.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Based on the nutritional data provided, the fiber content is not specified but likely low given the ingredients.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 total ingredients including the optional cheese and seasonings.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, but you would generally need to triple the amount of fresh herbs to match the potency of dried ones.
Why is aluminum foil used at the end?
The foil creates a light tent to trap heat, which helps melt the cheese and lets the flavors meld before serving.