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Easy Herby Baked Chicken: Best Meal Prep Recipe

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This easy herby baked chicken meal prep uses a flavorful herb marinade to lock in moisture, ensuring juicy chicken all week long. Perfect for Sunday meal prep, it’s a game-changer for delicious lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about one lemon)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice
  • 2 cups roasted vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini work great)
  • Optional: fresh lemon wedges for squeezing before eating

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give it a full 15 minutes to reach temperature.
  2. Make the herb marinade: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika. Whisk together until well combined.
  3. Prep the chicken: Place chicken breasts on a cutting board. If any pieces are thicker than 1 inch, cover with plastic wrap and gently pound to an even thickness. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
  4. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the herb mixture over the top and use your hands to coat every piece evenly. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes while the oven finishes preheating. If you have more time, refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
  5. Arrange in the baking dish: Place the chicken breasts in your greased baking dish or on a sheet pan. Leave a little space between each piece. Pour any remaining marinade over the top.
  6. Bake for 22-28 minutes. At 20 minutes, start checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the largest breast. You are looking for 165°F (74°C).
  7. Rest the chicken: Remove from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Do not skip this step.
  8. Slice and portion: Once rested, slice the chicken against the grain into even pieces. Divide among your meal prep containers along with your choice of quinoa or rice and roasted vegetables.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken. Let chicken come to room temperature before baking for even cooking. Do not overcrowd the pan. Save pan juices to pour over sliced chicken in containers. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken, meal prep, herby chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy meal prep, gluten-free, dairy-free

Find it online: https://cravemila.com/easy-herby-baked-chicken-best-meal-prep-recipe/