Marinated baked chicken is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for various meals throughout the week. Here’s a simple recipe for making marinated baked chicken along with ideas for versatile meals:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for sweetness
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. If desired, add honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated.
- Cover the dish or seal the bag, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for best flavor.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it in a baking dish.
- Discard any remaining marinade.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve the Baked Chicken:
- Once the chicken is baked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the marinated baked chicken as a main dish alongside your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or a fresh salad.
Versatile Meal Ideas:
Here are some ways you can use the marinated baked chicken as a base for versatile meals throughout the week:
- Chicken Salad: Slice the baked chicken and serve it over mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, and your favorite salad dressing.
- Chicken Wraps or Tacos: Slice the baked chicken and use it as a filling for wraps or tacos along with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and salsa.
- Chicken Pasta: Slice or shred the baked chicken and toss it with cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, and your favorite pasta sauce for a quick and easy pasta dish.
- Chicken Stir-Fry: Slice the baked chicken and stir-fry it with assorted vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. Serve over rice or noodles.
- Chicken Sandwiches: Slice the baked chicken and serve it on crusty bread or rolls with lettuce, tomato, onion, and your favorite condiments.
With marinated baked chicken as a base, the possibilities for creating delicious and satisfying meals are endless. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and ingredients to create meals that suit your taste preferences!
