Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a savory, herb-infused chicken dish, Herb Garlic Maryland Chicken is the answer! The combination of garlic, fresh herbs, and olive oil creates a marinade that deeply flavors the chicken, making it tender and juicy. Baked until golden and crispy on the outside, this chicken is both easy to prepare and impressive to serve. It’s the perfect option for a wholesome, flavorful dinner that requires minimal effort yet tastes gourmet.

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for basting)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.

  2. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs or breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.

  3. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  4. Cook the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake the chicken for 35-40 minutes (depending on the size of the chicken) until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.

  5. Optional basting: For an extra layer of flavor, melt the butter and brush it over the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking.

  6. Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh herbs, if desired.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4

  • Prep time: 10 minutes

  • Marinate time: 30 minutes to 2 hours

  • Cook time: 35-40 minutes

  • Total time: 45 minutes to 2 hours and 10 minutes (including marinate time)

Variations

  • Use chicken breasts: If you prefer chicken breasts, you can substitute them for thighs. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as chicken breasts tend to cook faster.

  • Add vegetables: Toss some vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts in the marinade and roast them alongside the chicken for an easy one-pan meal.

  • Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy twist.

  • Herb variations: If you don’t have fresh rosemary or thyme, feel free to substitute with dried herbs or other fresh herbs like oregano or sage.

  • Lemon-herb marinade: For an even brighter flavor, increase the lemon juice and zest in the marinade.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Leftover Herb Garlic Maryland Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through, or reheat in a skillet on medium heat, basting with a little butter or olive oil to retain moisture.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, but be sure to adjust the cooking time. Boneless chicken tends to cook faster, usually in 25-30 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

2. Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?

Absolutely! You can grill the chicken on medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 2 hours ahead of time. If you need to make it even earlier, you can prepare the marinade and freeze the chicken in the marinade. Thaw it in the refrigerator the night before and cook it the next day.

4. Can I use chicken drumsticks instead of thighs or breasts?

Yes, chicken drumsticks will work perfectly for this recipe. Simply adjust the cooking time to 40-45 minutes, or until the drumsticks reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

5. Can I make the marinade without mustard?

Yes, you can omit the Dijon mustard if you prefer. It adds a slight tang, but the chicken will still be flavorful without it.

6. How can I make the chicken more crispy?

For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken dry before marinating to remove any excess moisture, and make sure to bake it at a high temperature (400°F/200°C). You can also broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to crisp it up further.

7. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

Yes, dried herbs can be substituted in place of fresh ones. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs.

8. What can I serve with Herb Garlic Maryland Chicken?

This chicken pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or rice. You can also serve it with a side of garlic bread to soak up the delicious juices.

9. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

To keep the chicken moist, avoid overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute.

10. Can I make this recipe in advance?

You can marinate the chicken up to 2 hours ahead of time, and then cook it fresh when ready to serve. You can also cook the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Herb Garlic Maryland Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The marinade infuses the chicken with fresh herbs and garlic, creating a tender, juicy dish with a golden, crispy skin. Whether served with a side of veggies, mashed potatoes, or a light salad, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or a casual family dinner.

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Herb Garlic Maryland Chicken

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes to 2 hours
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

Herb Garlic Maryland Chicken is a savory, aromatic dish featuring tender chicken marinated in a mixture of fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil, then baked to golden perfection. This flavorful recipe is simple to prepare yet delivers vibrant, mouthwatering flavors, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for basting)

Instructions

  • Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.

  • Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.

  • Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  • Cook the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.

  • Optional basting: For extra flavor, melt the butter and brush it over the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking.

  • Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Use chicken breasts: You can substitute thighs for chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time, as breasts cook faster.Add vegetables: Toss potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts in the marinade and roast them alongside the chicken for an easy one-pan meal.Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy twist.Herb variations: Use dried herbs or other fresh herbs like oregano or sage if you don’t have rosemary or thyme.Lemon-herb marinade: For a brighter flavor, increase the lemon juice and zest in the marinade.

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