We’ve always been fans of Mandy in the Making and her straightforward chicken recipes that turn everyday meals into family favorites. Originating from her beloved online platform these dishes blend simplicity with bold flavors making them perfect for home cooks of all levels.
What we love most is how they inspire creativity in the kitchen while keeping things quick and delicious. Join us as we explore these crowd-pleasing options that’ll elevate your dinner routine.
Ingredients
To bring Mandy’s easy chicken recipes to life in our kitchens, we start with high-quality, straightforward ingredients that deliver bold flavors and simplicity. These are selected for Mandy in the Making chicken recipes, ensuring every home cook can whip up a family favorite with minimal fuss.
We’ll list the ingredients for Mandy’s Garlic Herb Baked Chicken, organized by how they’re used in preparation. This keeps our recipe accessible and efficient.
- Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total), patted dry to ensure even seasoning and cooking.
- Fresh Herbs: 2 tablespoons fresh garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped), and 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (leaves stripped from stems), added early for maximum infusion.
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion (sliced), and 2 cups baby carrots (washed and trimmed), incorporated as a base for roasting.
- Seasonings and Liquids: 1/4 cup olive oil (extra-virgin for richer flavor), 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed), 1 teaspoon salt (kosher, to enhance natural tastes), and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground), mixed into a marinade.
- Optional Garnishes: 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped), sprinkled at the end for a vibrant, aromatic finish.
Tools and Equipment
To seamlessly bring our Garlic Herb Baked Chicken from Mandy in the Making chicken recipes to life, we rely on essential tools and equipment that make preparation efficient and straightforward. These items help us handle ingredients like boneless chicken breasts, fresh herbs, and vegetables with precision, ensuring bold flavors emerge effortlessly in the kitchen.
Here’s a curated list of the key tools and equipment, organized by their role in the recipe process:
- Oven: A standard oven preheated to 400°F is crucial for baking the chicken to juicy perfection. We recommend using one with even heat distribution to achieve that golden, crispy exterior Mandy in the Making fans love.
- Baking Sheet or Dish: Opt for a sturdy 9×13-inch baking dish or rimmed baking sheet to hold the chicken and vegetables. This prevents spills and allows for even cooking, transforming simple ingredients into a flavorful family favorite.
- Mixing Bowls: At least two medium-sized mixing bowls are needed—one for marinating the chicken with herbs, olive oil, and lemon juice, and another for combining vegetables like onion and baby carrots. Choose bowls that are microwave-safe if you need to warm ingredients quickly.
- Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife: A large cutting board paired with a sharp chef’s knife ensures safe, precise chopping of fresh herbs such as garlic, rosemary, and thyme. This duo helps us prepare seasonings efficiently, enhancing the dish’s vibrant aromas.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for seasonings like salt, pepper, and liquids such as olive oil and lemon juice. We suggest a set of stainless steel measuring cups and spoons for durability and ease of use in our Mandy in the Making routines.
- Tongs or Spatula: Use heat-resistant tongs to flip and serve the chicken without damaging the herbs or vegetables. This tool adds convenience, making it simple to achieve that perfectly baked finish.
With these tools in hand, we transition smoothly from gathering ingredients to the cooking steps, empowering home cooks to create delicious, quick chicken recipes inspired by Mandy in the Making.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our high-quality ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through preparing our flavorful Garlic Herb Baked Chicken with simple, step-by-step directions to achieve mouthwatering results every time.
Prep Work
Before we start cooking, we focus on efficient preparation to enhance the bold flavors of our Garlic Herb Baked Chicken. Begin by preheating the oven to 400°F—this ensures even baking and locks in the juicy tenderness of the chicken. Next, we rinse and pat dry the boneless, skinless chicken breasts using paper towels to remove excess moisture for better seasoning adhesion.
In a large mixing bowl, we combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper to create a zesty marinade that infuses the chicken with vibrant, tangy notes. Finely chop 4 cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of rosemary, and 1 tablespoon of thyme, releasing their aromatic, earthy scents that will elevate the dish’s overall appeal. Slice 1 onion into thin rings and trim 1 cup of baby carrots for crisp texture and subtle sweetness.
Submerge the chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated for maximum flavor absorption. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature while we prepare the baking dish by lining it with parchment paper—this step promotes easy cleanup and prevents sticking for a seamless process.
Cooking
With our ingredients prepped, we move to the cooking phase where the magic happens and the herbs’ fragrant aromas fill the kitchen. We transfer the marinated chicken breasts to a sturdy baking dish, arranging them in a single layer alongside the chopped onion and baby carrots to allow for even heat distribution and caramelization.
Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through with heat-resistant tongs to achieve a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and succulent. To check for doneness, we insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken—it should read 165°F for safe, tender results. As it cooks, the herbs sizzle and release an irresistible, savory aroma that signals a delicious, family-friendly meal inspired by Mandy in the Making.
Assembling and Serving
Once cooking is complete, we quickly assemble our Garlic Herb Baked Chicken to preserve its warm, juicy texture and present it as a visually appealing dish. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes—this allows the flavors to settle and the juices to redistribute for an optimal, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Using tongs, we arrange the baked chicken on a serving platter, topping it with the roasted onion and baby carrots for a colorful, nutrient-rich presentation. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley over the top to add a bright, herbaceous garnish that enhances the dish’s fresh taste and visual pop. Serve immediately with sides like rice or salad to complement the bold, herbaceous flavors, making it a quick and inspiring option for your dinner routine.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our Garlic Herb Baked Chicken from Mandy in the Making even more convenient for busy weeknights, we can prepare several components in advance. This approach not only saves time but also allows the flavors to develop, resulting in a more vibrant and flavorful dish. Let’s break down the key steps for efficient make-ahead preparation.
Preparing the Marinade and Chicken
We suggest starting with the marinade, as it infuses the chicken with bold flavors ahead of time. Begin by combining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of pepper, and finely chopped garlic, rosemary, and thyme in a mixing bowl. Coat 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts thoroughly with this mixture, ensuring even coverage for maximum taste infusion.
- Place the marinated chicken in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
- Refrigerate it for up to 24 hours to enhance tenderness and flavor depth—this step is crucial for achieving Mandy in the Making’s signature bold taste.
Prepping Vegetables and Garnishes
For the vegetables, we recommend chopping and storing them separately to maintain freshness and crispness.
| Ingredient | Preparation Step | Storage Method | Maximum Storage Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onion and baby carrots | Peel and slice the onion; wash and trim the carrots to 1-inch pieces. | Transfer to an airtight container or bag. | Up to 2 days in the refrigerator |
| Fresh parsley (for garnish) | Finely chop and store in a small sealed container. | Keep wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag. | Up to 1 day in the refrigerator |
This table outlines the prep and storage details, helping you plan effortlessly.
Assembling and Storing the Dish
Once the chicken and vegetables are prepped, we can partially assemble the dish to streamline baking day.
- Arrange the marinated chicken and prepped vegetables in a baking dish, but do not bake yet.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours—this ensures the ingredients stay fresh while the flavors meld.
Reheating and Final Cooking Tips
When you’re ready to cook, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400°F as outlined in the main recipe, then bake as directed. If needed, add 5 minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled ingredients, guaranteeing even cooking and a perfectly juicy result.
By following these make-ahead strategies, we empower home cooks to enjoy Mandy in the Making’s easy chicken recipes with minimal last-minute effort.
Conclusion
We’ve truly enjoyed diving into Mandy in the Making’s chicken recipes and how they spark creativity in our kitchens. These dishes prove that simple ingredients lead to standout meals we can all master. Let’s embrace them to elevate our everyday dinners and build lasting family traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mandy in the Making?
Mandy in the Making is a popular blogger and home cook known for her simple, flavorful recipes that make everyday meals exciting. She focuses on easy chicken dishes that appeal to beginners and busy families, emphasizing quick preparation and bold tastes to inspire kitchen creativity without overwhelming effort.
What makes Mandy’s chicken recipes easy for home cooks?
Mandy’s recipes use straightforward ingredients and minimal steps, making them ideal for all skill levels. They feature bold flavors from fresh herbs and seasonings while keeping prep and cooking time short, turning ordinary meals into family favorites with little fuss.
What ingredients are needed for Garlic Herb Baked Chicken?
For Garlic Herb Baked Chicken, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, fresh herbs like garlic, rosemary, and thyme, plus vegetables such as onion and baby carrots. Add olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for seasoning, with optional fresh parsley for garnish, creating a tasty dish with simple, high-quality items.
What tools and equipment are essential for this recipe?
Key tools include a preheated oven for baking, a baking dish or sheet for even cooking, mixing bowls for marinating, a cutting board and knife for chopping, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, and tongs for handling. These basics help home cooks prepare the recipe efficiently and safely.
How do I prepare Garlic Herb Baked Chicken step by step?
Preheat your oven to 400°F and prep the chicken by rinsing and drying it. Mix a marinade with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and chopped herbs, then coat the chicken. Bake it with onion and baby carrots for 25-30 minutes until done. Garnish with parsley and serve for a quick, delicious meal.
Can I make Garlic Herb Baked Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the marinade and coat the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerating it to enhance flavors. Chop vegetables separately and store them to stay fresh. This make-ahead approach simplifies busy weeknights, letting you bake and serve with minimal last-minute work for Mandy’s easy recipes.