Baked Lemon Herb Chicken Flavorful and Juicy Delight

Ready for a dish that’s bursting with flavor? Baked Lemon Herb Chicken is not only juicy but also easy to make. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can create a meal that impresses everyone at your table. This recipe combines zesty lemon with fragrant herbs to bring chicken to life. Dive into this simple guide and discover how to turn ordinary chicken into a delightful feast!

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 3 tablespoons olive oil

– Juice of 2 lemons

– Zest of 1 lemon

Herbs and Seasoning

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

– 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)

– 1 teaspoon paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

– Lemon slices and parsley for garnish

In this recipe, the chicken is the star. I use four boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a tender bite. The chicken gets a burst of flavor from the juice and zest of two lemons. This brings a bright taste that pairs well with the herbs.

I add three tablespoons of olive oil for richness. Olive oil also helps the chicken stay moist while cooking. Minced garlic is key for depth. I use three cloves for a nice kick.

Fresh herbs add life to this dish. I often use two tablespoons of chopped parsley. It brings a fresh taste. I add one tablespoon each of fresh thyme and rosemary, or you can use dried herbs if fresh is not available. Paprika gives a hint of warmth. Salt and pepper enhance all these flavors.

Finally, I like to garnish with lemon slices and parsley. This not only looks nice but adds a fresh touch when serving. For the full recipe, check out the provided details.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation

– Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

– In a bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, juice of 2 lemons, zest of 1 lemon, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon of chopped thyme, 1 tablespoon of chopped rosemary, 1 teaspoon of paprika, salt, and pepper.

This mix brings bright flavors. The lemon juice adds a tangy taste. The herbs give a fresh and savory touch.

Marinating the Chicken

– Place 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large baking dish. Cover them with the marinade. Make sure each piece is well coated.

– Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.

Marinating is key. It helps the chicken soak up all those delicious flavors. The longer it sits, the better it tastes!

Baking the Chicken

– After marinating, place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (165°F or 75°C).

– For a golden finish, you can broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes.

This step seals in the juiciness. The chicken will be tender and flavorful. Enjoy the wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen! For the full recipe, check the details above.

Tips & Tricks

Enhancing Flavor

– Marinate longer for deeper flavor. I suggest marinating for at least 30 minutes. This lets the chicken soak up all the lemon and herb goodness. If you have time, let it sit in the fridge for up to 2 hours. You will taste the difference!

– Use fresh herbs for the best results. Fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary bring bright flavors. Dried herbs can work, but fresh herbs really shine in this dish.

Ensuring Tenderness

– Let chicken rest after baking for juiciness. Once you take the chicken out of the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices stay inside, making each bite moist.

– Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Serving Suggestions

– Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. The bright flavors of the chicken work well with colorful veggies. Try carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for a tasty side.

– Serve over rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Both options soak up the juices and add a nice texture. You can also use couscous or a grain of your choice for variety.

For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section.

Variations

When you cook Baked Lemon Herb Chicken, you can switch things up for fun. Here are some tasty variations to try.

Herb Substitutions

You can change the herbs to match your taste. Here are a few ideas:

– Use oregano for a more Mediterranean flavor.

– Try basil for a sweet twist.

– For a quick change, sprinkle on lemon pepper seasoning. It adds a nice zest.

Cooking Methods

Mix up your cooking style for a new experience:

Grilling gives the chicken a smoky flavor.

Pan-searing can create a nice crust.

– If you want ease, use a slow cooker. It makes the chicken tender with less fuss.

Flavor Add-ins

Add more excitement to your dish with these add-ins:

Sun-dried tomatoes bring a rich taste.

Olives add a briny kick.

– Want a touch of elegance? Add a splash of white wine into the marinade. It enhances the chicken’s flavor.

These small changes can make your Baked Lemon Herb Chicken feel fresh and exciting. Try them out to find your favorite twist! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].

Storage Info

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. This keeps the chicken juicy and tasty. When you reheat, the oven works best. It helps maintain the texture and flavor.

Freezing Tips

You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. This is great for meal prep. Before you reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator. This way, it stays safe and delicious.

Reheating Techniques

You can reheat in a microwave or oven until heated through. If you use the oven, add a splash of water. This keeps the chicken moist during reheating. It makes every bite just as good as fresh!

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This step is vital. It ensures that the chicken is safe to eat. Insert the thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken. If it reads 165°F, you are good to go.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, marinated chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 hours before baking. This time allows the flavors to soak in. If you want to prep earlier, marinating overnight is also great. Just remember to bring it back to room temp before cooking.

Is this recipe healthy?

It is low in carbs and packed with protein. You can adjust the olive oil for calorie control. Using less oil is an easy way to make it lighter. The fresh herbs add nutrients and flavor, making it a healthy choice.

What can I serve with Baked Lemon Herb Chicken?

Roasted vegetables, salad, rice, or quinoa are great accompaniments. These sides add color and texture to your meal. Roasted veggies bring out sweetness, while rice or quinoa adds fiber. This combination makes your meal satisfying and balanced. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section.

This article provided a simple baked lemon herb chicken recipe. It covered essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and variations. You can explore different herbs and cooking methods to make it your own. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat them with care. This dish is healthy, packed with flavors, and easy to prepare. It’s perfect for any meal. Enjoy creating deliciousness in your kitchen!

- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Juice of 2 lemons - Zest of 1 lemon - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme) - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary) - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Lemon slices and parsley for garnish In this recipe, the chicken is the star. I use four boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a tender bite. The chicken gets a burst of flavor from the juice and zest of two lemons. This brings a bright taste that pairs well with the herbs. I add three tablespoons of olive oil for richness. Olive oil also helps the chicken stay moist while cooking. Minced garlic is key for depth. I use three cloves for a nice kick. Fresh herbs add life to this dish. I often use two tablespoons of chopped parsley. It brings a fresh taste. I add one tablespoon each of fresh thyme and rosemary, or you can use dried herbs if fresh is not available. Paprika gives a hint of warmth. Salt and pepper enhance all these flavors. Finally, I like to garnish with lemon slices and parsley. This not only looks nice but adds a fresh touch when serving. For the full recipe, check out the provided details. - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - In a bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, juice of 2 lemons, zest of 1 lemon, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon of chopped thyme, 1 tablespoon of chopped rosemary, 1 teaspoon of paprika, salt, and pepper. This mix brings bright flavors. The lemon juice adds a tangy taste. The herbs give a fresh and savory touch. - Place 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large baking dish. Cover them with the marinade. Make sure each piece is well coated. - Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. Marinating is key. It helps the chicken soak up all those delicious flavors. The longer it sits, the better it tastes! - After marinating, place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (165°F or 75°C). - For a golden finish, you can broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes. This step seals in the juiciness. The chicken will be tender and flavorful. Enjoy the wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen! For the full recipe, check the details above. - Marinate longer for deeper flavor. I suggest marinating for at least 30 minutes. This lets the chicken soak up all the lemon and herb goodness. If you have time, let it sit in the fridge for up to 2 hours. You will taste the difference! - Use fresh herbs for the best results. Fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary bring bright flavors. Dried herbs can work, but fresh herbs really shine in this dish. - Let chicken rest after baking for juiciness. Once you take the chicken out of the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices stay inside, making each bite moist. - Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is fully cooked and safe to eat. - Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. The bright flavors of the chicken work well with colorful veggies. Try carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for a tasty side. - Serve over rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Both options soak up the juices and add a nice texture. You can also use couscous or a grain of your choice for variety. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. {{image_2}} When you cook Baked Lemon Herb Chicken, you can switch things up for fun. Here are some tasty variations to try. You can change the herbs to match your taste. Here are a few ideas: - Use oregano for a more Mediterranean flavor. - Try basil for a sweet twist. - For a quick change, sprinkle on lemon pepper seasoning. It adds a nice zest. Mix up your cooking style for a new experience: - Grilling gives the chicken a smoky flavor. - Pan-searing can create a nice crust. - If you want ease, use a slow cooker. It makes the chicken tender with less fuss. Add more excitement to your dish with these add-ins: - Sun-dried tomatoes bring a rich taste. - Olives add a briny kick. - Want a touch of elegance? Add a splash of white wine into the marinade. It enhances the chicken’s flavor. These small changes can make your Baked Lemon Herb Chicken feel fresh and exciting. Try them out to find your favorite twist! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. This keeps the chicken juicy and tasty. When you reheat, the oven works best. It helps maintain the texture and flavor. You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. This is great for meal prep. Before you reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator. This way, it stays safe and delicious. You can reheat in a microwave or oven until heated through. If you use the oven, add a splash of water. This keeps the chicken moist during reheating. It makes every bite just as good as fresh! Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This step is vital. It ensures that the chicken is safe to eat. Insert the thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken. If it reads 165°F, you are good to go. Yes, marinated chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 hours before baking. This time allows the flavors to soak in. If you want to prep earlier, marinating overnight is also great. Just remember to bring it back to room temp before cooking. It is low in carbs and packed with protein. You can adjust the olive oil for calorie control. Using less oil is an easy way to make it lighter. The fresh herbs add nutrients and flavor, making it a healthy choice. Roasted vegetables, salad, rice, or quinoa are great accompaniments. These sides add color and texture to your meal. Roasted veggies bring out sweetness, while rice or quinoa adds fiber. This combination makes your meal satisfying and balanced. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. This article provided a simple baked lemon herb chicken recipe. It covered essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and variations. You can explore different herbs and cooking methods to make it your own. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat them with care. This dish is healthy, packed with flavors, and easy to prepare. It’s perfect for any meal. Enjoy creating deliciousness in your kitchen!

Baked Lemon Herb Chicken

Looking for a delicious and easy dinner option? Try this zesty baked lemon herb chicken that’s bursting with flavor! With simple ingredients like fresh herbs, lemon juice, and garlic, this dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasion. Marinate the chicken for maximum taste and enjoy a juicy, tender result every time. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family tonight!

Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

3 tablespoons olive oil

Juice of 2 lemons

Zest of 1 lemon

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon slices and parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

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

      Place the chicken breasts in a large baking dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for enhanced flavor).

        After marinating, place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).

          For a golden finish, you can broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.

            Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

              Garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 4

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