Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Looking for a reliable, flavorful, and healthy chicken breast recipe that comes together in a flash? Say hello to your new favorite: Quick & Easy Lemon Herb Baked Chicken Breast! This dish delivers perfectly juicy, tender chicken infused with the bright, zesty flavors of lemon and aromatic herbs. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, uses pantry-staple ingredients, and bakes to perfection, making it the ultimate solution for busy weeknights or effortless meal prepping.
Forget dry, boring chicken. This recipe utilizes a simple marinade and baking technique to lock in moisture and create a deliciously satisfying main course. It’s versatile enough to pair with almost any side dish and leftovers are fantastic in salads, wraps, or sandwiches. Get ready to add a truly dependable and crowd-pleasing chicken recipe to your repertoire!
Why You’ll Adore This Lemon Herb Chicken
- Incredibly Flavorful: Zesty lemon, savory garlic, and aromatic herbs create a classic and irresistible taste.
- Juicy & Tender: Simple steps ensure the chicken stays moist and tender during baking.
- Quick & Easy Prep: Requires minimal hands-on time – perfect for busy evenings.
- Healthy & Lean: A fantastic source of lean protein, fitting easily into a balanced diet.
- Versatile: Pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, salads, pasta, rice, quinoa, and more.
- Meal Prep Champion: Cook a batch on Sunday for easy lunches and dinners all week long.
Pantry-Friendly Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
This recipe relies on simple, readily available ingredients:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star protein. Aim for similar-sized breasts for even cooking.
- Olive Oil: Helps keep the chicken moist and allows the seasonings to adhere.
- Fresh Lemon: Both zest and juice are used for a bright, multi-layered citrus flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor, but garlic powder can substitute in a pinch.
- Dried Herbs: A blend of oregano, thyme, and rosemary offers a classic Mediterranean-inspired aroma. Feel free to use Italian seasoning blend as well.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
- Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, or fresh parsley for garnish.
| Ingredient | Role in Recipe |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | Lean Protein Base |
| Olive Oil | Moisture, Flavor Carrier |
| Lemon (Zest & Juice) | Brightness, Acidity, Tenderizer |
| Garlic | Savory Depth |
| Dried Herbs | Aromatic Complexity |
| Salt & Pepper | Essential Flavor Enhancement |
Baking Perfect Lemon Herb Chicken: Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps for flawless results.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Marinate time (optional): 15-30 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Yields: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired / American
Equipment:
- Baking Dish (9x13 inch or similar)
- Small Bowl
- Whisk
- Meat Thermometer (Highly Recommended)
Ingredients:
- 4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large lemon (zest + juice, approx. 2 tbsp juice)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary (optional, crush slightly)
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Prepare Chicken: If chicken breasts are very thick, you can pound them gently to an even thickness (about 3/4 inch). This helps promote even cooking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Make Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, rosemary (if using), salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Coat Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Pour the lemon herb mixture over the chicken, turning each piece to ensure it's evenly coated.
- Marinate (Optional but Recommended): For best flavor, let the chicken marinate at room temperature for 15-30 minutes while the oven preheats. You can also marinate it covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours (let it sit at room temp for 15 mins before baking if refrigerated).
- Arrange for Baking: Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the baking dish, ensuring they aren't overcrowded.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The most accurate way to check for doneness is with a meat thermometer – the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
- Rest: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest in the baking dish for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in much more tender and juicy chicken.
- Serve: Slice the chicken breast and serve warm. Spoon any pan juices over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Chicken Every Time
- Even Thickness: Pounding thicker breasts ensures they cook evenly without drying out the thinner parts.
- Don't Overbake: Use a meat thermometer! It's the best way to guarantee perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
- Resting is Key: Don't skip the resting step; it makes a huge difference in tenderness.
- Fresh Lemon: Using fresh lemon zest and juice provides superior flavor compared to bottled juice.
Serving Suggestions & Storage
- Sides: Serve with roasted vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, potatoes), a fresh green salad, quinoa, rice pilaf, or creamy mashed potatoes.
- Leftovers: Slice leftover chicken and use it in salads, wraps, sandwiches, pasta dishes, or grain bowls.
- Storage: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Your New Weeknight Hero
This Quick & Easy Lemon Herb Baked Chicken Breast is destined to become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s simple, healthy, packed with bright flavors, and incredibly versatile. Enjoy the delicious results and the ease of preparation!
Share this easy & delicious Lemon Herb Baked Chicken Breast recipe with your friends on Facebook or save it to your Pinterest boards for a sunny day treat!
Q: Why do people add lemon to chicken?
People add lemon to chicken for several reasons:
Flavor: Lemon provides a bright, zesty, and slightly acidic flavor that complements the mild taste of chicken.
Tenderizing: The acidity in lemon juice can help to tenderize the chicken.
Moisture: Lemon can help keep the chicken moist during cooking.
Enhances other flavors: It can also enhance the flavors of other herbs and spices used.
Nutrition: Lemons are a good source of Vitamin C, which can aid in the absorption of iron found in chicken.
Q: Is it better to bake chicken breast covered?
Whether it's "better" to bake chicken breast covered depends on the desired outcome:
Covered: Baking chicken breast covered helps to trap steam and moisture, resulting in juicier chicken. It can also help the flavors of seasonings and marinades infuse into the meat better. However, it won't result in crispy skin. Parchment paper placed directly over the chicken can also help keep it moist.
Uncovered: Baking chicken breast uncovered allows the heat to directly reach the surface, which can lead to some browning and a slightly crispier exterior. However, it can also dry out more quickly.
Many recipes use a combination: baking covered for most of the cooking time to keep it moist and then uncovered for the last few minutes to allow for some browning.
Q: What temperature do you bake lemon chicken?
Lemon chicken can be baked at various temperatures, but a common range is between 350∘F(175∘C) and 400∘F(200∘C). The specific temperature often depends on the recipe and whether you want to cook it slower or faster. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165∘F(74∘C) regardless of the oven temperature.
Q: Why is baked chicken good?
Baked chicken is a popular and good choice because:
It's a lean protein source: Chicken, especially the breast, is low in fat and calories while being high in protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues.
It's versatile: It can be seasoned and flavored in countless ways.
It's relatively easy to cook: Baking is a straightforward cooking method.
It's nutritious: Chicken provides essential nutrients like B vitamins, phosphorus, and selenium. It also contains amino acids like tryptophan, which is linked to mood regulation.