🍋 Garlic Herb Lemon Baked Chicken
This Garlic Herb Lemon Baked Chicken is a simple, flavorful dinner featuring juicy chicken coated in a fragrant garlic, lemon, and herb marinade. It’s tender on the inside, golden on the outside, and pairs perfectly with vegetables, rice, or potatoes.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes (optional)
- Cook Time: 25–35 minutes
- Total Time: About 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6 chicken thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Additions
- 1 sliced lemon (for baking)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 sliced onion
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh basil
Instructions
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, combine:
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Garlic
- Melted butter
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
Whisk until combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken
- Place chicken in a baking dish or zip-top bag.
- Pour the garlic herb mixture over the chicken.
- Marinate for 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator).
3. Bake
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange chicken in a baking dish.
- Add lemon slices and vegetables if using.
- Bake for 25–35 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
4. Rest and Serve
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Spoon the pan juices over the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
Perfect with:
🥔 Garlic mashed potatoes
🍚 Lemon herb rice
🥗 Greek salad
🥦 Roasted broccoli
🥕 Honey glazed carrots
🍝 Buttered pasta
🥖 Crusty bread
Tips for Juicy Chicken
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Don’t overbake—use a meat thermometer for the best results.
- Add a splash of chicken broth to the baking dish for extra moisture.
- Chicken thighs will stay especially tender and flavorful.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently in the oven at 325°F (165°C) or microwave with a little broth.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 42 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fat: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 1 g
Flavor Variations
🌶️ Spicy Lemon Chicken: Add chili flakes and cayenne.
🧀 Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken: Add a Parmesan cream sauce after baking.
🥬 Mediterranean Style: Add olives, feta, spinach, and cherry tomatoes.
This Garlic Herb Lemon Baked Chicken is a bright, comforting meal with the perfect balance of zesty lemon, savory garlic, and fresh herbs—easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. 🍋🍗