Ever wondered what makes a chicken dish unforgettable? Try this easy Baked Lemon Herb Chicken Recipe. It’s an easy dinner recipe that will change your weeknight meals. This homemade chicken dish is juicy and full of flavor, blending lemon zest with herbs.

It’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s great for any event, from dinner parties to family meals.

• Total time for the recipe: 30 minutes
• Servings per recipe: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: 156 kcal
• Recommended marinating time for extra flavor: up to 2 hours
• Preheat oven temperature: 400°F

The delicious lemon chicken is a favorite for many. It’s easy to make, perfect for both beginners and experts. It’s great for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

This oven-baked chicken recipe is loved for many reasons. It’s quick to prepare, needing just 20 minutes. It cooks in 1 hour and 20 minutes.

It’s also good for those watching their diet. A serving of Lemon-Herb Chicken Breast with sweet potatoes has 621 calories. It’s 4 WW Smart Points.

The flavors are amazing, thanks to fresh herbs and lemon juice. It’s a taste you won’t forget.

This recipe is great for any meal. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or big gatherings. It impresses everyone.

It’s best cooked at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. It serves up to five people. It’s also loved by kids and adults.

Creating a delicious and healthy dinner like baked lemon herb chicken is all about the ingredients. The mix of flavors makes the dish tasty while keeping it nutritious.

The main protein in this recipe is 12 pieces of chicken. You can use breasts, drumsticks, or thighs. Here are the key ingredients for a simple herb marinade:

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1/2 tablespoon each of lemon zest, oregano, dried rosemary, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon each of onion powder and garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 1 diced onion
• 1 diced green pepper

For extra elegance, you can add 3-4 rosemary sprigs as garnish. These ingredients not only make the dish taste great but also help in maintaining a balanced diet.

With the right ingredients, making baked lemon herb chicken is easy and delicious. It’s a great choice for a healthy dinner.

Choosing the right chicken is key for a juicy dish. We’ll look at picking the best meat and tenderizing it. This will make your baked chicken incredibly flavorful.

For this recipe, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. A 4 oz chicken breast has about 193 calories and 35 grams of protein. Skin-on breasts have more calories and protein due to the skin’s fat.

For the recipe, you’ll need 4 to 5 boneless chicken breasts.

Tenderizing the chicken is crucial for deep flavor penetration. We’ll explore two methods: marination and physical tenderization.

Marinating is highly recommended. Use a mix of lemon juice, olive oil, lemon pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic for 4 to 8 hours. This makes the chicken tender and flavorful.

If you prefer physical tenderizing, pound the chicken breasts with a meat mallet. This breaks down the fibers, making the chicken tender. Either method will result in tender, flavorful chicken.

The secret to a delicious baked chicken is a great marinade. Our Baked Lemon Herb Chicken Recipe combines citrus and herbs for a burst of flavor. A good marinade makes the chicken tender and juicy.

To make the perfect marinade, you’ll need:

• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 1/4 cup of lemon juice
• 5 garlic cloves, crushed or minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat
• 1/4 cup of chopped parsley, plus more for garnish

Start by mixing all these ingredients in a bowl. Lemon juice gives a tangy base, while olive oil keeps the chicken moist. Garlic and Italian seasoning add depth, making the Baked Lemon Herb Chicken Recipe irresistible.

Dried herbs are used here for a stronger flavor than fresh ones. The 1 1/2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning adds a savory mix of oregano, basil, and thyme. For spice, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Chopped parsley adds freshness and looks great as a garnish.

Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but up to 12 hours for the best flavor. But, marinating longer than 12 hours can make the meat tough. A gallon-sized Ziploc bag is great for marinating multiple pieces, ensuring even coverage and easy cleanup.

Marinating your chicken is a key step to make it more flavorful and tender. It infuses herbs deeply into the meat. This way, every bite is juicy and delicious.

Marinating is crucial for that irresistible juicy chicken. Fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs penetrate the meat. This makes it tender and full of flavor.

Studies show that a good marinade adds taste and softens the meat. It also reduces cooking time and makes the chicken juicier.

For the best results, marinate the chicken for 3-4 hours. But, you can marinate it for up to 8 hours. Just remember, too much acidity can make the meat softer.

Refrigerating the chicken during marinating keeps it safe. It also helps it absorb the flavors.

Once your homemade chicken dish is marinated, it’s time to bake it. Making sure the oven is ready is key. This way, your lemon chicken will be tender and full of flavor.

Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is perfect for cooking chicken. It makes sure the inside is safe and the outside is golden.

Keeping the oven at 400 degrees is important. It helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy. The baking time depends on the meat. Chicken breasts need 25 minutes or until they reach 170 degrees Fahrenheit.

Make sure the oven is hot before putting in the chicken. Check it often to avoid overcooking. This keeps your chicken moist and full of lemon flavor.

To get tender and flavorful chicken, timing and temperature are key. This easy dinner recipe needs specific steps for the best results.

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for most chicken recipes. Cooking time is about 25-30 minutes, depending on the chicken’s thickness and type. Here’s a detailed guide:

• Oven Temperature: 400 degrees Fahrenheit
• Cook Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes
• Safe Internal Temperature: 160-165 degrees Fahrenheit

Follow these guidelines for a easy dinner recipe that’s safe and full of flavor.

A meat thermometer is crucial for consistent results with your oven-baked chicken recipe. Insert it into the chicken’s thickest part. This ensures it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This method keeps the meat juicy and tasty.

Looking to make your Baked Lemon Herb Chicken meal even better? We’ve got some great ideas to enhance your healthy dinner.

Pair the Baked Lemon Herb Chicken with sides that are good for you. This makes for a balanced and tasty meal. Here are some top picks:

• Roasted Vegetables: Try carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini roasted with olive oil and Italian seasoning. They match the chicken’s taste well.
• Brown Rice: Brown rice is nutty and filling. It’s a great source of fiber to go with the protein.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: These are smooth and creamy. They’re perfect for catching the chicken’s juices.

Want to get creative with your dinner? Here are some fun ways to serve Baked Lemon Herb Chicken:

• Salads: Slice the chicken and put it on a fresh green salad. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing meal.
• Sandwiches: Shred the chicken and make a sandwich on whole grain bread. Add avocado, lettuce, and a tangy mustard spread.
• Tacos: Serve the chicken shredded in soft tortillas. Add salsa, shredded cabbage, and a sprinkle of lime for a zesty twist.

These ideas make Baked Lemon Herb Chicken versatile. They ensure it’s a meal everyone will enjoy.

After enjoying a homemade chicken dish, you might have leftovers. Storing them properly ensures you can enjoy the meal again. This way, you keep the taste and quality intact.

To keep your chicken fresh, put leftovers in an airtight container. Refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. This keeps the chicken good to eat for three to four days.

For longer storage, freezing is great. Use a freezer-safe container to keep it for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight for the best taste and texture.

When reheating your chicken, do it right to keep it moist and flavorful. Here are two ways to do it:

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C). Put the chicken in a dish, cover with foil, and heat for 10 minutes. This method keeps the chicken moist.
• Microwave: For quick reheating, use the microwave. Place the chicken on a plate, cover with a lid or another plate. Heat on medium until warmed through, checking to avoid overcooking.

By storing and reheating your chicken correctly, you can enjoy it anytime. Every bite will be as delicious as the first.

This baked lemon herb chicken recipe is easy to customize. You can change the herbs or add spice to make it your own. This way, you can keep your meals exciting and varied.

Want to try something new? Swap out the Italian seasoning for fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley. These herbs bring fresh, aromatic flavors that pair well with lemon.

Feel free to mix and match your favorite herbs. Basil, dill, or cilantro can add a unique twist. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:

For a spicy kick, add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or paprika. These spices not only add flavor but also color to the dish.

Chili flakes bring a smoky heat that complements lemon. Cayenne pepper adds a stronger heat. Smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor that blends well with the lemon sauce.

Customizing the herbs and spices makes this lemon chicken dish exciting. Try these variations and find your new favorite ways to enjoy it.

In this article, we explored a simple yet amazing oven-baked chicken recipe. It combines lemon and herbs for a delicious and easy meal. Each step is designed to highlight the chicken’s best flavors.

Using a 4 to 5 pound whole chicken, this recipe focuses on taste and health. It aims to create a balanced and nutritious meal.

This baked lemon herb chicken recipe is both easy and elegant. It’s quick to prepare, making it great for beginners. The fresh herbs and lemon add a burst of flavor.

Following Mediterranean diet principles, it’s also healthy. It can help lower heart disease risk by 30%. With 421 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free choice.

We invite you to try this tasty oven-baked chicken recipe at home. It’s easy to make and perfect for any time. Just remember to let the chicken rest for 15 minutes after baking.

Pair it with sides like baby potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Start cooking this recipe and make it a favorite in your home. Happy cooking!