Craving a meal that’s both delicious and good for you? This Lemon Garlic Herb Baked Chicken Breast recipe is a fantastic choice for a healthy weeknight dinner. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare and how much flavor each bite delivers.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Chicken Breast: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking. Chicken thighs work too, but may need a little more cook time.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest are essential for bright flavor. Bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but fresh is best.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers the best taste. Garlic powder can be substituted if needed (use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for every clove of fresh garlic).
- Herbs: A mix of dried Italian herbs is convenient. Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary can be used for an even more vibrant flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 (depending on chicken size)
- Tools needed: Baking dish, mixing bowl, whisk.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better and absorb the flavors. Place them in a shallow baking dish.
2. Make the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. This simple marinade is full of flavor.
3. Coat the Chicken
Pour the lemon garlic herb marinade over the chicken breasts, making sure to coat both sides. You can let it marinate for 15-30 minutes if you have time, but it’s not strictly necessary for delicious results.
4. Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the chicken for 18-22 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
5. Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the chicken juicy. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, then enjoy your healthy chicken breast recipes creation!
Variation Ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a little heat.
- Smoky Flavor: A touch of smoked paprika can add depth to your Lemon Garlic Herb Baked Chicken Breast.
- Veggies Included: Toss some broccoli florets or asparagus spears with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper and bake them alongside the chicken for a complete meal.
- Different Herbs: Experiment with fresh thyme or rosemary instead of dried Italian herbs.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Lemon Garlic Herb Baked Chicken Breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, just make sure they are completely thawed before marinating and baking.
- How do I know when the chicken is cooked through? The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken; it should read 165°F (74°C).
- What can I serve with this Lemon Garlic Herb Baked Chicken Breast? It pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, quinoa, or brown rice.
- Can I grill this chicken instead of baking? Absolutely! Grill over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Is this recipe good for meal prep? Yes, it’s perfect for meal prepping healthy chicken breast recipes. You can cook a batch and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- What if I don’t have fresh lemon zest? You can omit it, but the zest adds a lot of bright lemon flavor, so it’s recommended if possible.