Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken (Print View)
Juicy chicken breasts baked with lemon, black pepper, and herbs for a vibrant, flavorful dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
→ Marinade
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - Zest of 1 lemon
04 - Juice of 1 lemon
05 - 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
06 - 1 teaspoon sea salt
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
→ Garnish
10 - Lemon slices (optional)
11 - Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
02 - In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, salt, garlic, oregano, and thyme; whisk until well blended.
03 - Pat chicken breasts dry using paper towels and place them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
04 - Pour the marinade over the chicken, turning each piece to ensure even coating.
05 - Arrange lemon slices on top of the chicken breasts if desired.
06 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
07 - Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- This recipe shares a bright, fresh flavor that feels like a secret handshake between friends.
- The ease of preparation makes it a go-to when you want impressive results without fuss.
02 -
- Patting the chicken dry before marinating is essential to let the marinade really soak in instead of sliding off.
- Marinating for up to two hours can elevate the flavor from good to unforgettable.
03 -
- Use fresh cracked black pepper just before mixing for maximum flavor hit.
- Allowing the chicken to rest restores moisture so every bite feels tender.