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Lemon Herb Baked Chicken Breast 1

Lemon Herb Baked Chicken Breast

This light and vibrant dinner transforms ordinary chicken breast into juicy, flavorful perfection. The magical combination of bright lemon and aromatic herbs creates a foolproof method that guarantees moisture and flavor every time.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking Dish
  • Meat thermometer

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts approximately 6-8 oz each
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 lemons 1 sliced, 1 for juice
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup optional, for a touch of sweetness

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If the breasts are very thick, consider butterflying them or using a meat mallet to gently pound them to an even thickness of about 3/4 inch for more uniform cooking.
  • In a bowl, combine the olive oil, juice from one lemon, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. For a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity, add the optional honey or maple syrup and whisk until well combined.
  • Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. For best flavor absorption, massage the marinade into the chicken for about 1 minute. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though marinating overnight increases flavor penetration.
  • Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place in the baking dish, ensuring pieces don't overlap. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken and arrange the lemon slices on and around the chicken breasts.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer at the thickest part.
  • Remove the chicken from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This critical step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in juicier chicken.

Notes

For best results, use fresh herbs if possible, though dried herbs can be substituted at a ratio of 1 teaspoon dried for each tablespoon fresh. The chicken can be marinated for as little as 30 minutes, but overnight marination will yield the most flavorful results.
This recipe works well with chicken thighs too - simply adjust cooking time to approximately 30-35 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 35gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 340mgPotassium: 430mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 1.5gVitamin C: 15mg
Keyword Chicken, Lemon Chicken, Herb Chicken, Healthy Dinner, Baked Chicken
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