Baked Lemon Herb Chicken is a simple and flavorful dinner made with tender chicken, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic herbs. It requires minimal preparation and is perfect for a quick homemade meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
2. Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
Add the minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning evenly over the chicken.
3. Add Lemon Slices
Arrange lemon slices around and on top of the chicken for extra flavor.
4. Bake the Chicken
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
5. Rest the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
What to Serve With Lemon Herb Chicken
This chicken pairs well with:
- Roasted potatoes
- Steamed rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Couscous
Tips for the Best Baked Chicken
- Use chicken breasts of similar thickness so they cook evenly.
- Don’t overcook the chicken, as it can become dry.
- Fresh lemon juice provides a brighter flavor than bottled juice.
- Let the chicken rest briefly before slicing.
- Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Optional Additions
You can customize this recipe with:
- Fresh rosemary
- Fresh thyme
- Honey
- Dijon mustard
- Red pepper flakes
- Sliced onions
- Cherry tomatoes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless or bone-in chicken thighs can be used, but cooking times will vary.
Can I marinate the chicken?
Yes. Marinating the chicken for a few hours can add extra flavor.
How should I store leftovers?
Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Conclusion
Baked Lemon Herb Chicken is an easy, flavorful, and versatile dinner that requires just a few basic ingredients. The combination of lemon, garlic, and herbs creates a fresh flavor that pairs beautifully with rice, potatoes, vegetables, or salad.