Baked Chicken Breast with Lemon and Garlic
Easy Baked Chicken Breast with Lemon and Garlic
Baked chicken breast can sometimes turn out dry or bland—but not this one! This Lemon and Garlic Baked Chicken recipe is juicy, full of flavor, and incredibly simple to make. It’s perfect for a healthy dinner, meal prep, or even a light gathering with friends.
With fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs, this dish is bright, aromatic, and satisfying. Plus, it’s low in carbs and high in protein, making it great for keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets.
🛒 Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for added richness)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish)
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the best temperature to cook the chicken evenly while keeping it juicy.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps the marinade stick and allows the chicken to brown nicely.
- Optional: If your chicken breasts are thick, you can cut them in half or gently pound them for even cooking.
Step 3: Make the Lemon-Garlic Marinade
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- (Optional) Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat or a teaspoon of honey for a touch of sweetness.
Step 4: Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken and make sure each piece is well coated.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes to 2 hours in the fridge (or even overnight for more flavor).
- Before baking, take the chicken out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
- Lightly grease your baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Place the chicken in the dish in a single layer.
- Spoon any leftover marinade over the top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) inside.
- (Optional) For a golden top, broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end—but watch it closely!
Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This keeps the meat juicy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
This baked chicken goes great with:
- Roasted vegetables
- Mashed potatoes or rice
- Quinoa or a fresh salad
- A drizzle of the leftover (cooked) marinade or a pat of butter for extra flavor
💡 Tips & Variations
- Add Dijon Mustard: Mix in a teaspoon for extra tang.
- Grill It: Grill for 5–7 minutes per side instead of baking.
- Use Bone-In Chicken: Just cook longer—about 30–40 minutes.
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeño to the marinade.
- Prep Ahead: Marinate the chicken ahead of time and bake when ready.
🥗 Nutrition Info (Per Chicken Breast)
- Calories: ~250–300
- Protein: ~40g
- Fat: ~10–15g
- Carbs: ~6–8g
- Sodium: ~450–600mg
This dish is high in protein, low in carbs, and full of fresh, healthy flavor.
✅ Final Thoughts
This Lemon and Garlic Baked Chicken Breast is proof that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you get juicy, flavorful chicken every time. Perfect for busy nights or healthy meal prep!