Easy Juicy Baked Lemon Herb Chicken Breast Recipe for Perfect Dinner
A simple, quick, and flavorful baked chicken breast recipe featuring fresh lemon juice, herbs, and garlic for a juicy and tender dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces or 170 grams each)
- 1 large lemon, juiced and zested
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
- Trim and pat dry the chicken breasts with paper towels.
- Place chicken breasts in the marinade and turn to coat evenly. Let sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature (up to 30 minutes if time allows).
- Optional: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a teaspoon of olive oil, and sear each breast 1-2 minutes per side until lightly golden.
- Transfer chicken to an oven-safe baking dish or rimmed sheet pan. Pour any leftover marinade over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 18-22 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Check at 18 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Rest the chicken on a plate, loosely tented with foil, for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes to brighten flavors and tenderize. Pat chicken dry before marinating to help herbs and oil cling better. Rest chicken after baking to keep it juicy. Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking. Optional searing adds a golden crust and texture. Adjust baking time based on breast thickness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (ab
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Protein: 45
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