Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken (Printable Version)
Juicy chicken breasts infused with lemon and black pepper, baked to tender perfection for any weeknight.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5.3 oz each)
→ Marinade
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
04 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
05 - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
06 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1 teaspoon salt
→ Garnish (optional)
10 - Fresh parsley, chopped
11 - Lemon slices
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and salt.
03 - Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them in the prepared baking dish.
04 - Pour marinade over chicken, turning each breast to ensure even coating.
05 - Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is cooked through.
06 - Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices before serving, if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It’s incredibly simple yet bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors that feel like a hug from a friend.
- The marinade is easy to whip up and makes the chicken juicy every single time, no matter your skill level.
02 -
- Marinating for at least 30 minutes makes all the difference; that citrus penetrates deep for brightness in every bite.
- Baking uncovered is key to getting a slight crisp on the outside while keeping the chicken juicy within.
03 -
- Don’t skip patting the chicken dry – it helps the marinade stick and creates better texture.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens vary and overcooked chicken loses that juicy magic.