Go Back
To make this dish, gather the following items: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced - Juice and zest of 1 large, juicy lemon - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish You can mix things up a bit. Try using chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier bite. You can also swap out olive oil for avocado oil if you prefer. If you want more flavor, add a splash of chicken broth to the marinade. For a twist, use lime instead of lemon. You can even throw in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives for an extra kick! Using fresh ingredients makes all the difference. Fresh garlic gives a stronger taste than powdered. Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish more than bottled juice. The herbs bring a vibrant flavor. When you use fresh items, your meal tastes better and looks more appealing. Trust me, this effort pays off in every bite! To make Baked Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for even cooking. Next, grab a small bowl and mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add black pepper, salt, oregano, thyme, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir this mix until it looks well combined. Now, take your chicken breasts and put them in a large bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece gets coated well. Seal the bag or cover the dish and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinate for up to 2 hours for richer flavor. After marinating, remove the chicken from the fridge. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are spaced out. This helps them bake evenly. Put the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C). Once done, take the chicken out and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step keeps the juices inside. Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch before serving. - Prep Time: 10 minutes - Marination Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours - Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes - Total Time: 40 minutes These times help you plan your meal. You can prep ahead to make dinner quick and easy. Marination is important for flavor and tenderness. When you soak the chicken in the marinade, it absorbs all those tasty spices and lemon juice. This makes the chicken juicy and flavorful. The longer you marinate, the better the flavors blend into the meat. So, if you can, try to marinate for a longer time. It makes a big difference in taste! To keep chicken juicy, use a marinade. The mix of olive oil, garlic, and lemon gives moisture and flavor. Let the chicken soak in this mix for at least 30 minutes. Longer marinating makes it even better. After you bake, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This keeps the juices inside. Baking at 400°F (200°C) is key. This heat cooks the chicken evenly, making it tender. Use parchment paper on your baking sheet. It helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking. Space the chicken out. If they touch, they won't brown well. Check the chicken's temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Serve the chicken with sides like roasted veggies or a fresh salad. The crispness of the veggies balances the chicken's flavor. For sauces, a light lemon sauce or a yogurt dip works great. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color. For the full recipe, visit our dedicated page. {{image_4}} You can switch chicken with fish or plant-based proteins. Salmon works great here. It brings a rich taste that pairs well with lemon and garlic. Tofu is a fantastic choice for a vegan option. Press and cube the tofu, then marinate it just like the chicken. Bake it until it's firm and golden. You can mix flavors to suit your taste. Try adding fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. A splash of soy sauce can add a savory twist. For a spicy kick, use sriracha or a spicy marinade instead of red pepper flakes. You can also add honey for a sweet touch. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite. Want more heat? Increase the red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper. If you prefer milder flavors, skip the spicy seasonings. You can also balance heat with a touch of honey or sugar. This helps to round out the flavors. Play around with the seasonings until you get the heat level just right for you. For the full recipe, check the section above. To store leftover baked garlic lemon pepper chicken, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When reheating, the best method is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it is warm throughout. You can also use a microwave, but the oven gives better results. To freeze your chicken, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. This way, you can keep it in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. For more details, check the Full Recipe. Yes, you can use skin-on chicken. It adds flavor and moisture. Just adjust cooking time. Skin-on chicken may take a bit longer to cook through. Ensure it reaches 165°F for safety. The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part. The temperature should read 165°F. If you don’t have one, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, and the meat should be white, not pink. If you're out of lemon, try using lime instead. It gives a nice, zesty flavor. You can also use vinegar, like apple cider or white wine vinegar. Just use less, as vinegar is stronger than lemon. For a sweeter twist, try orange juice. It adds a unique taste! For the full recipe, you can check out the detailed steps and ingredient list. This post covered how to make delicious baked garlic lemon pepper chicken. We discussed the best ingredients, cooking steps, and marination tips. You learned ways to make juicy chicken and tried different flavors. I also shared how to store leftovers for later meals. Cooking should be fun and easy. Use fresh ingredients to boost flavor, and don’t be afraid to get creative. Enjoy your time in the kitchen and impress others with your tasty meals!

Baked Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken

Discover the perfect weeknight dinner with this zesty baked garlic lemon pepper chicken! Juicy chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of garlic, lemon, and spices are baked to perfection for a simple yet delicious meal. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you'll impress your family and friends. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a delightful dining experience!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

4 cloves of garlic, finely minced

Juice and zest of 1 large, juicy lemon

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking.

    In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add the black pepper, salt, oregano, thyme, and, if you choose, the red pepper flakes. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, forming a vibrant marinade.

      Take the chicken breasts and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated in the flavorful mixture. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap, allowing the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours if you desire a deeper flavor infusion).

        Once marinated, remove the chicken from the fridge and lay the chicken breasts onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Space them out so they do not touch; this helps them cook evenly.

          Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and achieves an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

            After baking, remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. This step helps retain the juices for a more succulent bite.

              Before serving, sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and added freshness.

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: For an eye-catching display, serve the chicken on a large, elegant platter garnished with lemon wedges and a generous sprinkle of parsley. Alternatively, plate each chicken breast individually beside a side of roasted seasonal vegetables or a refreshing garden salad to create a complete and aesthetically pleasing meal.