Healthy Baked Lemon Chicken

5 from 1 vote

Healthy Baked Lemon Chicken

Creamy, bright, and impossibly juicy, Healthy Baked Lemon Chicken is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Course: Main

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keyword: Easy, Healthy

Servings: servings

Calories: 300kcal

Equipment

Mixing Bowl
Baking Dish

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3-4 tablespoons lemon juice Juice from 2 lemons
2 teaspoons lemon zest Zest from 2 lemons
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position a rack in the center of the oven for even cooking.
In a medium bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, chopped fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended and slightly emulsified.
Place the chicken breasts in the bowl or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each breast is coated. Let the chicken sit for at least 15 minutes; if you have an hour, that’s even better for flavor penetration.
Transfer the chicken and any remaining marinade to a baking dish, arranging the breasts in a single layer. If the breasts are thick, gently pound them to even thickness so they cook evenly.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. If you like a slightly golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end while watching closely.
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices. Garnish with additional lemon slices and fresh herbs before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To freeze, place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.

Nutrition