Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
This Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned with zesty lemon, cracked black pepper, and a hint of garlic, then baked to tender perfection.
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Basting brush
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 large lemon about 3 tablespoons
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika optional, for color
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with foil for easier cleanup.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better.
- Make the Marinade:
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and paprika. Mix well.
- Season the Chicken:
- Brush the marinade generously over both sides of the chicken breasts. Place them in the prepared baking dish and arrange lemon slices on top.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides.