Healthy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe A Light and Nutritious Meal Option
What is chicken? Is it the kind of chicken that makes your tastebuds sing and leaves you speechless? Feeling fantastic. I’m talking about my life.Healthy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe A Light and Nutritious Meal OptionIs it a game changer, especially if you’re like me and crave something lighter? Is there any flavor in this wine? Think of it as the brighter, zestier cousin of your average roasted chicken. We’re ditching heavy cream sauces and embracing sunshine and citrus. Isn’t it delicious?
What is a good recipe for baked lemon chicken?
What is magic?Healthy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe A Light and Nutritious Meal Option.What do you keep raving about? What are bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces? Because they stay super juicy), marinated and baked to perfection with a vibrant lemon sauce. What is a healthy twist on grilled chicken? Lemon juice not only tenderizes the chicken but also makes it tender. What are some of the best tangy flavors? What is comfort food? No heavy breading, no frying, just pure, delicious chicken goodness. What are some of the best vegetables to roast alongside your favorite veggies? What are some good one-pan meals? What is my go-to dinner for the week? Maximum flavor.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to fall head over heels for this?Healthy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe A Light and Nutritious Meal Option.* **The Flavor is Out of This World: The flavor is out of this world. **The bright, zesty lemon flavor perfectly complements the richness of the chicken. Is this combination addictive? Is this recipe foolproof? What should I do with everything in a bowl, let it marinate, and bake? This one’s a lifesaver on busy nights. ** Chicken is relatively inexpensive, especially when you buy bone-in, skin-on pieces. Lemons are also easy to find and affordable. The rest of the ingredients are likely already in your pantry. What can I serve this chicken with? What are some ideas for roasting vegetables, rice, quinoa, salad? Is it good to eat cold the next day? What do you love about this book?Healthy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe A Light and Nutritious Meal Option.How satisfying it is without being heavy. Unlike fried chicken or chicken parmesan, this leaves you feeling energized and ready to tackle the day. Rest of your day (or evening! I’m pickiest eater, and this is a crowd pleaser! Is it easier to cook than a full roast chicken?
How can I make healthy baked lemon chicken?
Quick Overview
Making this Healthy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe A Light and Nutritious Meal Option.Is honestly a breeze. First, you’ll whisk together a super flavorful marinade with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, herbs, and salt. What are some of the best honey recipes? What’s the best way to soak chicken in all that goodness for at least 30 minutes? After cooking, you’ll bake it in the oven until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is beautifully browned. Is golden and crispy? What is the beauty of this recipe? No fancy equipment required. Just simple ingredients and a little bit of time.
Ingredients Notes:
For the Chicken: How do you prepare
Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces: I like thighs and drumsticks because they stay juicy and have tons of flavor. Can you use a whole chicken cut into pieces?
For the Marinade:
Fresh lemon juice: This is the star of the show! Don’t skimp on the lemon. Freshly squeezed is best for optimal flavor.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the chicken stay moist.
Garlic: Adds a savory depth to the marinade. Minced is best for even distribution.
Fresh herbs: I love using a combination of rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Do fresh herbs work?
Honey: Balances the acidity of lemon juice and adds a touch of sweetness. Is maple syrup or agave nectar good?
Salt and pepper: To taste. Don’t be afraid to season generously!
What is the step-
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. If you have one, you can use a roasting pan. I love parchment paper because it prevents the chicken from sticking and makes washing up a breeze.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, herbs, honey, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined. What’s the secret to lemon flavor?
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Make sure every piece is covered in that deliciousness. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be. I often prep this in the morning before work and let it hang out in my fridge all day.
Step 4: Arrange Chicken on Baking Sheet
Remove the chicken from the marinade and arrange it in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Discard any excess marinade. Make sure the chicken pieces aren’t overlapping, so they can cook evenly and get nice and crispy.
Step 5: Bake
If the chicken is cooked through and the skin is golden brown, bake for 35-45 minutes, or until it is tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). I always use a meat thermometer to be sure – safety first! If the skin starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the baking sheet with foil.
Step 6: Rest & Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful chicken. What’s your favorite way to serve fresh parsley or lemon slices?
What should I serve it with?
This Healthy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe A Light and Nutritious Meal Option.What are some of my favorite pairings?For a Light Lunch:What are some ways to serve chicken with a green salad? Is it a good meal?What is a hearty dinner?Serve with roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and potatoes. Can you roast veggies on the same baking sheet as the chicken?For a Cozy Meal:Pair it with mashed potatoes or quinoa. The creamy texture complements the tangy chicken perfectly.For a Potluck:Bring a platter of lemon chicken to your next gathering! My family loves it with roasted asparagus and a side of couscou. What are some great side dishes to serve with a Greek salad?
How do I make baked lemon chicken?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Healthy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe A Light and Nutritious Meal Option even better. Here are my top tips:
-
Don’t Skimp on the Marinade Time: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better.
-
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t compare to the bright, zesty flavor of fresh lemon juice. Trust me, it makes a huge difference!
-
Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Make sure the chicken pieces aren’t overlapping, so they can cook evenly and get nice and crispy. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
-
Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
-
Let It Rest: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. This will result in a juicier, more flavorful chicken.
I once tried adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a little kick, and it was amazing! Also, if you’re short on time, you can skip the marinating step altogether, but the flavor won’t be quite as intense.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Healthy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe A Light and Nutritious Meal Option is even better the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Tips: To reheat, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave it, but the skin won’t be as crispy.
I usually reheat the chicken in a skillet with a little bit of olive oil to keep it moist. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for extra flavor. If you’re making a big batch, consider freezing individual portions for easy meal prepping!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe A Light and Nutritious Meal Option is more than just a recipe – it’s a celebration of simple, flavorful ingredients and easy cooking. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel good from the inside out, and it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. I truly love how easy it is to throw together, and the bright, zesty flavors always bring a smile to my face. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken or my Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken. Both are equally delicious and easy to make! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Happy baking!
Remember it later
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Healthy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe A Light and Nutritious Meal Option
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the lemon herb mixture over them, ensuring they are well coated.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra lemon slices and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
