Baked Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a simple yet incredibly flavorful chicken dish, this Baked Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe is perfect! It’s a delightful blend of tangy lemon, zesty pepper, and savory garlic, all baked to tender perfection. This recipe is quick to prepare, uses minimal ingredients, and is perfect for weeknight dinners or even meal prep. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.

This Baked Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken is a quick and easy recipe that delivers on flavor! The combination of zesty lemon, cracked black pepper, and fragrant garlic infuses the chicken with bold, tangy, and savory notes. It’s baked to golden perfection, leaving the chicken tender and juicy on the inside with a slightly crispy skin. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something impressive for guests, this recipe is sure to become a go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons why this Baked Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken is a winner:

• Simple ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients on hand, making this a hassle-free dish.
• Quick prep time: With minimal chopping and easy preparation, you can have this dish ready to bake in minutes.
• Healthy and flavorful: This recipe uses fresh ingredients like lemon juice and garlic, providing a nutritious and satisfying meal.
• Versatile: Serve it with a wide range of sides, from roasted veggies to a fresh salad or even over rice.

How to Make Baked Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
2. Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt. If using oregano or any optional add-ins like red pepper flakes, mix them in at this stage.
3. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a zip-lock bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. If you have time, marinate it for up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor.
4. Bake the chicken: Transfer the marinated chicken to your prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Optional broiling: If you prefer a crispier top, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
6. Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with your favorite sides.

Choosing the Right Chicken Cut

For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well because they absorb the lemon garlic marinade beautifully and bake up tender and juicy. However, if you prefer dark meat, you can use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Bone-in chicken pieces will take a bit longer to cook, so adjust the baking time accordingly.

Marinating for Extra Flavor

While the chicken can be baked immediately after coating with the marinade, allowing it to marinate for at least 20 minutes (and up to 2 hours) will enhance the flavor. The lemon juice acts as a tenderizer, and the longer it sits, the more the garlic and pepper will infuse into the chicken.

Baking Tips for Juicy Chicken

To ensure your chicken stays juicy:

• Don’t overcook: Chicken can become dry if overcooked, so be sure to monitor the internal temperature. The ideal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C).
• Resting the chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps redistribute the juices inside the meat, making every bite moist and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

There are endless ways to serve this flavorful chicken! Here are a few ideas:

• Roasted vegetables: Pair it with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or carrots for a healthy, balanced meal.
• Rice or quinoa: Serve the chicken over a bed of rice or quinoa to soak up all the delicious lemon-garlic juices.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the chicken.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Refrigerating:

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.

Freezing:

To freeze, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Recipe Variations

• Herb lovers: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the marinade for a burst of freshness.
• Spicy kick: If you love spice, throw in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• Creamy lemon chicken: Add a little cream or a dollop of butter to the sauce for a rich, creamy version.

Conclusion

This Baked Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken is the ultimate easy, weeknight meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s tangy, peppery, garlicky, and everything you want in a quick chicken dish. Plus, with minimal prep and a short baking time, it’s perfect for busy days when you want something satisfying without a lot of effort. Try it out and enjoy the burst of fresh, zesty flavors!

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes! Chicken thighs will work beautifully in this recipe, providing a slightly richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a bit longer to bake.
2. Do I have to marinate the chicken? Marinating helps to infuse the chicken with more flavor, but if you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step and still have a delicious dish.
3. Can I grill this chicken instead of baking it? Absolutely! This recipe works great on the grill. Simply grill the marinated chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? The best way to reheat the chicken is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
5. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh? Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but in a pinch, bottled lemon juice can be used. Just adjust to taste!

Yield: 4

Baked Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

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If you're looking for a simple yet incredibly flavorful chicken dish, this Baked Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe is perfect! It’s a delightful blend of tangy lemon, zesty pepper, and savory garlic, all baked to tender perfection. This recipe is quick to prepare, uses minimal ingredients, and is perfect for weeknight dinners or even meal prep. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (from 1 large lemon)
• 2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• Lemon slices (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray.

2. Season the Chicken:

• Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
• In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon pepper seasoning, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts, coating them evenly.

3. Arrange in the Baking Dish:

• Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
• Add lemon slices on top of each chicken breast for extra flavor and presentation.

4. Bake the Chicken:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.
• For a golden-brown top, broil the chicken for the last 3-4 minutes.

5. Rest and Garnish:

• Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with additional lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Serving suggestions: Pair with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Adjust the seasoning: You can add extra lemon pepper or more garlic if you prefer a stronger flavor.