Easy Baked Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

This Baked Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe is a refreshing and flavorful way to enjoy chicken. Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), the dish combines the zest of lemon, the sharpness of cracked pepper, and the depth of garlic. It’s simple to make, yet filled with bright and bold flavors. Perfect for a quick, healthy dinner, this chicken recipe pairs well with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh side salad.

Preparation Tips

1. Pound the Chicken: For even cooking, use a meat mallet to pound the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness. This helps the chicken cook faster and stay juicy.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Although this recipe is quick, marinating the chicken for 15-30 minutes can intensify the flavors. The lemon juice and garlic will infuse the chicken, making it even tastier.
3. Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly ground black pepper and fresh lemon juice make a big difference in flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice if possible, as fresh lemon adds a brighter taste.

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, and paprika.
2. If you’re using honey or maple syrup, add it to the marinade for a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of the lemon.
3. For extra flavor, add the optional red pepper flakes and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a large resealable plastic bag.
2. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. If time allows, let the chicken marinate for at least 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator. (For a more intense flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.)
3. If short on time, you can also bake the chicken immediately, as the flavors will still come through.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Baking at a high temperature will help the chicken cook evenly and maintain moisture.

Step 4: Arrange Chicken in Baking Dish

1. Arrange the marinated chicken breasts in a baking dish or an oven-safe skillet. If desired, add a few thin slices of lemon on top of each piece for extra lemony flavor.
2. Spoon any remaining marinade over the chicken. Add a pat of butter on top of each chicken breast for added richness (optional but adds a lovely golden color and buttery taste).

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

1. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
2. For thicker cuts, you may need an additional 5-10 minutes of baking. Start checking the chicken at the 20-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
3. If desired, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes for a golden-brown finish. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

1. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring a moist and tender result.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of additional lemon zest if you’d like a more intense lemon flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, making it a versatile dish. Here are some ideas:

1. Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables such as asparagus, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts for a complete meal.
2. Rice or Quinoa: Steamed rice or fluffy quinoa complements the flavors of lemon and garlic nicely.
3. Salad: A fresh, green salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes provides a refreshing balance to the warm flavors of the chicken.
4. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting and hearty addition to this meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead?
   • Absolutely. Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and will work perfectly with this recipe. Adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
2. What Can I Use Instead of Fresh Lemon Juice?
   • Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, but in a pinch, you can use bottled lemon juice or add a splash of vinegar for acidity.
3. Can I Add Vegetables to the Baking Dish?
   • Yes! Vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers work well and can be added to the baking dish. Just ensure they’re cut into smaller pieces, so they cook evenly with the chicken.
4. How Do I Know When the Chicken Is Done?
   • Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure perfectly cooked chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, make sure the juices run clear, and there’s no pink in the center.

Conclusion

This Easy Baked Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken is the ultimate recipe for those looking for a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal option. The bold flavors of lemon and garlic, combined with the cracked pepper, create a dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a wholesome dinner that’s packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is sure to impress and will likely become a regular in your meal rotation! Enjoy!

Yield: 4

Easy Baked Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

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This Baked Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe is a refreshing and flavorful way to enjoy chicken. Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), the dish combines the zest of lemon, the sharpness of cracked pepper, and the depth of garlic. It’s simple to make, yet filled with bright and bold flavors. Perfect for a quick, healthy dinner, this chicken recipe pairs well with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh side salad.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra color)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Lemon slices, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
   
2. Prepare the Marinade:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using).
   
3. Season the Chicken:
   Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure to coat each piece evenly. For best results, let the chicken marinate for 10-15 minutes.
   
4. Bake the Chicken:
   Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
   
5. Serve:
   Garnish the chicken with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

Optional Marinade Time: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 1 hour.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with steamed vegetables, a side salad, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.