Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy dinner recipe? Look no further! This Lemon Pepper Chicken Oven recipe is your answer. It's a flavorful, juicy chicken dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal and impressive enough for a casual dinner party. This recipe requires minimal prep time and cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Get ready to enjoy a burst of zesty lemon and peppery goodness in every bite!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Get Started: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This is a simple step that makes a big difference!
Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown beautifully in the oven. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Marinate (Optional but Recommended): For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the lemon pepper mixture for at least 30 minutes, or even longer in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
Bake the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked perfectly.
Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. This simple lemon pepper chicken pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Lemon Pepper Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Ensure there's enough space between the chicken breasts for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer: This guarantees perfectly cooked chicken every time. Overcooked chicken is dry, so this step is key.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to add more or less lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, or onion powder depending on your preference.
- Add some vegetables: Roast your favorite vegetables alongside the chicken for a complete and healthy meal. Broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers work well.
Variations:
- Spicy Lemon Pepper Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Herb-infused Chicken: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for a different flavor profile.
- Lemon Herb Butter Chicken: Add 2 tablespoons of softened butter to the marinade for extra richness and moisture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 2-5g
This easy lemon pepper chicken oven recipe is a fantastic addition to your healthy meal repertoire. It’s quick, delicious, and customizable to your liking. Try it out and let us know what you think! We'd love to hear your feedback and see your culinary creations. Happy cooking!