Name: Easy Baked Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 boneless (skinless chicken breasts – I always use fresh chicken rather than frozen for the juiciest results.); 3 tablespoons olive oil – adds richness and helps the seasonings stick perfectly.; 4 garlic cloves (minced – fresh garlic gives a sharper, more aromatic flavor than pre-minced.); 1 teaspoon lemon zest – I zest the lemon just before cooking for maximum citrus brightness.; 1 teaspoon black pepper – freshly cracked black pepper works best for a punchy flavor.; 1 teaspoon salt – helps bring out all the natural flavors.; 1 teaspoon paprika – optional (but it adds a lovely color and mild smokiness.); 1 tablespoon lemon juice – fresh-squeezed juice makes the chicken taste zesty and fresh.; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley – adds a fresh herbal note and makes the dish visually appealing.

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I have to admit, I’ve fallen in love with this easy baked garlic lemon pepper chicken recipe. I made it last week, and the flavors completely blew me away. The chicken comes out juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned every time.

I love how simple the ingredients are, yet the taste feels like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant, just like this perfect grilled steak recipe when you’re craving bold, well-balanced flavors. Let me walk you through how I make this at home—it’s so satisfying and quick!

Ingredients

Here’s what I use to make this flavorful chicken, along with a few tips from my own kitchen experience:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – I always use fresh chicken rather than frozen for the juiciest results.
3 tablespoons olive oil – adds richness and helps the seasonings stick perfectly.
4 garlic cloves, minced – fresh garlic gives a sharper, more aromatic flavor than pre-minced.
1 teaspoon lemon zest – I zest the lemon just before cooking for maximum citrus brightness.
1 teaspoon black pepper – freshly cracked black pepper works best for a punchy flavor.
1 teaspoon salt – helps bring out all the natural flavors.
1 teaspoon paprika – optional, but it adds a lovely color and mild smokiness.
1 tablespoon lemon juice – fresh-squeezed juice makes the chicken taste zesty and fresh.
2 tablespoons chopped parsley – adds a fresh herbal note and makes the dish visually appealing.

Note: This recipe serves 4, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week.

Variations

If you like to switch things up, here are some variations I often try:

Dairy-free option: Skip butter or any dairy additions; olive oil works wonderfully.
Extra zing: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
Herb lovers: Swap parsley for fresh thyme or rosemary for a different herbal flavor.
Sweet twist: A drizzle of honey before baking gives a subtle sweet tang that pairs beautifully with the lemon.

Cooking Time

Here’s a quick breakdown of how long this recipe takes:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes

Equipment You Need

I like to keep my kitchen simple, so here’s what I used:

Baking dish – to cook the chicken evenly in the oven.
Mixing bowl – for combining garlic, lemon, and seasonings.
Zester or grater – to get fresh lemon zest without the bitter pith.
Tongs – for flipping the chicken halfway through cooking.
Aluminum foil – optional, but helps keep the chicken moist during baking.

How to Make Easy Baked Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe?

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

I start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures the chicken browns nicely.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Lemon Pepper Marinade

In a bowl, I combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and paprika. I like to mix it thoroughly so every piece gets coated evenly.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

I rub the marinade over each chicken breast, making sure every part is covered. For best results, I let it marinate for at least 10–15 minutes, though longer is even better.

Step 4: Preheat and Bake

I preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Then, I place the chicken in a baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, I sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the chicken and a little extra lemon zest. It looks vibrant and smells amazing—ready to dig in!

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Over time, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this chicken even better:

I always pat the chicken dry before seasoning; it makes a huge difference in texture.
I zest the lemon right before cooking for the freshest citrus flavor.
I don’t skip resting the chicken for 5 minutes after baking; it keeps the juices locked in.
I like adding a splash of chicken broth to the baking dish halfway through for extra moistness.
I use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced—it’s worth the extra minute of prep.

How to Serve Easy Baked Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe?

Serving this chicken is so much fun because it’s versatile:

Pair it with roasted vegetables or a light salad for a healthy, balanced meal.
Serve over mashed potatoes or rice for comfort food vibes, or alongside something hearty like this ground beef curry keema curry recipe when you want a satisfying dinner spread.
Garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley for a restaurant-style presentation.
Drizzle a little extra marinade or pan juices over the top before serving for extra flavor.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional profile per serving (approximate values):

Calories: 280 kcal – Perfect for a satisfying meal without overloading.
Protein: 35g – Helps keep you full and supports muscle recovery.
Carbohydrates: 3g – Low-carb, ideal for various dietary plans.
Fat: 12g – Healthy fats from olive oil give richness without heaviness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for 3–4 days, making them perfect for quick lunches.

Freezing: I sometimes freeze cooked chicken breasts individually wrapped. They keep for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy this recipe anytime.

Reheating: I reheat in the oven or microwave. Covering with foil helps retain moisture, so the chicken doesn’t dry out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here’s why I think this recipe is a keeper:

Quick and simple: Takes under 40 minutes from start to finish. I love how fast dinner comes together.
Juicy and flavorful: The garlic and lemon create a punchy, aromatic taste every time.
Versatile: I can pair it with salads, rice, or veggies—perfect for any meal.
Customizable: Easily adapt with herbs, spices, or heat to suit your taste.
Healthy: High in protein, low in carbs, and made with wholesome ingredients.

This easy baked garlic lemon pepper chicken has quickly become my go-to dinner. It’s effortless, healthy, and tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen. I love how the lemon brightens the garlic and pepper, making each bite irresistible. Whether it’s a family meal or prepping for the week, this recipe never disappoints.

Ash Tyrrell