Easy Lemon Herb Baked Chicken Breast

We love this baked lemon herb chicken recipe because it takes practically zero prep time, yet tastes like we spent hours in the kitchen. The tang from the lemon with the slight heat of lemon pepper mix perfectly together!

For more easy chicken recipes, try our Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts.

Why Our Recipe

• Super moist chicken breasts with a delicious lemon and herb marinade
• A light and fresh chicken dish that doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down.
• Repurpose leftovers and use in a salad or wrap the next day!

Chicken breasts are perfect for a quick meal and lean protein. It can be dressed up in so many different ways, and we have certainly gone about trying them all! Lemon and herbs are a classic paring for a bright and fresh flavor and this marinade really brings out the lemon flavor. Plus, our marinade ensures super juicy chicken!

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken Breasts: We use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. You can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicier dark meat result.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh is best but if you’re short on time, you can use bottled.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: You will want to use EVOO for the marinade rather than a neutral oil because you’re not cooking/searing with it.
• Lemon Pepper: Adds a slight peppery kick and extra lemon flavor to the marinade.
• Lemon: Thinly slice and use to garnish, adding a fresh pop of color and tang.

Chicken Options

Chicken thighs and drumsticks bake beautifully when prepared this way. All you’ll need to adjust is potentially the cooking time. No matter which cut of chicken you use, you’ll want to make sure it still reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Juicy Chicken Tip:

The secret to a juicy baked chicken breast is to cook it at a high temperature, blasting it with heat over a short period of time. Use a meat thermometer for 100% accuracy to ensure you don’t over-bake and dry out the chicken. 

Make Ahead Instructions: 

You can make the marinade up to 8 hours ahead. We like to start it in the morning so it can marinate all day, leaving us to simply put it in the oven to bake!

Serving Suggestions

Potatoes: A side of potatoes goes perfectly with this lemon herb chicken. Try our “Garlic Bread” Roasted Potatoes or our Herbed Butter Mashed Potatoes.

Rice and Veggies: Simply pair with a side of white or brown steamed rice and a green veggie (we love asparagus or green beans) for a complete meal.

Protein bowl: Add a bed of rice, quinoa, and/or beans and and you’ve got an easy protein-packed bowl. Drizzle it with some kind of sauce, dressing, or aioli to finish it off.

Salad or Wrap: Repurpose those leftovers and simply slice or shred your chicken and use in a salad or lettuce wrap.