Hey there! If you’re looking for a delicious and super simple meal that’s packed with protein, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re making Lemon Herb Baked Chicken Breast. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a kitchen pro, even if you’re just starting out.
This recipe is all about simple, good ingredients coming together to make something amazing. Chicken breast is a fantastic source of protein, and when you bake it with fresh lemon and herbs, it’s just incredibly flavorful. Plus, it’s a meal that truly works for you, helping you stay full and energized.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll want to grab from the store:
- 1 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3-4 breasts)
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried dill
- ¾ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp fennel seed ground
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¾ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Let’s Get Cooking!
Making this is easier than you think. Just follow these steps:
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, dill, oregano, fennel seed, salt, and black pepper until everything is nicely blended.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the bowl. Turn each piece to make sure it’s fully coated and submerged in the marinade. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This is where all that great flavor gets in!
- Preheat the oven: When you’re ready to bake, turn your oven on to 375°F (175°C).
- Bake the chicken: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup. Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting any extra drip off, and place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Discard the leftover marinade.
- Roast it up: Bake for about 18 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). The exact time can vary a bit depending on how thick your chicken breasts are.
- Rest and Serve: Once it’s cooked, take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This little step is super important because it keeps the chicken nice and juicy. Slice it up and enjoy!
All About the Good Stuff (Nutrition)
This recipe is a champion for protein. A serving of this Lemon Herb Baked Chicken Breast provides about 41 grams of protein. It also has around 222 calories and just 1 gram of carbs. It’s lean fuel for your body!
Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates and can change a bit based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes you use. For example, one recipe shows a similar dish with quinoa and veggies having 66g protein and 576 calories per serving. Another simple baked chicken breast with veggies has about 33g protein and 310 calories per serving. Generally, plain baked chicken breast is about 31g protein per 100g.
Why This Dish is Great for You
Chicken breast is famous for its high-quality protein content. This is super important for building and repairing muscles, which is why it’s a favorite among athletes and anyone trying to stay active. Eating enough protein helps keep you feeling full longer, which can be a big help if you’re trying to manage your weight.
Beyond muscle building, chicken breast is a good source of B vitamins, like niacin, which helps your body turn food into energy. It also has minerals like phosphorus, which is good for your bones. The lemon and herbs don’t just add flavor; they add a little extra goodness too!
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or some quinoa for a complete and balanced meal. If you enjoy simple, protein-packed snacks, you might also like these Egg and Spinach Power Muffins.
Making healthy choices doesn’t have to be complicated or boring. This Lemon Herb Baked Chicken Breast proves that you can have a meal that’s both delicious and incredibly good for you. It’s a simple way to make sure you’re getting the protein your body needs to thrive. For more healthy eating ideas, check out Azeely!
Disclaimer: This recipe information is provided by azeely.com for general informational purposes only.
