Description
Lemon pepper chicken breast delivers a zesty, quick dinner that will make your taste buds dance with tangy delight. Seasoned perfectly and pan-seared to golden perfection, this simple protein brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen table.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 chicken breasts
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Liquids and Oils:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to a precise 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack sits in the center position for even cooking.
- Whisk 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder in a small mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
- Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick better and promote crispy edges.
- Generously brush the entire surface of each chicken breast with the prepared lemon pepper marinade, making sure every inch gets covered.
- Transfer the seasoned chicken breasts into a clean baking dish, spacing them slightly apart to allow heat circulation.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and roast for exactly 25-30 minutes, checking the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest undisturbed for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Slice the chicken against the grain and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for consistent cooking and juiciness.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor in the marinade.
- Check internal chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165F (74C) without overcooking.
- For a low-carb or keto version, replace olive oil with avocado oil and add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg