Baked Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken

Introduction

Baked Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken delivers seriously vibrant flavor with minimal effort—think aromatic herbs, zesty lemon, and savory garlic all mingling with juicy chicken. It’s a perfect go-to for busy weeknights or impressive enough for entertaining, thanks to its irresistible combination of freshness and comfort on a single sheet pan.

Why Baked Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken Is a Flavorful Essential

Few dishes hit the mark between simplicity and bold flavor quite like this one. The marinade infuses every bite with bright, citrusy notes from lemon, a rich depth from garlic, and a garden-fresh kick from mixed herbs. Roasting locks in juiciness while creating just the slightest crisp on the outside—making this chicken dish a surefire way to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Making the Marinade

The key to mouthwatering results is in the marinade. Freshly squeezed lemon pairs perfectly with crushed garlic and your choice of chopped herbs such as parsley, thyme, and rosemary. A touch of olive oil ensures the chicken remains moist, while a sprinkle of salt and black pepper pulls it all together. Letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes deepens the flavor—though even a quick toss before baking yields delicious results.

How to Bake for Best Results

Arrange your marinated chicken on a lined baking sheet for fuss-free cleanup. Bake at 400°F to lock in all the juices while achieving a lightly golden skin. The result: moist, tender chicken every time. Add a few lemon slices or halved garlic bulbs to the pan to further perfume the dish as it cooks.

Serving Suggestions for an Unforgettable Meal

This chicken pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or buttery potatoes. For an elegant finish, garnish with freshly chopped herbs and additional lemon wedges. This versatile main entrée ensures everyone at the table finds something to love—making it an ideal meal for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

Nutritional Information and Servings

This recipe yields 4 servings. Each serving contains roughly 220–260 calories, depending on the cut of chicken and amount of olive oil used. It’s a naturally lean, protein-packed option that fits well into many healthy meal plans.

Recipe Recap: The Zest of Baked Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken

Baked Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken is a bright, herbaceous dish that brings together minimal ingredients for maximum payoff. Its juicy texture, bold flavors, and effortless prep make it a true crowd pleaser.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet or shallow baking dish with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup.
2. In a large bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to blend.
3. Add chicken breasts (or thighs) to the marinade. Turn to coat evenly. For best flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes—in the fridge—or up to 6 hours. If short on time, coat chicken just before baking.
4. Arrange the marinated chicken on your prepared baking sheet. If desired, tuck lemon slices among the pieces and sprinkle with extra herbs.
5. Bake for 22–26 minutes (breasts) or 28–32 minutes (thighs), or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with additional herbs and serve with your favorite sides.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Baked Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken is perfect for prepping protein in advance—just roast a batch and use leftovers in salads, wraps, or rice bowls throughout the week. Save and schedule this recipe in CookifyAI to integrate it into your weekly meal plan, ensuring your shopping list includes everything you need (and nothing you don’t).

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across all meals
• Organizes shopping lists by grocery store sections for speed
• Reduces duplicate purchases and forgotten items
• Makes meal prep and nutrition tracking easier than ever

Pro tip: When planning multiple chicken-based dishes, schedule your meals to see overlapping ingredients—streamlining shopping and reducing food waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes (+30 minutes marinating time recommended)
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes (plus optional marinating)