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Healthy Baked Lemon Herb Chicken Breast Recipe Easy No Oil Dinner

baked lemon herb chicken breast - featured image

Moist and tender baked lemon herb chicken breast with a bright citrus-herb flavor, made without oil for a healthy, guilt-free meal. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds / 700 grams)
  • Juice of 2 fresh lemons (about 4 tablespoons / 60 ml)
  • Lemon zest from 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt (sea salt preferred)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons water or low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by combining lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped thyme and rosemary, salt, black pepper, and water or chicken broth in a mixing bowl. Stir well.
  2. Pat dry the chicken breasts and place them in the marinade. Turn to coat evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the fridge.
  3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Transfer the chicken breasts and marinade to a baking dish. Spread herbs and lemon zest evenly on top. Optionally, add thin lemon slices on each breast.
  5. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If no thermometer is available, cut into the thickest part to check that juices run clear and meat is opaque.
  6. Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

If chicken dries out or lemon juice evaporates too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Rest chicken after baking for best juiciness. Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for crispy edges if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken breast, lemon herb chicken, healthy chicken recipe, no oil chicken, easy dinner, low fat, gluten free, dairy free