Roast Chicken Breast with Lemon and Herbs
A simple, elegant recipe for tender, juicy chicken breasts roasted with bright lemon, garlic, and aromatic herbs. Perfectly seasoned and incredibly flavorful, this dish is a healthy and quick main course for any weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
Preheat oven and prepare the chicken.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely.
TIPA dry surface is key for getting a good sear and color on the chicken, even in the oven.Create the lemon herb marinade.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, juice from half the lemon, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, black pepper, and the pinch of salt. Mix well to combine.
Coat the chicken with the marinade.
Add the dry chicken breasts to the bowl with the marinade. Turn to coat each piece thoroughly on all sides.
Roast the chicken.
- Arrange the marinated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving some space between them.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer at the thickest part.
TIPCooking time can vary based on the thickness of the chicken breasts. Using a thermometer is the best way to ensure they are perfectly cooked and not dry.Rest the chicken before serving.
Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the chicken rest on the sheet for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful piece of meat.
Serve warm.
Serve the chicken breasts whole, drizzled with any pan juices if desired. Slice the remaining lemon half into wedges for serving on the side.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra flavor, you can let the chicken marinate for up to 30 minutes at room temperature before baking.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan. Give the chicken space to ensure it roasts rather than steams.
- 3If you have fresh herbs, feel free to substitute them. Use about 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped herbs for every teaspoon of dried.
- 4Ensure your chicken breasts are of a similar thickness for even cooking. If one is much thicker, you can pound it gently to even it out.
Adapt it for your goals.
Quick
Use thin-sliced chicken cutlets, which will cook in about 10-15 minutes, for a faster meal.
healthyHealthy
This recipe is already very healthy. To enhance it, serve with a large portion of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad.
ckd friendlyCkd friendly
This recipe is designed to be kidney-friendly. Adhere strictly to the 3oz (85g) portion size and the minimal salt quantity to manage protein, phosphorus, and sodium intake.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Chicken breast is a high-quality lean protein, essential for muscle repair and maintenance, without a high fat content.
Low in Sodium
By using lemon, garlic, and herbs for flavor, this recipe is naturally low in sodium, which is beneficial for blood pressure and heart health.
Contains Healthy Fats
Olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this is a very healthy dish. It uses lean protein from chicken breast and healthy fats from olive oil. It's low in sodium and seasoned with natural ingredients like lemon and herbs.