Elevate your weekly meal prep with this High Protein Juicy Baked Chicken Pieces recipe—a quick, flavorful, and nutritious option that's perfect for busy days. With tender chicken breast marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, paprika, and thyme, every bite is bursting with bold, aromatic flavors. Baked to perfection in just 25 minutes, this dish stays irresistibly moist and packed with protein, making it ideal for anyone looking to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables, salads, or whole grains for a satisfying and nutrient-rich meal that comes together effortlessly. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or feeding the family, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite!
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil.
Cut the chicken breasts into evenly sized pieces, about 2 inches in size, to ensure they cook consistently.
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture until well combined.
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to thoroughly coat them with the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes, or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps to lock in the juices, keeping the chicken pieces tender.
Serve the high protein juicy baked chicken pieces with your choice of sides, like roasted vegetables, salad, or a whole grain such as quinoa or brown rice.
Calories |
1282 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 50.3 g | 64% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.5 g | 52% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 516 mg | 172% | |
| Sodium | 2933 mg | 128% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 6.5 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.0 g | ||
| Protein | 188.9 g | 378% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 117 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 6.8 mg | 38% | |
| Potassium | 1680 mg | 36% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.