Mediterranean Diet Herb and Lemon Baked Chicken

Infused with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, this Herb and Lemon Baked Chicken is a healthy and delicious recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Juicy chicken breasts are marinated in a zesty blend of freshly squeezed lemon juice, aromatic herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley, and a touch of olive oil for a dish that’s bursting with fresh, clean flavor. A hint of garlic and paprika adds depth, while the simple baking technique ensures tender, flavorful chicken every time. Ready in under an hour, including prep and cook time, this recipe is a shining example of Mediterranean diet cooking—light, satisfying, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a leafy green salad for a complete, nutrient-rich meal the whole family will love!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken breasts
• 1 whole lemon
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 small garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 3

Zest the lemon and then squeeze its juice into a small bowl. Set both the zest and juice aside.

Step 4

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic cloves (minced), lemon zest, half of the lemon juice, rosemary, thyme, parsley, black pepper, salt, and paprika. Mix until well blended.

Step 5

Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish in a single layer.

Step 6

Pour the herb and lemon marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Use your hands or a brush to distribute the marinade evenly.

Step 7

Cover the baking dish with foil, ensuring it's tightly wrapped, and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for more flavor.

Step 8

After marinating, place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.

Step 9

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 11

Garnish with the remaining lemon juice and some extra fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(832.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1570.1

Total Fat 67.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 13.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 572.0mg	0%
Sodium 2880.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 13.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.2g	0%
Total Sugars 1.8g
Protein 215.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 141.7mg	0%
Iron 7.7mg	0%
Potassium 292.4mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.8%

Protein: 56.6%

Carbs: 3.6%