Mediterranean Diet Herb and Lemon Baked Chicken
Infuse your dinner table with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean diet with this Herb and Lemon Baked Chicken recipe. Tender chicken breasts are brought to life with a zesty, aromatic marinade of fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and a medley of herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Paprika adds a subtle smoky touch, while a quick 15-minute marination enhances the flavor of every bite. Baked to juicy perfection in just 30 minutes, this healthy and easy recipe delivers a dish that’s both light and satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, it’s a simple yet elegant choice to serve with roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or fluffy couscous. Bursting with fresh, wholesome ingredients, this low-carb, high-protein dish is a must-try for lovers of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine!
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Recipe Information
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
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Zest the lemon and then squeeze its juice into a small bowl. Set both the zest and juice aside.
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.
Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish in a single layer.
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.
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.
After marinating, place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
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).
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with the remaining lemon juice and some extra fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1570 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 67.5 g | 87% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.4 g | 67% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 572 mg | 191% | |
| Sodium | 2881 mg | 125% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 13.9 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.2 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.8 g | ||
| Protein | 215.9 g | 432% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 142 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 7.7 mg | 43% | |
| Potassium | 292 mg | 6% | |
*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.
