Description
A tangy and savory chicken dish featuring zesty lemon and freshly ground black pepper. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers a burst of citrus flavor balanced with the richness of tender chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
- 2 lemons (juice and zest)
- 1–2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme for extra herbaceous flavor
Instructions
- Marinate: In a bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, salt, olive oil, and garlic. Place the chicken in the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor).
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking.
- Cook:
- Baking: Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Pan-Frying: Alternatively, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Rest & Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional lemon zest or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the marinating time based on your schedule. Longer marination enhances flavor.
- For an extra citrus kick, add a few lemon slices to the baking dish during cooking.
- Pair with a side of steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Chicken Breast (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg