Oven Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast
This easy Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast recipe is full of fresh flavor and perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy, tender, and ready in under 30 minutes—serve it with roasted garlic couscous for a simple, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- fresh parsley optional
- lemon wedges optional garnish
Instructions
- If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally and into strips to create thinner cutlets. This helps them cook more evenly and faster.
- In a small bowl, mix the lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Rub the olive oil all over the chicken, then sprinkle both sides generously with the lemon pepper seasoning blend.
- Drizzle the lemon juice over the seasoned chicken and let it marinate for 10–15 minutes while your oven preheats (or up to 2 hours in the fridge if prepping ahead).
- Preheat oven to 400°F and bake for 20–25 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley and serve with your favorite sides—roasted veggies, rice, or a light salad.
Notes
Serve with a squeeze of lemon just before eating for an extra hit of freshness.