These Baked Lemon Herb Chicken Breasts are a healthy, simple dinner option. Tangy and savory, juicy chicken breasts are soaked in a bright lemon-herb marinade, baked at high heat, and ready in about 30 minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights, this easy lemon chicken delivers consistent lemon flavor and moist results.

Baked Lemon Herb Chicken Breasts

This baked lemon herb chicken is one of the simplest, most reliable healthy chicken recipes you’ll make. The lemon-forward marinade and a quick, high-heat bake keep the meat tender and flavorful.

The combination of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, lemon pepper, Italian seasoning and fresh parsley infuses the breasts with bright, savory notes. Marinate for a few hours and bake at a higher temperature to seal in juices and avoid dry chicken.

Why this lemon herb chicken works

Three factors make this recipe stand out:

• A straightforward lemon, oil and herb marinade that gives the chicken bright, consistent flavor.
• A blend of dried and fresh herbs for layered, fresh-tasting results.
• Baking at higher heat for a shorter time locks in moisture and keeps the chicken juicy.

Healthy eating can be easy when recipes are quick to prepare and genuinely tasty. This lemon chicken is fast to assemble, bakes quickly, and serves well with a variety of sides.

What makes this the best baked chicken recipe

• The lemon-herb marinade gives bright, tangy flavor throughout.
• Pantry-friendly ingredients—likely already on hand.
• High heat, short bake time seals in juices so the breasts stay tender.
• Great for meal prep: slice for salads, serve with grains or roasted vegetables.
• Simple enough for cooks of any skill level.

You’ll need these ingredients:

• Boneless chicken breasts
• Lemons
• Olive oil
• Lemon pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley
• Salt
• Minced garlic

How to make lemon and herb chicken

Start by preparing the lemon-herb marinade. Place chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag. Add olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon pepper, Italian seasoning, salt, minced garlic, and most of the chopped parsley.

Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the chicken until evenly coated. Refrigerate and let marinate for 4 to 8 hours for best flavor.

When ready to bake, preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan or sheet pan with nonstick spray. Remove chicken from the marinade and arrange in a single layer on the pan. Top with lemon slices and the remaining parsley.

Bake for 20–23 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest a few minutes, sprinkle with a little more fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Pro tips for perfect lemon chicken

• Marinate long enough: 4–8 hours gives the best flavor. You can prep in the morning and bake at dinner time.
• Serve with seasonal vegetables for a balanced, healthy meal.
• If breasts are particularly thick, slice them lengthwise so they cook evenly; reduce bake time slightly if sliced thin.
• You can swap thighs or drumsticks; adjust cooking time until the meat reaches 165°F.
• Rotate the bag in the fridge occasionally so the marinade coats the chicken evenly.

What to serve with baked lemon chicken

• Simple salad or roasted vegetables
• Brown rice, jasmine rice, or quinoa
• Mashed or scalloped potatoes
• Pasta or tossed grains

Recipe

Enjoy ♥ Heather

If you tried this Baked Lemon Herb Chicken Breasts recipe, please rate it and leave a comment to share how it turned out.

Update Notes: This post was originally published in July 2020 and was updated with an improved recipe, new photos, step-by-step instructions, and tips in July 2023.