Delicious Low-Calorie Baked Chicken with Herbs & Lemon

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of Low-Calorie Baked Chicken with Herbs and Lemon wafting through your home. Picture this: succulent chicken, perfectly seasoned, dripping with zesty lemon juice and a medley of fresh herbs. This dish not only delights your taste buds but also wraps you in a warm embrace, making it feel like a hug from grandma after a long day.

You may be wondering when you can whip up this delightful dish. Whether it’s a sunny Sunday dinner, or you’re trying to impress your friends on a casual weeknight, this recipe guarantees smiles all around. The anticipation builds as the clock ticks down, and soon enough, you’ll be savoring every juicy bite of this herb-infused masterpiece.

I still remember the first time I made this dish for my family; their delighted reactions were priceless! It became an instant favorite at our dinner table.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.

• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; they add that aromatic kick we all love.

• Fresh Herbs (Thyme, Rosemary): Using fresh herbs truly elevates the taste; they bring vibrant flavors that dried herbs just can’t match.

• Lemons: Fresh lemons are essential; their juice adds brightness and balances out the savory notes beautifully.

• Olive Oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil keeps the chicken moist while enhancing its flavor.

• Salt & Pepper: Simple yet essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors in this dish.

For the Marinade:

• Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tanginess that complements the lemon perfectly; don’t skip it!

• Paprika: A hint of smoked paprika brings depth to the dish without overpowering it.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Low-Calorie Baked Chicken with Herbs and Lemon

Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, spray a baking dish lightly with nonstick cooking spray for easy cleanup later.

Make The Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika until combined. The aroma will send you straight to culinary heaven!

Coat The Chicken Breasts: Place your chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over them and seal or cover tightly. Massage gently so every inch gets coated—this is where flavor magic happens!

Marinate For Maximum Flavor: Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours if you have time; this allows those flavors to meld beautifully.

Bake The Chicken To Perfection: Arrange marinated chicken in your prepared baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through—check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Your kitchen will smell phenomenal!

Serve With Style!: Once done baking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve it alongside roasted veggies or a crisp salad for a complete meal that looks as good as it tastes!

Now that you’ve mastered this Low-Calorie Baked Chicken with Herbs and Lemon recipe, get ready to impress everyone at your next dinner gathering! Enjoy every juicy bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavor, then bake at 400°F for juicy results.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in your favorite herbs or add vegetables like bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, reheating gently in the oven or microwave.

Sometimes I whip up this dish when friends visit, and they rave about it! One friend even asked for the recipe, which always warms my chef heart!

FAQ

Can I use other proteins?

Yes, this marinade works well with fish or tofu for a delightful twist.

How long do I need to marinate the chicken?

Marinating for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor; overnight is even better!

What should I serve with low-calorie baked chicken?

Pair with steamed veggies or a light salad for a balanced meal.

Print

Low-Calorie Baked Chicken with Herbs and Lemon

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Low-Calorie Baked Chicken with Herbs and Lemon is a delightful dish that brings the fresh flavors of Mediterranean cuisine into your kitchen. Juicy, tender chicken breasts marinated in zesty lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and vibrant herbs create a mouthwatering experience in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this easy-to-make recipe guarantees satisfaction while keeping calories in check. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete and healthy meal.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 lemons, juiced (about ¼ cup)
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or bowl and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover tightly and gently massage to coat the chicken evenly.
4. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
5. Arrange marinated chicken in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serve with your choice of sides.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately 6 oz)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: - For variations, try swapping out herbs based on your preference or add colorful vegetables like bell peppers to the baking dish. - Marinating overnight can enhance flavor and tenderness.