Zesty Herb Baked Meal Prep Chicken Breast
This Zesty Herb Baked Meal Prep Chicken Breast recipe offers a flavorful and convenient way to prepare chicken for your weekly meals. Chicken breasts are marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, then baked to perfection.
Equipment
- Paper towels
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Large bowl or resealable bag
- Whisk
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or foil
- Meat thermometer
- Cutting board
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2-3 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/4 cup Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tbsp Dried Herbs (such as oregano, thyme, or an Italian blend)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Honey or Maple Syrup Optional: for subtle sweetness
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper Optional: for a little heat
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels; if very thick, pound them to about 1-inch thickness for even cooking.
Marinating
- Combine olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings in a bowl or bag. Add chicken, ensuring it's fully coated, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
Baking
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove chicken from marinade, let excess drip off, and arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Finishing
- Remove chicken from the oven and let it rest on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes.
- Transfer to a cutting board and cool completely before slicing for meal prep.
Notes
For best meal prep results, ensure chicken is fully cooled before portioning to prevent condensation and keep it fresh longer. You can use any dried herbs you prefer, or a blend like Italian seasoning. Adjust cayenne pepper to your spice preference.