Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering Lemon Garlic Chicken Bake that will impress everyone:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, prepare the chicken. If using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps the chicken to brown nicely during baking. If using bone-in, skin-on pieces, you can also pat them dry for better skin crisping. Season the chicken generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it’s the foundation of the flavor!
2. Create the Lemon Garlic Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, the zest of two lemons (use a microplane or fine grater to get just the zest, avoiding the bitter white pith), and the juice of those two lemons. Add the minced or finely chopped garlic to the bowl. Incorporate the fresh herbs – thyme, rosemary, and oregano, or whichever herbs you’ve chosen. Stir everything together until well combined. The aroma at this stage should be incredibly inviting, a preview of the deliciousness to come.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken in a baking dish or a large zip-top bag. Pour the lemon garlic marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well coated. If using a baking dish, you can turn the chicken pieces to coat them evenly. If using a zip-top bag, seal the bag and gently massage the marinade into the chicken. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or for a more intense flavor, marinate in the refrigerator for up to 2-4 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become. However, even a short 30-minute marinade will make a significant difference.
4. Prepare the Vegetables (Optional): If you are adding vegetables to your Lemon Garlic Chicken Bake, now is the time to prepare them. Wash and chop your chosen vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Toss the vegetables in the remaining marinade in the bowl, or in a separate bowl with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Ensure the vegetables are lightly coated.
5. Arrange and Bake: Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer in a baking dish. If you are using vegetables, scatter them around the chicken in the baking dish. You want to avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can steam the chicken and vegetables instead of roasting them. If necessary, use two baking dishes. Pour any remaining marinade from the bowl or bag over the chicken and vegetables. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-35 minutes for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, or 35-45 minutes for bone-in chicken and vegetables, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork or a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 165°F (74°C). The vegetables should be tender and slightly caramelized.
6. Rest and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in a more tender and juicy final product. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra lemon wedges for an added touch of freshness and visual appeal. Serve hot and enjoy the incredible flavors of your Lemon Garlic Chicken Bake!