Are you ready for a dish that’s both vibrant and packed with flavor? Imagine tender chicken marinated in a zesty lemon and roasted red pepper sauce that brings the perfect balance of tangy, smoky, and savory all together. This Red Pepper Lemon Chicken will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and is so easy to make, you’ll want to cook it every week. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer!
Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special meal for friends, this chicken will be the star of the show. The bold, flavorful marinade gives the chicken a beautiful depth of flavor, while the roasting process makes it perfectly juicy with a crispy finish. Ready to impress? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Red Pepper Lemon Chicken
This recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s a quick and easy way to make your meals feel special. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile:
You can serve it with a wide range of sides, from rice to roasted veggies or a crisp salad. It’s also a great option for meal prep, as the leftovers taste just as amazing!
Budget-Friendly:
With simple ingredients like chicken, lemon, and red peppers, you can whip up this dish without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy:
The marinade comes together in just a few minutes, and the chicken practically cooks itself while you relax. It’s the perfect choice for busy evenings when you still want something delicious.
Customizable:
Not a fan of spice? You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or even skip them entirely. Add some herbs or a dash of honey for sweetness if that’s more your vibe.
Crowd-Pleasing:
The combination of bright lemon and smoky roasted red peppers is a crowd favorite. It’s the kind of dish that gets everyone asking for the recipe!
Ingredients
Now let’s break down what makes this dish so irresistible:
Chicken Breasts:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe because they cook quickly and absorb the marinade so beautifully.
Red Bell Peppers:
Sweet and smoky, these roasted red peppers add a rich depth of flavor and a lovely color to the dish.
Lemon Juice & Zest:
Lemon is the star of the marinade, bringing a bright, citrusy kick that perfectly balances the richness of the chicken.
Garlic:
A few cloves of garlic bring a savory, aromatic punch that complements the peppers and lemon perfectly.
Olive Oil:
This adds richness to the marinade, helping everything come together smoothly while keeping the chicken tender as it roasts.
Red Pepper Flakes:
For a bit of heat, red pepper flakes give the dish a mild kick. Feel free to adjust the quantity based on how spicy you like it.
Fresh Parsley:
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness right before serving.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make some magic in the kitchen? Let’s get started:
Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and develops that nice crispy exterior.
Prepare the Marinade:
In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and well-mixed. This sauce will be the flavor bomb your chicken needs!
Marinate the Chicken:
Place your chicken breasts in a large bowl or a ziplock bag, then pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you have time. The longer it marinates, the more flavor it’ll absorb.
Bake the Chicken:
Once your chicken is marinated, transfer the breasts to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.
Finishing Touches:
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in all the juices. This ensures your chicken stays moist and flavorful.
Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the chicken and serve it up with your favorite sides. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 280 (may vary based on ingredients used)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Red Pepper Lemon Chicken
This chicken is incredibly versatile, so you can pair it with a wide variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:
- Roasted Vegetables: Pair this dish with roasted vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or sweet potatoes for a wholesome, colorful side.
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up all those delicious juices.
- Crisp Salad: A light, fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette can perfectly balance the richness of the chicken.
Additional Tips
- Don’t skip the resting time: After baking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This helps it retain its juices, making each bite tender and juicy.
- For extra flavor, use fresh roasted red peppers: If you want to elevate the dish, try using fresh roasted red peppers instead of jarred ones for an even richer taste.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs would work wonderfully here! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as chicken thighs may take a bit longer to cook.
2. How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Marinating for longer will allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken more deeply.
3. Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
4. Can I cook the chicken on the stovetop instead of the oven?
Yes, you can sear the chicken on both sides in a hot pan with a bit of oil, then cover and cook on low heat until the chicken is cooked through.
5. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to be sure.
6. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag.
7. Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or even add some hot sauce to the marinade for an extra kick.
8. What should I do if the chicken starts to dry out in the oven?
Cover the chicken loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking to help it retain moisture.
9. Can I serve this with a sauce?
Yes, you can serve the chicken with a yogurt-based sauce, like tzatziki, for a cool contrast to the heat of the red pepper marinade.
10. Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled?
Fresh lemon juice is always the better option! It adds a brighter, more natural flavor to the dish.
Conclusion
This Red Pepper Lemon Chicken is the perfect combination of bold, tangy, and savory flavors, all packed into one juicy chicken breast. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just enjoy a flavorful dinner, this dish has you covered. The marinade is simple, but it transforms the chicken into something special. So, get ready to enjoy a delightful, restaurant-worthy meal right at home!
Print
Red Pepper Lemon Chicken
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 25min
- Total Time: 35min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Searing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Red Pepper Lemon Chicken is a zesty and flavorful dish that combines the bold flavors of roasted red peppers with the bright freshness of lemon. The chicken is marinated in a tangy mixture of red pepper, lemon, and herbs, then roasted to juicy perfection.
Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 red bell pepper, roasted and chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted red pepper, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little olive oil and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish and pour any remaining marinade over the top.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
– For an extra layer of flavor, you can grill the chicken instead of baking it.
– The marinade can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
– Serve this dish with a side of rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg