Lemon Pepper Chicken Tray Bake: Why You'll Love This 💛
This Lemon Pepper Chicken Tray Bake recipe is a real lifesaver for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you just want to toss everything in the oven and relax. Here’s why this tray bake is a must-try:
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and one baking tray mean less time in the kitchen and fewer dishes to wash up later. Win-win!
- Healthy and Delicious: Packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the fresh veggies, this tray bake is as good for you as it is tasty. Plus, using olive oil and fresh lemon juice gives you those healthy fats and a burst of vitamin C.
- Full of Flavour: The tangy lemon juice pairs perfectly with the bite of fresh cracked pepper and the nuttiness of Parmesan cheese. This dish has layers of flavours that make every bite an experience.
Tips for the Best Lemon Pepper Chicken Tray Bake
1. Choosing the Right Chicken:
Always opt for free-range or organic chicken breasts when you can. They are usually more tender and have a better flavour, plus they are often raised with fewer antibiotics and hormones.
2. Fresh Ingredients are Key:
Using fresh lemons is a game changer. Not only do they provide a vibrant zesty flavour, but the zest and juice also help to tenderise the chicken, making it juicy and succulent. 🥳
3. The Secret is in the Pepper:
Freshly ground black pepper makes all the difference in this recipe. If you have a pepper mill, use it! The aroma and taste of freshly ground pepper are far superior to pre-ground versions.
4. Grate Your Own Parmesan:
It might be tempting to use pre-grated Parmesan cheese, but freshly grated Parmesan has a much stronger flavour and melts beautifully, creating a delicious cheesy crust on the chicken. 🧀
How to Serve Your Lemon Pepper Chicken Tray Bake 🥗
This Lemon Pepper Chicken Tray Bake dish is already packed with flavour, so keeping the sides simple is key. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:
- Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve your chicken and roasted veggies over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up all the delicious juices.
- With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken and cheese without overpowering the lemony zest.
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf is perfect for mopping up the extra juices and any crispy bits left on the tray. Yum! 🥖
Similar Recipes to Try
If you’re loving the ease and flavour of this Lemon Pepper Chicken Tray Bake, here are a few more quick and delicious options to add to your recipe rotation:
Take a Picture and Share!
If you make this Cheesy Lemon Pepper Chicken Tray Bake, I’d love to see how it turns out! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff 📸 Let’s see those tray bakes in all their glory!
This Lemon Pepper Chicken Tray Bake is sure to become a favourite in your household. With its tangy, cheesy, peppery goodness, it’s a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. Happy cooking, everyone! 🍽️
Lemon Pepper Chicken Tray Bake
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Hey there, food lovers! 🍋🍗 Day 3 of 10 days of quick easy tray bakes is here, and I’ve got a zesty treat for you! Whip up my Cheesy Lemon Pepper Chicken Tray Bake for a dinner that’s both delicious and easy. This zesty and cheesy delight will have your taste buds dancing!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cheese, juice from 2 lemons, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of olive oil.
- Make a checkerboard cut on your chicken and lather it with your cheesy peppery mix.
- Spread out broccolini and capsicum on a lined baking tray.
- Place half the lemon slices on the tray.
- Lay your chicken over these slices, and top each breast with another lemon slice.
- Drizzle with olive oil and bake at 200°C (390F) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and juicy.
Serve up and enjoy! It’s a flavor explosion you won’t forget. 😋
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work great in this recipe. They might take a little longer to cook, so just keep an eye on them and check for doneness before serving.
You can use almost any veggies you like! Carrots, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes would all be fantastic additions. Just be mindful of their cooking times, as some vegetables may need to be added to the tray later to avoid overcooking.
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and veggies with the marinade and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.