Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal: Baked Lemon Ginger Chicken! This dish is a true culinary gem, celebrated for its incredible juiciness, vibrant flavors, and remarkable versatility. Imagine tender chicken infused with a zesty lemon and warm ginger marinade, baked to golden perfection. It’s a healthy, flavorful, and effortlessly delicious meal that caters to busy schedules without compromising on taste. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed to deliver consistently mouth-watering results.
The beauty of our lemon ginger chicken marinade lies in its adaptability. It works wonders on boneless chicken breast, robust bone-in chicken pieces, and succulent chicken thighs alike. This isn’t just a recipe for baking; the same vibrant marinade transforms beautifully into an irresistible grilled chicken. Serve it alongside your preferred rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh veggie side dish for a complete, nutritious meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. This truly is the best baked lemon ginger chicken you’ll ever make!
Looking for the perfect accompaniments? Elevate your meal with complementary sides such as a crisp Asian Ginger Salad, perfectly Roasted Broccoli with Garlic and Lemon, or a simple yet satisfying homemade rice pilaf. Each suggestion enhances the bright and savory notes of the chicken, creating a harmonious and unforgettable dining experience.
Baked Lemon Ginger Chicken: Your Ultimate Recipe for Flavorful & Juicy Meals
Achieving consistently juicy baked chicken can feel like a culinary challenge, but with our lemon and ginger chicken recipe, success is practically guaranteed. This dish is your secret weapon for tender, moist chicken every single time. The simple yet potent ginger chicken marinade is the cornerstone of its flavor and texture, requiring nothing more than a few pantry staples combined with your chicken before baking. It’s truly an effortless way to create a sensational meal.
One of the greatest advantages of this marinade is its flexibility. You can prepare it anywhere from 2 to 48 hours in advance, giving you ample time to plan your meals. This extended marinating window allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken, resulting in a more profound and aromatic dish. Whether you choose to marinate your chicken in a glass bowl, a glass baking dish, or a convenient gallon-sized ziplock bag, the process is straightforward and fuss-free, setting you up for a delicious meal whenever you’re ready to cook.
If you’re eager to explore more incredible baked chicken marinade recipes that promise a juicy outcome, we have several favorites you’ll love. Dive into our classic Lemon Chicken Marinade for a bright and zesty experience, or try the aromatic Rosemary Garlic Chicken Breast Marinade. For a burst of citrus, our 3 Citrus Chicken Marinade is a fantastic choice, and for a reliable, no-fail option, don’t miss one of our most popular recipes, the Simple Oven Baked Chicken Breast. Each recipe is crafted to ensure your chicken remains tender and full of flavor.
Crafting the Perfect Marinade: Essential Ingredients for Lemon Ginger Chicken
The magic of this Baked Lemon Ginger Chicken truly begins with its vibrant and aromatic marinade. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with an unforgettable depth of flavor. Here’s a closer look at the key components that make this marinade so exceptional:
- Lemon Juice: The Zesty Tenderizer
A cornerstone of any great marinade is an acidic element, and for this recipe, fresh lemon juice is our star. Its bright, citrusy notes not only cut through the richness of the chicken but also, more importantly, help to break down the muscle fibers. This natural tenderizing action ensures your chicken comes out incredibly soft and juicy. While fresh lemon juice offers the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. If you’re looking for an alternative, white vinegar is another excellent acidic option that will achieve similar tenderizing results. - Ginger: The Warm & Aromatic Heart
Ginger is what gives this dish its distinctive, warm, and slightly spicy aroma. You have the flexibility to use either ground ginger powder or fresh ginger root. If opting for the convenience of ground ginger powder, a mere ½ teaspoon is sufficient to impart its earthy sweetness. For those who prefer the robust punch of fresh ginger, simply cut a 2-inch piece into small chunks or grate it finely. The fresh root will provide a more pungent, vibrant flavor that truly shines. - Soy Sauce: The Umami Depth
Soy sauce is indispensable for adding a rich umami flavor and a pleasant saltiness to the marinade. It acts as a perfect counterpoint to the bright lemon and spicy ginger. Both regular and low-sodium soy sauce varieties work wonderfully, allowing you to adjust the sodium content to your dietary needs. For gluten-free alternatives, tamari or coconut aminos are excellent substitutes that maintain the desired depth of flavor. - Chicken Breasts: The Star Protein
For optimal results, it’s best to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts with any excess fat trimmed off. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, a quick tenderizing step will make a significant difference in cooking time and evenness. You can also easily adapt this recipe for other cuts like chicken thighs, which naturally retain more moisture and offer a richer flavor profile. The marinade is robust enough to flavor any cut you choose. - Salt and Black Pepper: The Flavor Enhancers
A teaspoon of salt and a ¼ teaspoon of black pepper are added to round out the flavors, enhancing the natural taste of the chicken and balancing the acidity of the lemon and the pungency of the ginger and soy. Always season to your preference, but these amounts provide a perfect foundation.
How to Make Oven Baked Lemon Ginger Chicken: A Simple Guide to Perfection
Creating this delicious Baked Lemon Ginger Chicken is incredibly straightforward, making it an ideal choice for any day of the week. With a little marinating time, the oven does most of the work, leaving you with tender, flavorful chicken that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Here’s how to achieve culinary excellence:
- Prepare for Marination: In a large, resealable freezer bag or a non-reactive bowl (like glass), combine your lemon juice, soy sauce, ground ginger (or fresh ginger chunks), salt, and black pepper. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and shake/whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well mixed. This ensures an even distribution of flavor.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add your trimmed chicken breasts (or thighs) to the marinade. Ensure the chicken is fully coated by gently massaging the bag or stirring in the bowl. Seal or cover and place it in the refrigerator to marinate. For optimal flavor and tenderness, aim for at least 2 hours, but for truly exceptional results, let it marinate for 24-48 hours. This prolonged marination time allows the acidic lemon and savory soy sauce to tenderize the meat and infuse it deeply with the aromatic ginger.
- Preheat the Oven: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even cooking the moment the chicken goes in.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly spray a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes for easier cleanup.
- Arrange the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade (it’s not safe to use for cooking after raw chicken has been in it). Arrange the chicken in a single layer in your prepared baking dish, ensuring they are not overcrowded, which could lead to steaming instead of baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-35 minutes. The exact baking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts. Thicker breasts will require more time. The most accurate way to determine doneness is by using a digital meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken; it is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Broil for Golden Finish (Optional but Recommended): For a beautiful golden-brown crust and extra depth of flavor, remove the chicken from the oven once it’s cooked through. Spoon some of the accumulated pan juices over the chicken breasts. Then, place the dish under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning. This step adds a delightful caramelized texture.
- Rest and Serve: Once removed from the oven (and broiler), let the chicken rest in the baking dish or on a cutting board, lightly tented with foil, for about 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This crucial resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Enjoy your perfectly baked lemon ginger chicken!
Pro Tips for Unbeatably Juicy Baked Lemon Ginger Chicken
Baking chicken breast doesn’t have to result in dry, bland meat. With a few expert tips, you can achieve consistently juicy and flavorful results every time. Here’s how to elevate your Baked Lemon Ginger Chicken:
- Tenderize Your Chicken for Even Cooking: This step is a game-changer for uniform texture and faster cooking. Chicken breasts often have one thicker end and one thinner end, leading to uneven cooking where the thin parts dry out while the thick parts are still cooking. To tenderize, place chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment paper or inside a gallon-sized ziplock bag. Gently but firmly whack the thickest part of the breast with a rolling pin or the flat side of a meat tenderizer. The goal is to achieve a uniform thickness of about ¾ to 1 inch. Remember, don’t over-pound; a few good whacks will do the trick to even it out. This ensures your chicken cooks evenly and remains moist throughout.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor and Moisture: Don’t skip the marinating step! The high acidity from ingredients like lemon juice (or vinegar) in your marinade actively works to break down the muscle fibers in the chicken, making it incredibly tender. The oil, if included in your marinade (though not in this particular recipe, the natural juices help), also helps to keep the meat moist during cooking. Beyond tenderizing, marinating infuses the chicken with the vibrant flavors of lemon, ginger, and soy, creating depth with every bite.
- Never Overcook Your Chicken: This is arguably the most critical tip for juicy chicken. Overcooking is the primary culprit behind dry, rubbery chicken. The absolute best way to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, but not overcooked, is to use a digital meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast, avoiding any bones. Bake the chicken only until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). As soon as it hits this temperature, remove it from the oven.
- Cook at a Lower Heat for Longer: While tempting to blast chicken at high heat to cook quickly, a slightly lower temperature (like 350°F / 175°C) for a moderate duration helps to keep the chicken breast tender and juicy. This gentle cooking method allows the heat to penetrate more evenly without shocking the proteins into seizing up and releasing all their moisture.
- The Essential Resting Period: Once your chicken is done cooking, resist the urge to slice into it immediately. Remove the baking dish from the oven or transfer the chicken to a platter and tent it loosely with foil. Allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes (and up to 10 minutes for larger pieces). This resting period is crucial because it allows the internal juices, which have been pushed to the center during cooking, to redistribute throughout the entire piece of meat. The result? Incredibly moist and flavorful chicken.
- Customize with Additional Flavors: Feel free to add your own personal touches to this versatile recipe. A few cloves of freshly minced garlic can transform this into a delectable Garlic Ginger Chicken. A drizzle of sesame oil in the marinade can add another layer of nutty depth. For a touch of sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemon, a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup can be a wonderful addition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Lemon Ginger Chicken
Here are answers to some common questions about baking chicken and getting the best results:
Can you bake chicken in marinade?
It is generally best practice to remove the chicken from the marinade before baking. Marinades are typically concentrated with salt, acidity (like citrus), and other strong flavorings designed to tenderize and infuse the meat with taste, not to be consumed as a sauce. Cooking the chicken directly in the marinade can result in an overly salty or intensely flavored dish, and the marinade itself may not be safe to consume after it’s been in contact with raw chicken unless it’s brought to a full, rolling boil for several minutes to kill any bacteria.
What Temperature Should Chicken Be Cooked To In The Oven?
For most chicken parts, especially breasts, the general recommendation is to bake at 350°F (175°C) to 400°F (200°C). Our recipe specifically calls for 350°F. The most critical factor, however, is the internal temperature of the chicken. To ensure chicken breasts are cooked thoroughly and safely, always use an instant-read digital meat thermometer. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat.
How Long Does It Take To Bake Chicken Breasts At 350 Degrees?
The baking time for chicken breasts at 350°F (175°C) can vary based on their thickness. On average, a 4-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breast will take approximately 25 to 30 minutes to bake. Thicker breasts (6-8 ounces) might take 30-35 minutes or even slightly longer. Always prioritize the internal temperature over cook time. As mentioned, the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How Long Does It Take To Grill Chicken?
Grilling times for chicken also depend on the cut and size, as well as the heat of your grill. Here are some general guidelines for grilling:
- Small Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast (6-8 ounces): Typically takes between 8 to 12 minutes over direct medium heat (around 350°F / 175°C). Flip halfway through.
- Medium Bone-In Chicken Breast (10-12 ounces): Requires a longer cooking time, usually 30 to 40 minutes over indirect medium heat.
- Large Bone-In Chicken Leg or Thigh: Similar to bone-in breasts, these cuts generally need 30 to 40 minutes over indirect medium heat to cook through.
Regardless of the cut, always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Baked Lemon and Ginger Chicken Recipe
Author: The Carefree Kitchen
This baked lemon ginger chicken is a juicy baked chicken breast recipe. It features the best chicken marinade, bursting with the fresh flavors of ginger, savory soy sauce, and bright lemon juice. It’s perfectly suited for both boneless chicken breast and baked bone-in chicken, offering a healthy and naturally low-fat option for your dinner table.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Marinating Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 35 mins
Yields: 6 people
Ingredients
Use US Customary or Metric measurements.
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (or 2 inches fresh ginger root, finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pounds chicken breasts, boneless skinless
Instructions
Chicken Ginger Marinade
- In a large freezer bag, add the lemon juice, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper and shake vigorously to thoroughly mix the marinade ingredients.
- Add the chicken breasts to the bag, ensuring they are fully coated by the marinade. Seal the bag and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for a minimum of 2 hours, and ideally up to 24-48 hours, for best flavor.
Baked Lemon Chicken
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C).
- Spray a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade (discarding any remaining marinade) and place them in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-35 minutes. The exact cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74°C) as measured with a digital meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Spoon any pan juices over the chicken breasts. For a golden-brown finish, place the dish under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy result. Enjoy!
Notes
Storing leftovers: Store any leftover Baked Lemon Ginger Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, you can either microwave individual portions until heated through, or place the chicken in a preheated 350 degree F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until warmed to your liking.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Sharing this recipe with a link is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying/pasting and/or screenshots of full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Content and photographs are copyright protected.
More Delightful Chicken Recipes to Explore
If you’ve enjoyed this Lemon Ginger Chicken, you’re in for a treat! Our kitchen is filled with more incredible chicken recipes designed to bring flavor and ease to your table. Explore these other family favorites:
- Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken: A classic combination of sweet and tangy.
- Garlic and Herb Drumsticks: Simple, savory, and incredibly satisfying.
- Grilled Apricot Chicken: A delicious blend of sweet fruitiness with tender chicken.
- Grilled Chicken Teriyaki: An irresistible take on an Asian classic, perfect for grilling.
- California Grilled Chicken Salad: A light, fresh, and flavorful salad featuring grilled chicken.
- Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad: Packed with bold flavors and vibrant ingredients.
- Mediterranean Grilled Drumsticks: Infused with herbs and spices for an exotic touch.
- Discover even more delicious Chicken Recipes here!
Explore More Ginger-Infused Delights
For those who adore the warm, comforting, and sometimes spicy kick of ginger, we have more recipes that highlight this incredible root:
- Lemon Ginger Honey Tea: A soothing and invigorating beverage, perfect for any time of day.
- Gingerbread Men Cookies: A festive and fun classic, ideal for holiday baking.
- Gingerbread Cake: A rich, spiced, and comforting dessert that’s perfect for celebrations.
This Baked Lemon Ginger Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to enjoy healthy, flavorful, and fuss-free dining. With its perfectly balanced ginger, soy, and lemon marinade, it transforms simple chicken into a culinary masterpiece. Whether you’re aiming for a quick weeknight dinner or preparing for a gathering, this dish, suitable for both boneless and bone-in chicken, promises a juicy, low-fat experience that satisfies every palate. We hope you love making and sharing this recipe as much as we do!
Don’t forget to leave a rating below if you tried this recipe! For more culinary inspiration and easy-to-follow recipes, be sure to follow us on Pinterest, Instagram, and Tiktok!