Perfect Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

The Perfect Roasted Chicken Exists

For everyone who feels like they just can’t eat another piece of boring, dry, plain chicken, this is for you! The days of “I hate baked chicken” are over. This recipe is a constant staple in my kitchen for a few reasons. The first is that its extremely flexible–you can rotate the types of citrus and herbs you use so that the flavor changes dramatically depending on what you’re looking for. The second is that its so, so easy. It requires just a little thought, because you have to put it in the marinade 1-2 days in advance, but thats it. Other than that, you don’t have to do much! This is truly the perfect chicken recipe. It’s juicy, flavorful, easy, and the chicken truly falls off the bone.

Nutrition Details: Can I eat chicken with the skin on?

For a few decades now, there has been lingering sentiment regarding whether or not a healthy diet must only have skinless, boneless chicken. I think its a remnant from the low-fat craze of the eighties, but I have countless clients double-check with me, asking, “I can’t eat the skin, right?”

Well, not so fast. Let’s first look at the nutritional profile. A 4 oz serving size of skinless, boneless chicken breast contains approximately 193 calories, 35 grams of protein, 0 g of carbs, and 5 grams of fat. A 4 oz serving size of skin-on chicken breast contains approximately 208 calories, 31 grams of protein, 0 grams of carbs, and 8 grams of fat. That’s about a 15 calorie difference between the two options, with nearly identical protein delivery.

If we were preparing for a body building show, we would care about those 15 extra calories. But if we’re seeking general health and wellness, a healthy bodyweight for our body, protecting and promoting muscle, and eating very delicious food so that we have healthy diet sustainability, those 15 calories mean nothing. So if you’re struggling to eat healthy because you can’t stomach another of boiled chicken, then its time to marinate chicken, not be afraid of a few more calories, and enjoy your meals.

One of the most important parts of healthy living sustainability that I emphasize with my clients is focusing on big wins. You may have heard the saying “don’t major in the minors” when it comes to nutrition. And for many of us, this is true. We don’t have to fret about 15 calories because that one small tweak is often not what causes health issues. It usually would be a much larger area of our diet that can cause a health issue or impede healthy habits.

This nutritious, easy, and perfect chicken recipe can go with any menu you have planned! I love to serve it with salads, grilled vegetables, sweet potatoes, risottos, or use it for meal prep by shredding it ahead of time and pairing it with veggies. I hope you love it!