Oven Baked Lime and Pepper Chicken

By Liddy’s Olive Branch | 04/04/2025
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Grilled chicken drumsticks garnished with lime slices on a bed of rice.

Oven Baked Lime and Pepper Chicken

I have found that marinating meat in olive oil w/fresh lemon or lime juice tenderizes the meat nicely. This recipe provides for a moist, refreshing and SUPER tasty dish. It is ideal for your weekly meal prep but also works great as family dinner.  I did make one addition to the recipe, which I think added a nice flavor and that is to include in the marinade 1 large tbsp of grated fresh ginger.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Servings 4

Notes

Marinating time: 4 - 6 hours or overnight
Ingredients: 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 10.5oz each) I pounded mine so they were thinner, which seems to allow more of the marinade to soak through.
For the marinade
  • 2 tbsp freshly-squeezed lime juice
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large clove of minced garlic
  • 1/2 - 3/4 tsp salt 
  • 3/4 -1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
To garnish
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • slices of lime
Instructions
  • In a large mixing bowl or glass measuring cup, combine all the ingredients for the marinade and whisk until well combined.
  • Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish that's just big enough to accommodate them in a single layer and then pour the marinade right over. Toss delicately until all the chicken breasts are evenly coated, cover with plastic film and place in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  • In a large, heavy skillet, heat a few tablespoons of healthy cooking oil or fat over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot enough, add the chicken breasts, 2 or 3 at a time, and sear for a minute or two on each side, until nice and golden brown.
  • Place the seared chicken breasts in a Dutch oven or other oven safe dish with tight fitting lid and repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
  • Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken breasts, put the lid on and and bake in the oven for 25 minutes, then remove the lid and continue cooking for another 5 minutes to crisp up the chicken.
  • Serve immediately, drizzled with the cooking juices and garnished with slices of lime and a handful of freshly chopped parsley.