Lemon Pepper Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 all-natural chicken breasts
• 3 lemons
• Olive oil (for brushing)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Salt (optional, to taste)

For the Side:

• 1 cup black lentils, cooked
• Steamed broccoli florets

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Lightly brush each chicken breast with olive oil and place them in a baking dish.
2. Lemon Infusion:
   • Cut one of the lemons in half and squeeze the juice evenly over each chicken breast.
   • Grind black pepper over the chicken to your preferred level of spiciness.
   • If desired, you can also sprinkle a touch of salt over the chicken, but this is optional due to the natural sodium content in the dish.
3. Lemon Slices:
   • Slice the other 2 lemons into rounds. Place 2 lemon slices on top of each chicken breast. This will infuse the chicken with even more citrusy flavor as it bakes.
4. Baking Time:
   • Place the prepared baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken breasts are fully cooked. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Cook the Side:
   • While the chicken is baking, cook the black lentils according to the package instructions. Typically, black lentils take about 20-25 minutes to cook.
6. Steam the Broccoli:
   • Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they are tender but still vibrant green. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of the florets.
7. Assemble the Meal:
   • Once everything is cooked, arrange a serving of baked lemon-pepper chicken on each plate.
   • Serve the chicken with a side of cooked black lentils and a generous portion of steamed broccoli.
8. Enjoy the Meal:
   • Sit down and relish your delicious and nutritious Lemon-Pepper Baked Chicken with Black Lentils and Broccoli.
   • The combination of zesty lemon, aromatic pepper, hearty lentils, and vibrant broccoli makes for a satisfying and well-balanced meal.

Note: You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices to the chicken, such as thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder, to enhance the flavors even further.