There’s something simply satisfying about a meal that’s bursting with bright, fresh flavors yet incredibly straightforward to make. This Easy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe brings that perfect balance—tender chicken infused with zesty lemon and garlic butter that’ll have you licking your plate clean.

Three cooked golden chicken pieces lie close in a white baking dish on a white marbled surface. Each chicken piece has a slightly crispy, browned texture with small green herb bits sprinkled on top. Bright yellow lemon wedges are placed between the chicken pieces, adding pops of color. Some green parsley leaves decorate each chicken piece, giving fresh contrast to the warm tones. The close-up view shows the glistening surface of the chicken and lemon with soft natural lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this Easy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe—it was a last-minute dinner rescue, and it turned out so delicious that I’ve been coming back to it ever since. It’s one of those no-fuss recipes where you don’t have to compromise on flavor or time.

Simplicity Meets Flavor: Minimal ingredients come together to create a juicy, flavorful chicken dinner without any complicated steps.
Quick Prep: You’ll have dinner ready in about 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade and comforting.
Kid and Picky-Eater Approved: The buttery lemon sauce is mild but bursting with taste enough to please everyone at the table.
Versatile and Easy to Customize: You can easily tweak herbs or sides to make it your own signature dish.

Ingredients & Why They Work

What I love about this recipe is how simple ingredients team up perfectly—each one bringing out the best without overpowering. Picking good-quality chicken breasts and using fresh lemon juice really make a difference in the final result.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of melted butter, a small white bowl of minced garlic, a small white bowl of pale yellow chicken broth, a small white bowl of fresh lemon juice, a small bunch of chopped green parsley, fresh lemon slices, coarse salt crystals, whole black peppercorns, and a small heap of Italian seasoning placed symmetrically on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, all ingredients looking fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish; it cooks evenly and stays juicy when baked right.
Olive Oil: Helps to brown the chicken for that lovely golden crust and adds subtle richness.
Salt, Pepper & Italian Seasoning: Simple, classic seasoning that boosts natural flavors without any fuss.
Butter (Melted): Creates a luscious sauce that keeps the chicken moist and wraps the flavors together.
Minced Garlic: Adds that punch of savory goodness to the lemony sauce.
Chicken Broth: A little umami liquid that enriches the sauce and keeps the chicken tender during baking.
Lemon Juice: The bright, tangy element that wakes up all the flavors and adds a refreshing zing.
Chopped Parsley: For a fresh, herbal note and pretty green finish on the plate.
Lemon Slices (Optional): Great for garnish and a little extra citrus punch if you want.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Easy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe is how flexible it is. I often swap up the herbs or add a little kick with some red pepper flakes, depending on my mood or what’s in the pantry.

Herb Twist: I sometimes substitute the Italian seasoning for fresh thyme or rosemary—adds an earthy aroma that pairs beautifully with lemon.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of chili flakes before baking gives it a subtle heat that wakes up your taste buds.
Whole Chicken Thighs: Feeling like dark meat? Use boneless thighs for a juicier alternative—they’ll take a bit longer but are just as delicious.
Dairy-Free Version: Swap the butter with olive oil and it’s just as flavorful but lighter.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe

Three cooked golden brown chicken pieces sit inside a white baking dish, each topped with small green parsley leaves. Between the chicken, there are three lemon wedges, bright yellow and juicy. The chicken has a slightly crispy texture with small specks of seasoning visible. The dish rests on a white marbled surface, and in the top left corner, leafy green parsley is slightly visible. The overall look is warm and fresh. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season & Sear for That Golden Crust

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry, then rub both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about 3-5 minutes per side until you get a nice golden brown crust. Don’t rush this step—searing locks in juices and adds fantastic flavor depth.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce

While the chicken is browning, mix melted butter, minced garlic, fresh chicken broth, and zesty lemon juice in a small bowl. This simple blend turns into a luscious sauce that keeps the chicken moist and vibrant during baking.

Step 3: Bake & Baste for Perfect Tenderness

Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish and pour the lemon butter sauce over it. Pop it into the oven preheated to 400°F and bake for about 25 minutes. Depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts, you might need a little more or less time. When it’s done, the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and be wonderfully juicy.

Step 4: Finish with Fresh Parsley & Lemon Slices

Once the chicken is out of the oven, spoon some of the buttery sauce from the bottom of the dish over each piece, sprinkle chopped parsley on top, and add lemon slices if you like. That final touch brightens everything up and makes your plate look inviting.

Top Tip

I’ve made this Easy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe dozens of times, and a few little tweaks have made all the difference for me. Here’s what I’ve learned to help yours turn out perfectly every time.

Don’t Skip Searing: I used to rush straight to the oven, but that crispy golden crust adds texture and locks in moisture—it’s worth the extra 5 minutes.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice just can’t compete. Fresh lemons elevate the brightness and keep the sauce tasting fresh and clean.
Check Thickness and Adjust Baking Time: My chicken breasts sometimes vary in size; thinner cuts need less time. Use a thermometer or slice into the thickest part to check doneness.
Save the Sauce: Spoon that buttery lemon sauce over everything—it’s the magic that keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.

How to Serve Easy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken at the end. It not only adds a pop of color but also a subtle herbal freshness that balances the richness. Lemon slices are a beautiful garnish and offer an extra citrus hit if some guests want a little more zing.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. For something lighter, steamed asparagus or green beans are perfect. When I want to keep it cozy, buttery rice or couscous absorbs that lemon-butter sauce beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I love arranging the chicken on a big platter lined with vibrant greens—like arugula or baby spinach—and scatter thin lemon wheels and parsley around the edges for charm. It looks elegant but is so easy, no fancy plating needed.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The chicken stays moist, especially if I drizzle a bit more lemon sauce over it before sealing. It keeps well for up to three days without drying out.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well. I let the chicken cool completely, then package it with the sauce in freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To keep the chicken tender, I reheat it gently in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil, for about 15–20 minutes. You can also warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep things juicy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless breasts?

You can definitely use bone-in chicken pieces, but keep in mind that baking times will increase. You’ll want to bake at 400°F for closer to 35-45 minutes, depending on size, and always check doneness with a meat thermometer. Bone-in adds extra flavor but requires a bit more patience.

How can I prevent the chicken from drying out?

The key is searing the chicken first to lock juices and then baking it with the buttery lemon sauce. Using a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature and removing the chicken once it hits 165°F ensures it stays moist. Also, basting it with the sauce after baking adds extra moisture.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! To make this easy baked lemon chicken recipe dairy-free, simply replace the butter with extra olive oil or a dairy-free margarine. This tweak keeps the sauce flavorful without compromising on moisture or texture.

What should I serve with this Easy Baked Lemon Chicken?

This chicken pairs wonderfully with roasted or steamed vegetables, fluffy rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. I also love serving it alongside couscous or quinoa for a wholesome meal packed with texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe has truly become one of my go-to dishes when I want something that feels special without the fuss. It’s friendly enough for a weeknight but tasty enough to serve guests, and I’m confident you’ll enjoy how foolproof and delicious it is. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite simple dinner!