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.
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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.
- 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.
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
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Easy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A simple and flavorful baked lemon chicken recipe featuring juicy boneless skinless chicken breasts coated in a buttery lemon garlic sauce and Italian herbs. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ¼ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Lemon slices for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the chicken.
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5 minutes on each side until browned, sealing in the juices and creating a flavorful crust.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Transfer the browned chicken breasts to a baking dish, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking.
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, chicken broth, and lemon juice. This sauce will keep the chicken moist and add brightness.
- Pour Sauce: Pour the butter and lemon mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
- Bake Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (juices run clear and internal temperature reaches 165°F), adjusting bake time if the breasts are extra thick.
- Finish and Serve: Spoon some of the sauce from the bottom of the baking dish over the chicken, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and garnish with lemon slices if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs as a substitute for a juicier and more flavorful option, adjusting bake time accordingly.
- For a thicker sauce, reduce the chicken broth slightly or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed in water before baking.
- Ensure the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 271 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 293 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 113 mg
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