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
Scale
Chicken
- 1 1/4 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
- 1/4 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
