Name: Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 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)

Nothing brightens up a dinner table quite like a zesty, golden baked chicken infused with fresh lemon flavor. This Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it’s simple, juicy, and packed with vibrant taste—perfect for weeknights or when you want to impress with minimal effort.

Baked Lemon Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Jump to:

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

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited to share this recipe because it combines the perfect balance of buttery richness and bright lemon zing, which keeps the chicken moist and bursting with flavor every single time. It’s become my go-to when I want something comforting yet fresh.

Simple but flavorful: Just a handful of ingredients come together to make an impressive and delicious dinner.
Juicy, tender chicken: The butter and lemon sauce locks in moisture, so nothing dries out in the oven.
Fast prep and hands-off cooking: After a quick sear, the oven finishes the magic—perfect for busy evenings.
Versatile and customizable: Easily swap herbs or add veggies to tailor this to your tastes or what’s in your fridge.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe plays its role in building layers of flavor while keeping things straightforward. When shopping, I always choose fresh lemons and good-quality butter to really elevate the dish. Here’s why these ingredients shine together:

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with melted butter gleaming softly, a small white ceramic bowl filled with pale yellow lemon juice, a small white ceramic bowl containing light golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl with finely minced fresh garlic, a small white ceramic bowl holding vibrant chopped green parsley, whole uncracked brown eggs placed side by side, fresh lemon slices with bright yellow rinds and juicy pulp, salt and pepper grains scattered delicately beside the bowls, all ingredients 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: Lean and versatile, they cook evenly and absorb flavor well after that initial sear.
Olive oil: Helps to brown the chicken beautifully without overpowering the lemony notes.
Salt and pepper: The basics that season the chicken perfectly and bring out all the tastes.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and thyme adds warmth and an aromatic touch.
Butter: Adds richness and silkiness to the sauce that compliments the lemon’s brightness.
Minced garlic: Gives a savory punch that cuts through the butter and pairs wonderfully with herbs.
Chicken broth: Creates a flavorful base for the sauce, keeping it light yet satisfying.
Lemon juice: The star of the show—adds freshness and tang that wakes up every bite.
Chopped parsley: For a pop of color and mild herbaceous flavor that finishes the dish beautifully.
Lemon slices (optional): Perfect for garnish and an extra citrusy aroma at the table.

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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 parts about this baked lemon chicken recipe is how easily you can tweak it to suit your mood or pantry. I love adding a little crushed red pepper if I’m feeling bold or swapping Italian seasoning for fresh rosemary when that’s what I have on hand.

Variation: Sometimes I add quartered baby potatoes around the chicken before baking to make it a complete one-pan meal. The lemon butter sauce caramelizes everything beautifully.
Dietary tweak: For a dairy-free version, replace butter with olive oil and skip the parsley if you want it extra simple.
Seasonal swap: Fresh thyme or basil in summer is a refreshing change that brightens the dish even more.

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

Three cooked chicken pieces with a golden brown color are placed in a white rectangular baking dish. Each piece is topped with small green parsley leaves and sprinkled with finely chopped herbs. There are three lemon wedges positioned between the chicken pieces, adding bright yellow color. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, and a small green parsley sprig is visible in the upper left corner. The chicken looks juicy with a slight shine from the sauce at the bottom of the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken

Start by patting your boneless skinless chicken breasts dry—this helps get a nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and that fragrant Italian seasoning. I usually do this right on the counter to avoid extra dishes, and it really helps build that flavor base.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Build Flavor

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once the oil shimmers, add your chicken breasts and let them brown undisturbed for about 3-5 minutes per side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden crust which will keep the chicken juicy while baking. Resist the urge to flip too soon!

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

While the chicken sears, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and chicken broth in a small bowl. This sauce is where the magic happens—the butter adds richness, the garlic gives depth, and the lemon juice adds that fresh zing that makes this dish sing.

Step 4: Bake It to Perfection

Transfer the browned chicken to a baking dish, then pour your lemon butter mixture evenly over the top. Slide it into a preheated 400°F oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Keep in mind, thicker chicken breasts may need a little extra time, so a meat thermometer reading 165°F is your best friend here.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Before serving, spoon some of the buttery sauce from the bottom of the baking dish back over each piece of chicken—this keeps everything moist and flavorful. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish and add a few lemon slices on top if you want to make it look as good as it tastes.

Top Tip

From my experience, a few little tricks can really elevate your Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe from good to unforgettable. These have saved me from overcooked or dry chicken more times than I can count!

Pat chicken dry: Removing excess moisture helps the chicken brown better, creating that tasty crust we all love.
Don’t skip searing: Even though it adds a quick extra step, the flavor depth it builds is well worth it.
Use fresh lemon juice: Bottled lemon juice won’t give you that bright, vibrant zing this dish depends on.
Watch bake time carefully: Since ovens vary and chicken breasts come in different sizes, checking doneness early helps avoid drying out your meat.

How to Serve Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe

The image shows three cooked chicken pieces, golden brown and juicy, placed side by side inside a white dish. The chicken has a slightly crispy texture with small herbs sprinkled on top, adding touches of green color. Bright lemon wedges are placed between the chicken pieces, adding a fresh yellow contrast. Each chicken piece is garnished with a small sprig of green parsley, enhancing the fresh and appetizing look. The background is a white marbled texture, giving a clean and bright feel to the photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually garnish with freshly chopped parsley—its mild herb flavor keeps things bright without stealing the spotlight. Adding a few thin lemon slices on top not only makes the plate look inviting but also adds an extra burst of citrus aroma as you serve.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are steamed green beans or a crisp arugula salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich lemon butter sauce. Roasted baby potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes are also fantastic if you want something cozy and hearty alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the chicken atop a bed of fluffy quinoa or couscous mixed with chopped herbs. Adding roasted lemon halves alongside gives a rustic feel and an extra citrus punch. A drizzle of extra sauce finished with microgreens always earns compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Baked Lemon Chicken tightly covered in an airtight container in the fridge, where it stays fresh for up to 3 days. The sauce tends to thicken, so I always give it a little stir with a splash of broth or water before reheating.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Just wrap individual portions tightly in freezer-safe wrap or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

I prefer reheating in a low oven at 300°F covered with foil to prevent drying out, about 15-20 minutes depending on portion size. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the chicken a bit rubbery, so watch it closely and add a little sauce or broth before heating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs will work well, though you might need to increase the baking time by about 5-10 minutes. Thighs can also add extra juiciness.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?

You can easily substitute with water, though the sauce will be slightly less flavorful. Adding a pinch of chicken bouillon or even some white wine can boost flavor in a pinch.

How do I ensure the chicken doesn’t dry out?

Searing the chicken before baking seals in juices and creates a crust that keeps moisture from escaping. Also, baking at 400 degrees and not overcooking ensures tender, juicy chicken.

Can I make this recipe ahead and reheat?

Yes! The Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe is perfect for making ahead. Just reheat gently and add a splash of broth to keep it moist. It’s great for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s proof that simple ingredients combined thoughtfully can create something memorable. I hope you’ll enjoy making it just as much as I love sharing it with you. It’s a surefire way to bring fresh, vibrant flavor to your dinner table without fuss—definitely one to keep in your recipe rotation!