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)

There's something incredibly comforting about a simple, lemony dinner that fills your kitchen with bright, fresh aromas. This Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that strikes the perfect balance—juicy chicken bathed in a buttery lemon sauce that makes every bite sing. Trust me, it’s a go-to when you want a meal that feels both homey and special.

Three golden browned cooked chicken pieces sit in a white baking dish, each with a crispy texture and some small bits of green herbs sprinkled on top. Between the pieces, there are thin lemon wedges adding a bright yellow color. Some fresh green parsley leaves are placed on top of the chicken. The white baking dish rests on a white marbled surface, and soft natural light highlights the shiny, juicy chicken skin. 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 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 can’t tell you how often I come back to this Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough if friends drop by. The flavors are fresh, bright, and buttery—without being overwhelming. Plus, you can whip it up with pantry staples, so it’s a real winner in my book.

Simple Prep: You only need a handful of ingredients and a quick sear before popping it in the oven.
Flavorful Sauce: The lemon-butter-garlic combo creates a rich sauce that keeps the chicken moist and delicious.
Versatile Meal: It pairs beautifully with all kinds of sides, from roasted veggies to fluffy rice.
Consistently Juicy Chicken: The light pan-sear before baking locks in juices, so the chicken never feels dry.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe comes together with simple, fresh ingredients that beautifully complement each other. The butter and olive oil create a luscious fat base, while lemon juice and garlic brighten everything up. Here’s a quick look at why each component is important:

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 light yellow lemon juice, a small white bowl of pale chicken broth, a small heap of finely minced garlic, a neat pile of mixed Italian seasoning herbs, a few sprigs of bright green chopped parsley, lemon slices with bright yellow rind and pale juicy flesh, scattered coarse salt and black peppercorns all arranged symmetrically 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

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless makes for easy cooking and slicing; they soak up the marinade perfectly.
Olive oil: Used for searing, it adds flavor and helps build a golden crust on the chicken.
Salt and pepper: The essential seasoning, enhancing every other flavor.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that offers a subtle earthiness without overpowering the lemon.
Butter: Adds richness and helps marry all those bright and savory flavors.
Minced garlic: The backbone of savory depth, garlic pairs beautifully with lemon and butter.
Chicken broth: Keeps the sauce light but flavorful—plus it prevents dryness.
Lemon juice: The star of the show, lending acidity and freshness.
Chopped parsley: Adds a pop of color and a hint of fresh herbal brightness at the end.
Lemon slices (optional): For garnish and a pretty touch that boosts the citrusy vibe.

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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

I love mixing things up with this Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe depending on what’s in my pantry or what mood I’m in. It’s very forgiving, so feel free to adjust and personalize!

Variation: One time, I swapped chicken breasts for thighs and the extra fat made it even juicier—definitely worth trying if you like dark meat.
Bread Crust Upgrade: I sometimes sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan over the chicken before baking for a crispy, cheesy topping.
Dietary Adjustments: For a dairy-free version, swap butter for avocado oil and omit cheese toppings; it still turns out fantastic.
Add Veggies: I often toss in cherry tomatoes or green beans around the chicken before baking so everything cooks together, saving me time and dishes.

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

The image shows three cooked chicken pieces in a white rectangular dish, placed side by side. Each piece is golden brown with a slight crispy texture and has small green parsley leaves sprinkled on top for garnish. Two lemon wedges are placed at the edges of the dish, adding a bright yellow color contrast. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, and a fresh parsley sprig is visible at the top left corner. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season and Sear

After preheating your oven to 400°F, I like to give the chicken breasts a thorough seasoning on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Then, heat up your olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about 3-5 minutes each side, till it’s a gorgeous golden brown. This seals in those juices and adds beautiful flavor—don’t rush this step!

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce

While your chicken is resting, quickly whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, chicken broth, and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl. This sauce is what makes the dish shine, so I always make sure the garlic is fresh and finely minced to avoid any harsh bites.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish and pour that luscious lemon butter sauce over it. Bake for about 25 minutes—you’ll want to check for doneness since the thickness of your chicken breasts can vary. The internal temp should hit 165°F, and the juices should run clear when poked. If you’re unsure, cutting into the thickest part is always a good check.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Once baked, spoon some of the sauce from the pan back over the chicken, sprinkle generously with chopped parsley for freshness and color, and serve with lemon slices if you’d like that extra zing and a pretty presentation.

Top Tip

Over the years, I've learned that nailing the sear and baking time are the keys to this dish turning out just right. Here are some tips that have saved me from dry chicken and bland flavors:

Don’t Skip the Sear: It might feel like an extra step, but searing locks in moisture and develops layers of flavor – worth every extra minute.
Fresh Garlic is a Game Changer: Using fresh minced garlic, not garlic powder, really elevates the sauce's richness and brightness.
Watch your Bake Time Closely: Oven temperatures can vary; start checking your chicken around 20 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Use a Meat Thermometer: This simple tool ensures safety and perfect juiciness — it lets you pull the chicken exactly when it hits 165°F.

How to Serve Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe

Baked Lemon Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

My favorite garnish is a handful of fresh chopped parsley—it adds that pop of color and fresh herbal note that brightens the whole dish. I also like arranging thin lemon slices on top right before serving. Not only do they look inviting, but they give an extra opportunity for guests to squeeze more citrus if they want.

Side Dishes

This chicken goes great with a variety of sides. I often serve it alongside roasted garlic mashed potatoes or simple steamed green beans tossed with butter and lemon zest. For a lighter option, a crisp arugula salad dressed with olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan is perfect. And don’t forget a crusty bread to soak up that buttery sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

When I make Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe for special occasions, I like to serve it in individual mini baking dishes with a sprig of fresh thyme on top. It looks elegant and every guest gets their own perfectly sauced portion. Another idea I love is plating it over a bed of lemon-scented couscous with edible flowers for a fancy dinner feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover baked lemon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it stays juicy for up to 3 days. Pro tip: pour some of the leftover sauce over the chicken before sealing—it keeps the meat moist and flavorful.

Freezing

This recipe freezes really well. I portion the cooked chicken and sauce separately into freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the chicken gently in the oven at 325°F wrapped loosely in foil—this brings it back without drying it out. If you’re in a hurry, microwave covered with a damp paper towel works too, but keep an eye to avoid overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat and stay super juicy. Just adjust the bake time slightly if needed, as thighs might take a little longer to cook through.

How do I know when the baked lemon chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should read 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest section and ensure the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink.

Can I prepare parts of the recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can season and sear the chicken in advance, then refrigerate it. When you’re ready, prepare the lemon butter sauce and bake. Alternatively, make the sauce ahead and store separately, then combine before baking.

What sides go best with baked lemon chicken?

Roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, rice pilaf, or a crisp salad all pair wonderfully. I suggest something that can soak up the delicious lemon butter sauce—like crusty bread or buttery mashed potatoes.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe holds a warm spot in my kitchen repertoire because it’s reliably delicious, easy, and just feels like a little gift to myself after a busy day. I hope once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again too. It’s like a cozy hug on a plate—with that perfect balance of bright citrus and buttery goodness you won’t forget. Give it a go—you might just have a new favorite!