This baked lemon chicken is coated in a butter and herb sauce, then roasted to perfection. A super easy dinner option that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy!
Chicken breasts baked in the oven can sometimes come out dry, but this recipe will never let you down! These baked lemon chicken breasts come out juicy and delicious every time, and the delicious sauce will have you licking your plate.
Sometimes I just need a quick and easy protein option to get dinner on the table in a hurry! I love the convenience of baked chicken, but I find that sometimes the end result can be disappointing with bland, rubbery chicken. This baked lemon chicken comes out perfectly delicious every time, and my whole family adores it!
How to make baked lemon chicken
For this recipe, you’ll need boneless skinless chicken breasts. I brown the breasts before I put them in the oven, it takes a few extra minutes but I feel like the added flavor is so worth it.
After the chicken is golden brown and crispy, it goes into a baking dish with some lemon juice, butter, garlic, herbs and chicken broth. If you have an oven proof skillet, you can simply brown the chicken breasts, pour the sauce over the top and bake directly in the skillet instead of transferring the chicken to a baking dish.
What I love about this recipe is that it’s so easy to bake as few or as many chicken breasts as you need. You can bake 2 or 20 chicken breasts, same process!
The final step is to add a little chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices. This baked lemon chicken is best served over rice, mashed potatoes or pasta. Be sure to spoon all that extra sauce at the bottom of the baking dish over the chicken when you serve it; the sauce is the best part!
I often make extra chicken to chop up and use in other recipes during the week. It’s a great basic chicken that works in so many dishes like casseroles, soups and pasta.
More chicken recipes
- Firecracker Chicken
- Lemon Pepper Chicken
- Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
- Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Baked Fried Chicken
Baked Lemon Chicken Video
Baked Lemon Chicken
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper and the Italian seasoning.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side or until browned.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix together the butter, garlic, chicken broth and lemon juice. Pour the butter mixture over the chicken.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Bake time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
- Spoon the sauce on the bottom of the baking dish over the chicken, then sprinkle with parsley and serve. Garnish with lemon slices if desired.
Notes
- Recipe adapted from Creme de la Crumb.
- When I make this recipe I use chicken breasts that are about 1 inch thick. If you use thinner chicken breasts, be sure to decrease the bake time accordingly.
Sharon says
Do I have to cover the lemon chicken while baking ? Recipe doesnt specify so I guess not. ; )
Sara says
It bakes uncovered!
C.Le says
I have made this many times and is a hit with my family, especially my teenage sons! The flavors blend together well and is so easy to put together for a quick weeknight meal, especially when we’re on the go so much with sports, band, activities, etc. It is a must have staple in your recipe repertoire. Thank you again for sharing and posting these recipes and videos! You are helping other parents with meal planning and cooking healthy, quick meals!
Renee Cummins says
I’ve made this many times…i like to double the sauce and I love using chicken tenderloins. I tend to make a big batch and user leftovers to make lemon chicken orzo soup. Thanks for the recipe!
Angie Simmonds says
Thank you. I moved to a different device and now I’m able to see the video!
Angie Simmonds says
The article says there is a video for the recipe but here is no video I can see and no link to click on. Could you please provide one for me? Thank you!
Sara says
The video is right above the recipe card!
Kim Wallace says
I am new to cooking. This was so easy, delicious and flavorful. Felt so proud of myself after it was done!
Julie Boyd says
Can this recipe be made the day before and reheated the next day? Will it still be moist?
Sara says
I haven’t tried it this way but I believe it would work!
Sandi J says
Simple yet delicious and elegant!!
Savannah says
Im a beginner cook and this was such a simple yet delicious meal. I served with rice and brussel sprouts! So yummy!
Judy says
Absolutely delicious.
So moist, and juicy, lots of flavor, and yes the juice really good over the brown rice. I almost want to double the sauce. My husband loves it, says I could make it anytime.
Shirley mcguire says
Yum….!!!!!
Hunter J says
This recipe served with a side of rice has become a weekly dinner in our home. Thanks for sharing .
Teena McElroy says
Best chicken I’ve ever cooked.
Elizabeth says
Thank you….This lemon baked chicken is so moist and good!
We loved it so much , I am making it again tonight! Also, it’s a good recipe when time is limited.
I served with Brown rice and veggies. The sauce is great over rice.