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 about the bright, zesty flavor of lemon paired with tender chicken that just lifts your whole dinner. This Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels fresh and comforting all at once—a surefire way to bring a little sunshine to your plate.

The image shows three golden brown cooked chicken pieces arranged closely in a white dish. Each piece is seared to a crispy texture with a shiny glaze, sprinkled with small green herb bits, and topped with small fresh parsley leaves. Underneath and beside the chicken pieces are thin lemon slices adding bright yellow hints. The dish is seen on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and fresh look. 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 adore this baked lemon chicken because it’s one of those recipes that’s effortlessly impressive. You get a juicy, flavorful chicken that's moist and infused with a buttery lemon garlic sauce—it's comfort food with a bright twist.

Simple Ingredients: You probably have almost everything in your kitchen already, making it easy and practical for weeknight dinners.
Fail-Proof Cooking: Browning on the stovetop before baking locks in moisture and flavor so the chicken never comes out dry.
Bright, Fresh Flavor: That splash of lemon juice combined with garlic and butter hits all the right notes for a deliciously balanced meal.
Versatile and Adaptable: You can swap herbs, add veggies, or use different cuts of chicken—this recipe plays well with many variations.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a key role in creating this easy baked lemon chicken recipe’s magic. From the tender chicken breasts to the rich butter and zesty lemon juice, they combine perfectly for balanced flavor and appealing texture.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small white bowl of olive oil, a small white bowl of salt and pepper mix, a small white bowl of Italian seasoning, a small white bowl with melted butter, a small white bowl of minced garlic, a small white bowl of chicken broth, a small white bowl of fresh lemon juice, a small white bowl of chopped fresh parsley, fresh lemon slices arranged neatly, all 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

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless keep it simple and lean; you want tender meat that soaks up the sauce.
Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken nicely, sealing in juices while adding a subtle fruity note.
Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning that pulls out the chicken’s natural flavors.
Italian seasoning: Adds herby depth—if you don’t have it, dried oregano, basil, or thyme work great too.
Butter: Melted and drizzled over the chicken to create a luscious, silky sauce that’s irresistible.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the sauce with warmth and aroma.
Chicken broth: Adds moisture and umami richness without diluting flavors.
Lemon juice: The star of the show—its acidity brightens the dish and balances the richness from butter.
Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley lends a pop of color and a touch of herbal freshness at the end.
Lemon slices (optional): Lovely for garnish, adding visual appeal and extra brightness if squeezed over before serving.

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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 joys of this baked lemon chicken recipe is how easily you can tweak it. I often play around with different herbs or add capers for a little briny bite. Feel free to make it your own—this recipe is a great base to experiment on.

Variation: I swapped Italian seasoning for fresh rosemary and thyme one time, and it added a nice earthy flavor that was fantastic alongside the lemon.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce if you want a subtle kick.
Easy one-pan dinner: Toss some baby potatoes and green beans around the chicken in the baking dish for a full meal.
Diet-friendly option: Use less butter or swap it for olive oil for a lighter version without losing flavor.

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

The image shows three golden brown cooked chicken pieces arranged in a white rectangular baking dish. Each chicken piece has a slightly crispy texture with specks of herbs sprinkled on top and fresh green parsley placed in the center. There are lemon wedges placed around the chicken, nestled in a thin layer of light brown sauce at the bottom of the dish. The dish is set on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth partially visible at the top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season and Sear for Flavor

First, I pat my chicken breasts dry and season them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides. This simple seasoning is key to building flavor. Then I heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about 3-5 minutes per side. You want a nice golden-brown crust without fully cooking it—that’s what locks in those juicy flavors during baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce

While the chicken is browning, I mix melted butter with minced garlic, chicken broth, and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a small bowl. This sauce is the secret to that rich yet tangy finish that makes this baked lemon chicken recipe stand out.

Step 3: Bake to Juicy Perfection

I transfer the browned chicken breasts to a baking dish and pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over them. Then, it's into the preheated oven at 400°F for about 25 minutes. Depending on your chicken’s thickness, cooking times can vary, so I like to check by slicing the thickest part to make sure it’s no longer pink.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Once out of the oven, I spoon any sauce pooled at the bottom over the chicken and sprinkle chopped parsley on top for freshness. Adding a few lemon slices as garnish lifts the dish both visually and taste-wise. You’ll love how the buttery sauce coats every bite.

Top Tip

After making this baked lemon chicken recipe more times than I can count, I’ve learned a few simple tricks that make the biggest difference between good and great chicken.

Don’t skip searing: Browning the chicken breasts before baking keeps them moist and adds a savory crust that baking alone can't achieve.
Use fresh lemon juice: Bottled lemon juice just doesn't have the same brightness. Fresh lemon juice makes this dish pop in flavor.
Check internal temperature: To avoid overcooked chicken, use a meat thermometer—160°F is perfect since the chicken will rest and carry over cook.
Rest before serving: Let the chicken sit for a few minutes after baking to lock in juices and keep it tender.

How to Serve Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe

Baked Lemon Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and some thin lemon slices right on top. The greenery adds a fresh look, and those lemon slices invite you to squeeze a little extra zing over your chicken right at the table. It’s simple but impactful!

Side Dishes

This baked lemon chicken recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. For veggies, roasted asparagus or steamed green beans complement the tangy sauce perfectly. I sometimes add a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to round things out.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I like plating with a few wedges of lemon and a sprinkle of edible flowers or microgreens for a delicate touch. Serving it in a rustic baking dish at the table, letting guests spoon the buttery sauce over everything, adds a cozy, welcoming vibe that’s hard to beat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover baked lemon chicken in an airtight container in the fridge, ideally within two hours of cooking. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and I find the flavors actually meld nicely overnight.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well too. I like to freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to pour some of the buttery lemon sauce over before freezing to lock in moisture. It tastes great reheated and is a lifesaver for busy nights.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming the chicken gently in a low oven (around 300°F) to avoid drying it out. Adding a splash of chicken broth or a little extra lemon juice before reheating keeps the sauce luscious.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and tend to stay juicy even if cooked slightly longer. Just adjust the baking time accordingly—it may need a few extra minutes.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken. When it reads 160°F (71°C), it’s safe to eat and will remain juicy after resting. Alternatively, cut into the thickest piece to ensure there’s no pink.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix the butter, garlic, chicken broth, and lemon juice sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before pouring it over the chicken prior to baking.

What’s a good side dish that pairs well with this Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe?

This recipe shines alongside tender roasted asparagus, buttery mashed potatoes, or a fluffy rice pilaf. A simple mixed green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette also makes a perfect fresh contrast.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this baked lemon chicken recipe is one of my go-to dishes when I need a quick, flavorful meal that feels special without a ton of fuss. The balance of buttery richness and lemony brightness makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. I hope you fall in love with it as much as I have—it's like a little hug from the kitchen that you'll want to make again and again.