Are you trying to find baked chicken with lemon recipes? You’re not alone. This is the number one chicken recipe on Google. I wanted to personally show it to you because that’s a pretty cool result for an SEO blogger like me. Now, on to business: In this article I’m going to show you a baked chicken with lemon recipe which I personally love. It’s super tasty, thanks to the pesto and capers. The lemon juice in this dish makes it finger-lickin good!  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

BAKED LEMON CHICKEN

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.

Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe

The BEST Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe. Super simple to make, all you need are a few simple ingredients including juicy chicken breasts, fresh lemons, and garlic, butter, and herbs. Loved by all ages, even the pickiest of eater will love this fresh and healthy dinner recipe. Gluten-free and keto-approved.

Healthy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe

Today I’m sharing one of my very favorite easy recipes for busy weeknights – my easy lemon chicken recipe. 

A healthier, more hands-off version of chicken piccata, in this recipe there’s no frying or browning or chicken-pounding, no white wine (although a glass on the side would certainly taste delicious), and no capers. It is, however, low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-approved (and also really yummy).

Oh yeah, and it’s ready in forty minutes or less, with only 10 of those minutes dedicated to actual work.

Let’s make it.

Lemon Chicken Ingredients

• olive oil
• chicken breasts
• paprika
• salt and pepper
• garlic cloves
• fresh lemons
• fresh thyme
• butter

The ingredients are so simple, but the results? Amazing. The combination of butter, garlic, herbs, and lemon is enough to make any dish taste incredible, but pair it will chicken and magical things happen.

I have chosen not to dredge my chicken in all-purpose flour and grated parmesan. This is certainly something you can do – but to keep this recipe as simple, fast, and healthy as possible, I left out the coating and frying.

Can I use other fresh herbs? Yes. Use whatever you love. Fresh parsley, rosemary, and oregano would also work.

Can I use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?

Absolutely. I love cooking with boneless skinless chicken breasts because they’re so lean. And, in this case, you don’t even have to marinate your chicken for tender, juicy results.

That said, chicken thighs are also great. Bone-in or off, skin-on or off – it’s your dinner. Use what you love. Please note, however, that cooking times may vary. Always cook your chicken to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.

How to Make Lemon Chicken

To make this easy, flavorful baked chicken recipe follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and spray a large 11 x 8-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Add the chicken breasts to your baking dish and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle both sides of your chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and 2 teaspoons of paprika. Turn to coat. Set aside.

2. Prepare your lemon butter sauce. Add the minced garlic (real garlic, please – not garlic powder), lemon juice and lemon zest, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper to a small bowl. Whisk well to combine. Melt the butter in a small microwave-safe dish and immediately add to the garlic and lemon mixture. Mix well to combine.

3. Pour the prepared lemon butter sauce directly over your chicken breasts. Use kitchen tongs to gently turn and coat each chicken breast with sauce. Top with 1-2 lemon slices (if desired).

4. Transfer to the oven and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature registers 160 degrees F as measured with a digital meat thermometer. Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve the pan juices over your favorite sides like warm rice, buttery potatoes, or roasted vegetables. 

What to Serve with Lemon Chicken?

My favorite sides to serve with this buttery, garlicky, lemon chicken dish is usually some combination of broccoli with rice or roasted asparagus and creamy mashed potatoes.

Baked Lemon Chicken

This tender Baked Lemon Chicken is full of amazing flavors and one of my family’s favorite recipes. It’s an easy, tangy baked chicken recipe that’s perfect for summer!

AN EASY AND HEALTHY CHICKEN DINNER IDEA

This simple chicken dinner has a homemade garlic lemon marinade and a 3-ingredient spice rub. It uses flavorful spices and fresh lemons to keep it delicious, yet healthy! And delicious! 😋 

This restaurant-style chicken recipe will have your family clearing their plates in no time. Marinating your chicken in lemon gives it a tasty hint of citrus and keeps it extra juicy and tender. The marinade is real easy to make, and it’ll make all the difference when it comes to your chicken’s texture and flavor.

You can’t go wrong with these lemon baked chicken breasts. 🍽 

RECIPE INGREDIENTS

For the Lemon Chicken

• Olive Oil
• Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice.
• Minced Garlic
• Salt
• Dried Thyme
• Dried Oregano
• Black Pepper
• Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe.
• Lemon: You’ll need one whole lemon, cut into thin slices, to bake in the pan with your chicken.

For the Spice Rub

• Paprika
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder

HOW TO MAKE BAKED LEMON CHICKEN

1. Make Marinade: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, thyme, oregano and black pepper. Remove 3 tablespoons of the marinade and set aside in a small cup or bowl; cover and refrigerate.
2. Marinate Chicken: Pour the remaining marinade in a large resealable bag; add chicken breasts to the bag. Seal the bag, turn to coat and set aside for 30 minutes, or keep in the fridge for up to 8 hours.
3. Heat Oven: Preheat oven to 350˚F.
4. Remove Chicken from Fridge & Let Stand: Remove the bag of chicken breasts from the fridge and set it on the counter for 12 to 15 minutes, while the oven preheats.
5. Grease Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. Arrange your lemon slices on the bottom of the baking dish and set it aside.
6. Make Spice Rub: In a small mixing bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder and onion powder.
7. Dry Chicken: Remove chicken breasts from the bag and lightly pat them dry with paper towels.
8. Assemble for Baking: Sprinkle the chicken breasts with your prepared spice rub and set them over the lemon slices inside the baking dish. Drizzle reserved marinade over the chicken breasts.
9. Cook: Cover with foil and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165˚F.
10. Remove from Heat: Remove your baking dish from the oven, remove the covering and let the chicken stand for 5 to 8 minutes before cutting it.

TIPS FOR THE BEST LEMON CHICKEN

• Brown to Your Liking: You can remove the cover a few minutes before the chicken is cooked through and set the chicken under the broiler to get a bit of browning on top.
• Marinate for At Least 30 Minutes: In order for your chicken to stay juicy and soak up the flavor of the marinade, let it sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Use an Internal Read Thermometer: Not sure how to tell when your chicken is done? The best way is to check its internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Once it registers at 165˚F, it’s perfect!

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

There are so many sides that go great with lemon baked chicken. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Potatoes: Everyone loves chicken and potatoes! I like to serve this chicken with my Crispy Parmesan Smashed Potatoes or these Garlic Herb Grilled Potatoes in Foil.
• Vegetables: Keep your dinner nice and healthy by adding a side of Easy Oven Roasted Veggies. 
• Rice: If you’re pressed for time or just want to keep things simple, serve your chicken with my Fluffy Instant Pot Jasmine Rice.
• Pasta: Cut up your lemon chicken and serve it over your favorite noodle variety with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese!

HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVERS

• To store your chicken breasts for later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in the fridge once they’re cooled. You can also store them in an airtight container and place in the fridge.
• Enjoy your leftover chicken within 2 to 3 days. To reheat it, either microwave it or heat it in the oven until hot.