Name: Easy 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 so comforting about a dish that’s both simple and full of bright, fresh flavors. This Easy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe has been one of my go-to weeknight dinners because it’s juicy, buttery, and just zingy enough from the lemon to keep things interesting.

The image shows three cooked chicken pieces in a white baking dish on a white marbled surface. Each chicken piece has a golden-brown crispy skin with visible seasoning, and small green parsley leaves are sprinkled on top for garnish. There are three lemon wedges placed around the chicken, adding a bright yellow contrast to the warm colors of the cooked chicken. The texture of the chicken skin is slightly crispy and shiny, indicating it is well-cooked and juicy. 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 Easy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This baked lemon chicken is one of those magical recipes that works whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just craving a simple treat for yourself. It hits that perfect balance of tender chicken with a sauce that’s buttery yet fresh from the lemon – honestly, it’s a little moment of joy every time.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry and fridge to make this without a special trip.
Quick Prep and Cook Time: Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s perfect whether you’re short on time or just want an easy meal.
Deliciously Juicy Chicken: The pan-searing before baking locks in moisture, so every bite is tender, not dry.
Flavors That Pop: The garlic-butter lemon sauce brings brightness and richness that feels both fancy and homey.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe leans on a few star players that come together beautifully. The chicken needs just enough seasoning and fat to keep it juicy, while the sauce provides depth and a citrusy zing that elevates every bite.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small pool of golden olive oil in a white ceramic bowl, coarse sea salt and cracked black peppercorns arranged neatly in two small white bowls, a white bowl filled with dried Italian seasoning herbs, melted butter in a small white bowl, finely minced garlic resting on a simple white plate, a small white bowl containing light golden chicken broth, a small white bowl with fresh pale yellow lemon juice, bright green chopped parsley scattered elegantly on a white ceramic plate, and thin lemon slices fanned out on a white plate, 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

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Easy to cook evenly and perfect for soaking up the lemon-butter sauce.
Olive oil: Helps to brown the chicken nicely and adds a subtle fruity flavor.
Salt and pepper: Basic but essential for seasoning and enhancing flavor.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds savory notes without overpowering the lemon.
Butter: Melted into the sauce, it adds richness and helps balance the acidity of the lemon.
Minced garlic: Gives a gentle punch of flavor and aroma.
Chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth to the sauce, preventing it from drying out during baking.
Lemon juice: The star ingredient that brightens the dish and gives it that fresh, zesty character.
Chopped parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness when sprinkled on top.
Lemon slices (optional): Great for garnish and extra citrus aroma.

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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

What I especially love about this Easy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have or your mood. Feel free to make it yours with a few simple changes!

Add a bit of heat: I sometimes sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick, which pairs beautifully with lemon.
Try different herbs: If you’re not a fan of Italian seasoning, fresh thyme or rosemary works wonderfully here.
Use chicken thighs: If you want darker meat, boneless skinless thighs are more forgiving and super juicy.
Make it dairy-free: Swap the butter for olive oil and you’ll still get great flavor without the dairy.

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

The image shows three golden brown cooked chicken pieces inside a white baking dish. Each piece is topped with a small green parsley leaf, and sprinkled with chopped herbs. There are three lemon wedges placed in between the chicken pieces along the edges of the dish. The baking dish has some brown sauce or juices at the bottom, adding some shine to the chicken. In the top left corner, a small part of green parsley is visible. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season and Brown the Chicken

First, I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Then I season the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. I heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering but not smoking – this helps get that beautiful golden crust. I sear the chicken for about 3 to 5 minutes per side, just enough to brown it without cooking all the way through. This step seals in the juices for the final bake.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon-Butter Sauce

While the chicken browns, I mix melted butter, minced garlic, chicken broth, and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl. The buttery sauce is where the magic happens. It keeps the chicken moist and infuses each bite with bright, tangy deliciousness.

Step 3: Bake and Finish

After searing, I transfer the chicken into a baking dish, pour that luscious lemon-butter mixture evenly over the top, and pop it in the oven. The baking takes around 25 minutes, but keep an eye on it – cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken midway through baking if you like extra moisture and flavor. Once done, I sprinkle chopped parsley on top and add lemon slices for a lovely presentation.

Top Tip

Over the times I’ve made this recipe, a few tricks have really helped me nail it every single time. These tips save stress, boost flavor, and keep your chicken juicy – all good things, right?

Sear First: Don’t skip browning the chicken before baking. It locks in moisture and builds flavor that baking alone can’t achieve.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t compare; fresh juice adds brightness and a natural tang you’ll love.
Watch Your Oven Time: Chicken breasts vary in size, so start checking doneness a bit early to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat.
Serve Sauce on the Side: If you have pickier eaters, reserve some sauce to add only to their plates so the flavors don’t get overwhelming.

How to Serve Easy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe

Baked Lemon Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love to garnish this dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and a sprinkle of fresh lemon slices. Sometimes, I’ll add a few sprigs of thyme for aroma. It makes the dish feel special but takes almost no extra effort.

Side Dishes

For sides, I often lean into simple roasted veggies like asparagus or green beans, which soak up the lemony juices nicely. Creamy mashed potatoes or a fluffy rice pilaf are perfect to balance the bright tang of the chicken. On busy nights, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette rounds out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

When hosting friends, I like to serve the chicken on a big platter surrounded by lemon wedges and scattered herbs. Adding a colorful quinoa salad or warm crusty bread on the side turns it into a fancy yet approachable dinner party centerpiece. It’s all about those little touches that elevate without fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover baked lemon chicken stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find that letting it cool to room temperature before sealing keeps it tasting fresher. When reheating, adding a splash of broth or lemon juice helps revive the sauce and stops the chicken from drying out.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well — just make sure the chicken cools completely before wrapping tightly in foil or placing in a freezer-safe container. I usually freeze in portions to pull out just what I need. When thawed overnight in the fridge, it reheats beautifully without losing its juiciness.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the chicken gently in a low oven (around 300°F) covered with foil, which helps keep the meat tender. If I’m in a hurry, the microwave works too—just add a little extra sauce or broth and cover it to hold in moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs also work beautifully. They tend to be juicier and a bit more forgiving during cooking, though they might require a few extra minutes in the oven to reach the right temperature.

How do I know when the chicken is done baking?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer and check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part; the juices should run clear, and the meat should be opaque with no pink.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can season and brown the chicken a day ahead, then keep it covered in the fridge. When ready to eat, prepare the sauce and bake everything together. This saves time on busy days without sacrificing flavor.

What can I serve alongside this Easy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe?

Roasted vegetables like green beans or asparagus, creamy mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a fresh green salad all make excellent companions. The lemony sauce pairs especially well with lighter, crisp sides to balance the richness of the dish.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen repertoire because it’s reliably delicious with minimal fuss. It’s that kind of recipe you can count on to come together quickly, fill your home with inviting aromas, and please everyone at the table. Give it a try—you might find yourself making it over and over too, just like I do!