Name: Easy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 3 tablespoons butter; ⅓ cup chicken broth; 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon honey; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste (1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper recommended); Fresh rosemary; Lemon slices

I absolutely love sharing this Easy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between bright, zesty flavors and comforting home cooking. The tender chicken infused with buttery lemon sauce feels like a little celebration on your plate every time I make it. It’s one of my go-to dishes when I want something that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Simple ingredients come together for a meal that’s fresh, juicy, and downright delicious!

Why You'll Love This Easy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe

What I find especially charming about this recipe is the bright, tangy lemon flavor that cuts through the richness of the butter and chicken broth, making every bite incredibly satisfying. The honey adds just the right touch of sweetness, balancing the garlic and Italian seasoning beautifully. It's a flavor profile that’s lively without being overwhelming, so it appeals to everyone at my table, from kids to adults.

Another reason I’m such a fan of this Easy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to pull together. After a quick sear on the stove to lock in juiciness and develop some golden color, everything bakes in one pan with a simple sauce poured over. It makes cleanup a breeze, which means more time spent enjoying the meal and less time scrubbing pans.

I love serving this dish for weeknight dinners when I want something that feels a bit elevated yet still approachable. But it’s also elegant enough to bring to a casual dinner party or a family gathering. The fresh rosemary and lemon slices as garnishes really brighten up the presentation and make the dish feel festive. Honestly, this chicken has earned a permanent spot in my rotation because it’s so versatile and reliably delicious.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white baking dish holds four browned chicken pieces with grilled marks, each topped with a round slice of lemon and a few sprigs of fresh green rosemary. The chicken sits in a shallow orange-brown sauce that fills the bottom of the dish. Around the dish, there are loose lemon slices and rosemary sprigs on a white marbled surface, with a bowl of honey and a white plate of lemon wedges partly visible. The scene looks bright and fresh, suggesting a simple roasted chicken meal. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays an essential role in building the bright, balanced flavor and luscious texture of the sauce. From fresh lemon juice bringing zest and brightness to the garlic and Italian seasoning adding depth and warmth, these ingredients ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The tender, juicy star of the dish that absorbs all those incredible flavors.
Butter: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
Chicken broth: Creates a flavorful base for the sauce and keeps the chicken moist while baking.
Fresh lemon juice: Provides zesty brightness that awakens the palate.
Honey: Balances the tart lemon with a subtle sweetness.
Minced garlic: Infuses warmth and savory depth.
Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that complements the lemon and garlic notes.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to enhance all other flavors.
Optional fresh rosemary and lemon slices: For garnish that adds extra aroma and visual appeal.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a baking sheet or large casserole dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter is foamy, add the chicken breasts and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn a lovely golden brown. This step locks in the juices and builds flavor. Once browned, transfer the chicken to your prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Whisk together the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper in a small bowl until evenly combined. This mixture will become your tangy-sweet sauce.

Step 4: Pour the sauce evenly over the browned chicken breasts in the baking dish. Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes—closer to 20 minutes if your chicken pieces are on the smaller side, or up to 30 minutes for larger ones. About every 5 to 10 minutes, carefully spoon some of the pan sauce over the chicken to keep it moist and flavorful while baking.

Step 5: Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove it from the oven. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and lemon slices if you like, then serve hot and enjoy the burst of citrusy, buttery goodness!

Servings and Timing

This Easy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe serves 4 hearty portions, making it perfect for families or small dinner gatherings. Prep takes approximately 10 minutes because the ingredient list and initial searing are quite quick. Baking time ranges from 20 to 30 minutes depending on the size of the chicken breasts, with no additional resting time needed beyond removing from the oven. Overall, you’re looking at about 30 minutes total from start to finish, which is wonderful for an easy weeknight meal that still feels special.

How to Serve This Easy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe

A white plate holds three main layers: bright green broccolini placed at the top center with a natural, slightly textured look; creamy mashed potatoes with a smooth, soft texture sprinkled with black pepper on the left side; and a golden-brown grilled chicken piece on the right, topped with two charred lemon slices showing a mix of yellow and brown shades. A small green rosemary sprig rests on the chicken, adding a fresh accent. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with part of a fork visible on the edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love pairing this bright and buttery chicken with sides that complement its fresh citrus notes. Creamy mashed potatoes or a smooth risotto make an indulgent, soft contrast to the tender chicken. For a lighter option, simple steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp mixed green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette work beautifully. I often add a crusty loaf of bread to soak up that incredible lemon-garlic sauce at the end!

For presentation, you can’t go wrong garnishing with fresh rosemary and thin lemon slices right on top before serving. It adds a fresh aroma and a pop of color that instantly makes the dish look restaurant-worthy. I usually plate one chicken breast per person alongside a colorful vegetable and a starch, but this dish also shines on a large platter for family-style sharing.

When it comes to beverages, a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light, crisp Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with the zesty lemon flavor. If you want something non-alcoholic, a sparkling water with lemon or a fruity iced tea is refreshing and keeps the meal feeling light. This dish is well suited for casual weeknight dinners, festive holiday meals, or even a special weekend lunch, served warm straight from the oven for maximum flavor.

Variations

I like to mix things up sometimes with this Easy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe by playing around with herbs and seasoning. For example, swapping out Italian seasoning for fresh thyme or oregano can give a different herbal nuance. If you love spice, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce brings a nice heat that pairs well with the lemon.

If you need a gluten-free version, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as written—just be sure to use gluten-free chicken broth. For my vegan friends, I’ve experimented by substituting the chicken with thick slices of cauliflower steak or firm tofu, and replacing butter with olive oil and chickpea broth instead. The lemon sauce still works brilliantly for those alternatives.

Another fun twist is to try cooking the chicken using a skillet only rather than baking. After searing on both sides, I reduce the heat and cover the pan to let the chicken cook through in the lemon sauce, which creates a lovely glaze. This shortcut can shave off some baking time while keeping the flavors bright and focused on that lemony punch.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I recommend glass or BPA-free plastic containers with tight-fitting lids to maintain freshness and prevent leakage. Properly stored, leftovers will stay good for 3 to 4 days, giving you a delicious ready-to-eat meal for later in the week.

Freezing

This Easy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe freezes well, especially if you want to prep ahead or save dinner for another day. Place cooled chicken breasts and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, spooning the sauce over the top to keep it moist. Avoid reheating at too high a temperature or for too long to prevent the chicken from drying out. Alternatively, you can warm it in a covered dish in a 325-degree oven until heated through. Microwaving works in a pinch but I find the texture is best preserved with stovetop or oven reheating.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless breasts?

Yes, bone-in chicken thighs or breasts work well but will require longer baking time to ensure the meat is cooked through. I recommend increasing the bake time to 35 to 40 minutes and checking internal temperature for doneness (165°F).

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the butter with a neutral oil like olive or avocado oil. The sauce will still be deliciously flavorful thanks to the lemon, garlic, and broth.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken briefly in the lemon sauce mixture for up to an hour in the refrigerator before cooking to intensify flavor. However, I generally don’t recommend assembling the entire dish ahead because the sauce is best freshly poured before baking.

What side dishes pair best with this chicken?

I love serving this with creamy mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. A crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette is also fantastic to echo the citrus notes.

How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?

The most reliable method is to use an instant-read meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F. The chicken will also be firm to the touch and juices should run clear when pierced.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited to try this Easy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe as I am to share it with you! It’s one of those dishes that feels special yet comes together effortlessly and quickly—perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll have a new favorite for brightening up your dinner table. Happy cooking and enjoy every juicy, zesty bite!