Description
This Easy Baked Lemon Chicken recipe offers a flavorful and simple way to prepare tender, juicy chicken breasts with a zesty lemon and garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines a buttery sear with baking to lock in moisture and infuse the chicken with bright, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Sauce
- 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)
Optional Garnish
- Fresh rosemary
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking sheet or large casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Sear the Chicken: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are browned but not fully cooked. Then transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Bake the Chicken: Pour the lemon sauce evenly over the chicken breasts. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts. Smaller breasts need closer to 20 minutes; larger ones closer to 30. Every 5 to 10 minutes, spoon the sauce from the pan over the chicken to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked through and juices run clear, remove the chicken from the oven. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and lemon slices if desired, then serve hot.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Adjust the honey amount to taste if you prefer a sweeter or more tart sauce.
- Butter can be substituted with olive oil for a lighter option.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- For an extra crispy crust, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
