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Easy Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe

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4 from 5 reviews

This Easy Baked Lemon Chicken recipe offers a simple, flavorful way to prepare tender chicken breasts infused with a zesty lemon and garlic sauce. The chicken is lightly browned on the stovetop before baking in a buttery, honey-lemon broth, resulting in juicy, aromatic meat perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 tablespoons butter

Sauce

  • 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 (I used 1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper)

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh rosemary
  • Lemon slices

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking sheet or a large casserole dish to prevent the chicken from sticking.
  2. Brown 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 develop a nice golden-brown crust. This step locks in flavor and juices. Then transfer the browned chicken to the prepared baking dish.
  3. Mix 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 to create a bright, tangy sauce.
  4. Bake the Chicken: Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts — 20 minutes for smaller pieces and 30 minutes for larger ones. To keep the chicken moist and flavorful, spoon the sauce over the chicken every 5-10 minutes during baking.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked through and juices run clear, remove from the oven. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and lemon slices if desired, then serve immediately for a delicious meal.

Notes

  • For best results, use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for a brighter flavor.
  • Adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
  • Ensure chicken breasts are evenly sized to guarantee even cooking.
  • Optional garnish adds a fresh aroma and beautiful presentation.
  • You can serve this lemon chicken with rice, steamed vegetables, or a light salad for a balanced meal.