Lately, I’ve been craving something tangy and comforting—like a warm hug from the inside. Enter this Easy Baked Lemon Chicken! It’s like sunshine on a plate, with zesty lemon flavors that kind of remind me of those summer lemonade stands, but in a hearty, savory way. Perfect for when you’re feeling a little nostalgic or just need a quick, delightful dinner that doesn’t require a ton of fuss.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the chicken.
- In a small pan, melt some butter, then mix it with chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the lemon mixture over the top, ensuring each piece is covered.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper according to your preference, using about 1 teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper as a guideline.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- For a nice presentation, garnish the baked chicken with fresh rosemary and lemon slices before serving. Enjoy your meal with a choice of your favorite sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Unsalted butter
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Fresh lemon juice
- Honey
- Minced garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Salt (1 teaspoon)
- Pepper (¼ teaspoon)
- Fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
FAQ
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for chicken breasts in this baked lemon chicken recipe. The thighs will be just as delicious and may even be more tender due to their higher fat content.
- What are some good side dishes to serve with baked lemon chicken?
- Baked lemon chicken pairs well with a variety of sides such as rice (white, brown, or wild), egg noodles, roasted vegetables, potatoes (mashed, baked, or roasted), salads, or sautéed greens like kale, spinach, or chard.
- Does lemon juice dry out the chicken?
- Lemon juice alone can dry out chicken, but when combined with ingredients like chicken broth, honey, and butter, it helps keep the chicken moist and flavorful. This combination adds moisture and prevents the chicken from becoming dry.
- Can this recipe be easily doubled for a larger group?
- Absolutely, this recipe is simple to double or even triple if you’re feeding a crowd. Just increase the quantities of each ingredient proportionally and follow the same cooking instructions.
- Are fresh lemon juice and fresh garlic necessary in this recipe?
- Fresh lemon juice is recommended for a bright and tangy flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used if necessary. As for garlic, jarred minced garlic works perfectly well, though freshly minced garlic can be used for a more intense flavor.
Tips
- Marinate with Care: Avoid using only lemon juice on your chicken, as it can lead to dryness. Combine it with chicken broth, honey, and butter to maintain moisture and enhance flavor.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh lemon juice to achieve a bright and tangy flavor. While bottled lemon juice can work, fresh will offer the best results.
- Garnish for Presentation: Enhance the presentation of your dish with fresh rosemary and lemon slices. This not only adds flavor but also makes for an attractive serving.
- Consider Side Pairings: Complement your lemon chicken with suitable sides like rice, egg noodles, or roasted vegetables. These pairings will round out your meal and enhance the overall dining experience.
Equipment
- Baking Dish – A good quality baking dish is essential for baking the chicken.
- Citrus Juicer – Helpful for squeezing fresh lemon juice.
- Meat Thermometer – To ensure the chicken is cooked to the right temperature for safety and juiciness.
- Garlic Press – If you prefer freshly minced garlic, a garlic press can be useful.
- Basting Brush – To apply the marinade evenly on the chicken breasts.
