Description
This Easy Baked Lemon Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful lemon, garlic, and honey sauce. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner, it combines the bright zestiness of fresh lemon juice with savory seasonings and a touch of sweetness. The chicken is first seared for a golden crust, then baked to perfection, ensuring a deliciously moist and aromatic meal with minimal effort.
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
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Optional Garnish
- fresh rosemary sprigs
- 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 nicely browned. This step helps seal in the juices and adds flavor. Then, transfer the browned chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined. This mixture will infuse the chicken with tangy and savory flavors.
- Pour Sauce and Bake: Pour the lemon sauce evenly over the chicken breasts on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes — closer to 20 minutes if the chicken breasts are smaller, and up to 30 minutes for larger pieces. The chicken should be cooked through and juicy. During baking, every 5-10 minutes, spoon some of the pan sauce over the chicken to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the chicken breasts with fresh rosemary sprigs and lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy a bright, delicious meal.
Notes
- For even cooking, try to use chicken breasts that are similar in size.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Optional garnishes like rosemary and lemon slices add aroma and visual appeal but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Serve with sides such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
