Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken Breast – Juicy, Zesty, and Weeknight-Friendly!

First, let me just say thank you! Whether you’ve been here before or you’re just stopping by, I’m so grateful you’re sharing your time with me. Recipes like this one—simple, flavorful, and designed to make life easier—are truly the heart of why I love cooking and sharing. And ohhh, this Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken? It’s about to become a weeknight favorite in your home. I can feel it!

This is one of those dishes that smells like comfort, looks like sunshine, and tastes like a little slice of Mediterranean heaven. 🍋✨

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Why You'll Fall in Love with This Recipe

What is Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken?

It’s a simple yet elegant oven-baked chicken breast dish that’s infused with fresh lemon, fragrant garlic, and just enough butter to keep everything juicy and luscious. A quick marinade, a hot oven, and boom—dinner is served!

Why You’ll Love It

• Weeknight-Worthy: It’s fast, fuss-free, and mostly hands-off!

• Meal-Prep Magic: It reheats like a dream and pairs well with anything.

• Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters go for seconds.

• Healthy & Light: Lean protein with fresh citrus vibes? Yes, please!

How Does It Taste?

Bright, zesty lemon punches up every bite, while garlic and herbs bring depth and warmth. The chicken is tender and juicy, thanks to a buttery, lemony pan sauce that you’ll definitely want to spoon over everything.

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The Benefits of This Recipe

• High-protein, low-carb

• Gluten-free and keto-friendly

• One pan = fewer dishes!

• Perfect for meal prep or freezing

• Scales up easily for gatherings

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Ingredients You'll Need

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 3 tbsp butter, melted

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• Juice of 1 lemon + lemon slices for garnish

• 1 tsp lemon zest (optional but delightful!)

• 1 tsp dried oregano (or fresh, if you’ve got it!)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

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Tools You’ll Need

• A baking dish or sheet pan

• Garlic press or chef’s knife

• Small mixing bowl

• Basting brush or spoon

• Aluminum foil (optional for juicy sealing)

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Additions & Substitutions

• Add Veggies: Toss in sliced zucchini or baby potatoes before baking.

• Switch the Citrus: Try orange or lime for a twist!

• Want It Creamy? Stir a splash of cream into the pan juices before serving.

• Swap the Herb: Basil, rosemary, or thyme all play nicely here.

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How to Make Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prep the chicken: Pat dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.

3. Mix your sauce: In a bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, zest, and oregano.

4. Pour & coat: Lay chicken in your baking dish and pour the mixture over it. Spoon it around so it gets cozy.

5. Top with lemon slices, and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. Rest for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm!

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What to Serve With It

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Steamed green beans or asparagus

• Fluffy couscous or rice

• Crusty bread to soak up the sauce (a must!)

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Tips for the Best Chicken

• Pound the chicken to even thickness for uniform cooking.

• Don’t overbake! Dry chicken is a crime.

• Use fresh lemon juice—the bottled stuff doesn’t compare.

• Let it rest before slicing so juices redistribute.

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Storage & Leftovers

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

• Reheat: Warm gently in the oven or microwave with a splash of broth or sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely! Bone-in or boneless thighs work wonderfully. Just adjust the baking time as needed (around 35-40 minutes for bone-in).

Is it spicy?

Nope! This dish is mild and family-friendly. Add red pepper flakes if you like heat.

Can I prep it ahead?

Yes! Marinate in the lemon garlic sauce up to 24 hours ahead and bake when ready.

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Final Thoughts

This Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken is a dinner you can rely on. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and full of bright, herby flavor that never fails to satisfy. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, it’s anything but boring!!

So go ahead—bookmark it, pin it, print it, make it your own. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you.

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More Recipes You'll Love

• 🍑 Peach-Glazed Grilled Chicken

• 🍗 Sticky Honey Peach Wings

• 🥗 Fresh Peach & Arugula Chicken Salad

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Let’s Get Social!

Tried this recipe? Leave a review below!
📌 Share your photos on Pinterest and tag me—seeing your creations makes my day!

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approx.)

• Calories: 270

• Protein: 28g

• Fat: 14g

• Carbs: 3g

• Fiber: 0.5g

• Sugar: 1g

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