Is there anything more comforting than the smell of roasted chicken filling your kitchen? This Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken is not only comforting but also incredibly easy to make, perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave a flavorful, homemade meal without a ton of fuss. This simple dinner recipe with chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re cooking for your family or just yourself (no judgment here!). It’s a classic lemon and chicken recipe with a bright, garlicky punch.
Top Reasons To Make It
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons! First, it’s unbelievably easy. Even if you consider yourself a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll master this dish. Second, the flavor is incredible. The combination of zesty lemon and savory garlic truly elevates the chicken. It’s so, so tender. Third, it’s a healthy option! Baked, not fried, means fewer calories and less mess. Finally, this recipe is crazy versatile. You can serve it with just about anything.
Ingredients
- Chicken pieces: I prefer bone-in, skin-on thighs and drumsticks for maximum flavor, but breasts work too!
- Lemons: Fresh lemons are key for that bright, citrusy flavor. We’ll use both the juice and the zest.
- Garlic: Because who doesn’t love garlic? It adds depth and richness to the chicken.
- Olive oil: For cooking and helping the seasonings stick.
- Fresh herbs: A combination of rosemary and thyme adds an earthy touch, but use what you have on hand.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist and adds flavor to the pan sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings for any dish!
- Optional: A pinch of cayenne pepper adds a little kick!
See recipe below for the exact measurements.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Rub the mixture all over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well coated. Place the chicken pieces in a baking dish.
- Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the baking dish. Slice one lemon in half and place it in the dish among the chicken.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Delicious!
Cooking Tips For Perfect Lemon Chicken
- Don’t overcrowd the baking dish. Give the chicken some space so it browns evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. It’s the safest way!
- Basting the chicken with the pan juices during cooking keeps it extra moist.
- For crispy skin, pat the chicken dry before seasoning.
- Want extra flavor? Tuck a few sprigs of fresh herbs under the skin before baking. Sneaky, I know!
Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is super flexible. Swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer. If you don’t have fresh herbs, use dried ones (about 1/3 the amount). You can also add other vegetables to the baking dish alongside the chicken, like sliced potatoes, carrots, or onions. For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice.
Parmesan Crust Options
Want to add a deliciously crispy crust? Mix some grated Parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs and sprinkle it over the chicken during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This creates a lovely Parmesan lemon chicken that’s great for a special occasion. It’s almost like a homemade easy lemon chicken parmesan recipe, but quicker!
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover baked lemon garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the chicken. Always ensure the chicken is piping hot before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use other citrus fruits?
A: Absolutely! Try oranges or limes for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the type of citrus fruit you choose. Though, you’ll want to be sure that it goes well with your other simple dinner recipes with chicken.
Q: Can I make this a Garlic Chicken recipes Healthy dish
A: Definetly! Baking not only makes your clean up easy, but is a healthy way to prepare most meats. You can also check out our other Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe, or you’ll find different and healthy lemon chicken breast recipes.
This Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken is a weeknight game-changer. It’s easy, flavorful, healthy, and absolutely delicious. There’s nothing quite like the taste of that juicy chicken with the bright lemon and savory garlic. It’s a cooking with lemons dream come true! I know you and your family will love it. So good.
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Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken: Weeknight Winner
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken is bursting with zesty citrus, savory garlic, and fresh herbs. Juicy, golden, and simple to make—it’s a comforting and flavorful main dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
2 ½ to 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
2 lemons (zest and juice of 1, 1 sliced)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
¾ cup chicken broth
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using).
3. Rub the mixture evenly over all chicken pieces.
4. Place seasoned chicken in a baking dish in a single layer.
5. Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the baking dish.
6. Cut the second lemon in half or slices and place among the chicken.
7. Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, until chicken is golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Serve with pan juices spooned over top.
Notes
Great served with roasted vegetables, potatoes, or a fresh salad.
You can prep the chicken with marinade up to 8 hours in advance for deeper flavor.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1–2 pieces
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, baked chicken, easy dinner, roasted chicken thighs