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Quick Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken Breast: Best Easy Dinner

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This Quick Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken Breast is a simple, juicy, and flavorful weeknight dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes with minimal prep and only one pan to wash. It’s the underdog recipe that delivers every single time, perfect for busy nights when you need dinner on the table fast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
  • 2 medium fresh lemons
  • 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
  3. Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
  4. Zest both lemons into a small bowl. Add minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, and garlic powder. Stir to combine.
  5. Juice one lemon into the bowl and stir again. Save the second lemon for later.
  6. Pour the 1/4 cup of chicken broth into your baking dish and spread it around.
  7. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the baking dish, leaving space between each piece.
  8. Spoon the lemon-garlic mixture over each breast, spreading evenly over the top and sides.
  9. If using butter, place a small pat on top of each breast.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
  11. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes in the pan.
  12. Slice against the grain and serve. Spoon pan juices over the top. Squeeze the remaining lemon half over everything. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip the resting time—it’s crucial for juicy chicken. Use a thermometer for perfect doneness. The pan sauce is a secret weapon; spoon it over rice or bread. For even cooking, pound thicker ends of chicken breasts to uniform thickness. If marinating, do not exceed 2 hours due to lemon acid. Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven with a splash of broth, covered with foil.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, baked chicken breast, quick chicken dinner, easy weeknight dinner, healthy chicken recipe, one-pan chicken, gluten-free chicken, low-carb chicken

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/quick-lemon-garlic-baked-chicken-breast-best-easy-dinner/