Easy Baked Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe | Juicy & Zesty
I remember the first time I tried making this baked garlic lemon pepper chicken recipe—it was a busy weeknight, and I barely had the energy to cook. But the moment the chicken went into the oven, the smell of garlic, lemon, and butter filled my kitchen. By the time it was ready, I couldn’t believe how tender, juicy, and flavorful it was.
It quickly became my go-to recipe for both weeknights and impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Today, I’m sharing my take on this easy, zesty, and utterly delicious chicken dish. You can also enjoy similar comfort flavors with a Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves Recipe or try a twist with a Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe for a weeknight dinner variation.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavorful baked chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Use fresh chicken for best results; it absorbs flavors better than frozen.
- 1/2 cup butter – Provides richness and helps create a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping.
- 2 heaping tablespoons minced garlic – Fresh garlic gives the chicken its aromatic, savory punch.
- 3/4 teaspoon thyme – Adds a subtle earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with lemon.
- 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice – Brightens the dish and tenderizes the chicken naturally.
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs – Use good-quality breadcrumbs for a crunchy coating.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Enhances flavor and helps the topping crisp nicely.
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning – Combines citrus zing and peppery heat in one convenient spice.
Note: This recipe serves 4.
Variations
You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences:
- Gluten-free option: Swap Italian breadcrumbs with gluten-free Panko crumbs and add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
- No lemon pepper seasoning?: Mix 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
- Herb variations: Replace thyme with rosemary for a more robust, aromatic flavor.
- Cheese-free: Omit Parmesan and add extra breadcrumbs for a dairy-free version.
- Extra zing: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for mild heat.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Oven-safe baking dish – To melt butter and bake chicken evenly.
- Zip-top bag – For tossing chicken in breadcrumbs easily.
- Spatula – To mix garlic, lemon, and butter sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient amounts.
- Grater – To freshly grate Parmesan cheese for better flavor.
How to Make Easy Baked Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken
Preheat and Prep
I always start by preheating my oven to 400°F. While it warms up, I slice the butter and place it in my baking dish so it melts evenly in the oven.
Mix the Sauce
Once the butter melts, I carefully remove the dish and stir in minced garlic, thyme, and fresh lemon juice. This buttery, aromatic sauce forms the flavor base for the chicken. If you love garlic-forward dishes, you might also like the rich flavors in the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves Recipe.
Coat the Chicken
In a zip-top bag, I combine the Italian breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Tossing the chicken in this mixture ensures every bite gets a crunchy, cheesy coating.
Arrange in Baking Dish
I place each chicken breast in the melted butter sauce, flipping them to coat both sides. Then I sprinkle the remaining breadcrumbs on top along with lemon pepper seasoning.
Bake to Perfection
The chicken goes into the preheated oven for about 40 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. By the time it’s done, the breadcrumb crust is golden, and the chicken stays juicy inside.
Serve and Enjoy
I transfer the baked chicken to a serving platter and spoon some of the buttery lemon-garlic sauce over the top. It’s ready to impress at the dinner table!
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
From my own experience, a few tweaks can make this chicken even more amazing:
- I like to pat chicken dry before coating—it helps the breadcrumbs stick better.
- Adding a little extra lemon juice before serving boosts freshness.
- For an extra crunchy topping, I broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
- I occasionally marinate the chicken in lemon juice and garlic for 15–20 minutes for deeper flavor.
How to Serve Easy Baked Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken
This chicken pairs perfectly with a variety of sides:
- Serve over steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes for comfort food vibes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon slices to make it look restaurant-worthy.
- Add roasted vegetables for a complete, colorful plate.
- For a lighter meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad drizzled with vinaigrette.
Nutritional Information
Here’s what one serving approximately contains:
- Calories: 315 kcal – A filling yet balanced meal.
- Protein: 27 g – Perfect for muscle repair and satiety.
- Carbohydrates: 11 g – Mostly from the breadcrumb coating.
- Fat: 27 g – Includes healthy fats from butter and Parmesan.
Make Ahead and Storage
Refrigerating: The chicken stays fresh in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I usually reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Freezing: Wrap cooked chicken in foil or freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: I reheat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to restore the crispiness of the topping without drying the meat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are a few reasons why this chicken has become my favorite:
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and only 50 minutes total. Perfect for weeknights.
- Juicy and Flavorful: Tender inside with a crispy, flavorful topping.
- Versatile: Works for family dinners, meal prep, or even special occasions.
- Customizable: You can tweak herbs, seasonings, and even the coating to your taste.
- Everyday Ingredients: Most are already in your pantry, so no special trips needed.
This easy baked garlic lemon pepper chicken is a game-changer for weeknight dinners. It’s simple, flavorful, and looks impressive on the table, even if you’re cooking solo. Every time I make it, the buttery lemon-garlic aroma fills my kitchen, and the crunchy, cheesy coating ensures every bite is absolutely delicious.
Easy Baked Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- I always start by preheating my oven to 400°F. While it warms up, I slice the butter and place it in my baking dish so it melts evenly in the oven.
- Once the butter melts, I carefully remove the dish and stir in minced garlic, thyme, and fresh lemon juice. This buttery, aromatic sauce forms the flavor base for the chicken.
- In a zip-top bag, I combine the Italian breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Tossing the chicken in this mixture ensures every bite gets a crunchy, cheesy coating.
- I place each chicken breast in the melted butter sauce, flipping them to coat both sides. Then I sprinkle the remaining breadcrumbs on top along with lemon pepper seasoning.
- The chicken goes into the preheated oven for about 40 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. By the time it’s done, the breadcrumb crust is golden, and the chicken stays juicy inside.
- I transfer the baked chicken to a serving platter and spoon some of the buttery lemon-garlic sauce over the top. It’s ready to impress at the dinner table!
Notes
- I like to pat chicken dry before coating—it helps the breadcrumbs stick better.
- Adding a little extra lemon juice before serving boosts freshness.
- For an extra crunchy topping, I broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
- I occasionally marinate the chicken in lemon juice and garlic for 15–20 minutes for deeper flavor.