Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe is a simple, flavorful dish that comes together quickly with minimal ingredients. It’s tender, juicy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 4 teaspoons butter
• Parsley garnish (optional)
• Lemon slices (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and season them with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Step 3: Gently spoon lemon juice evenly over the chicken pieces.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle lemon-pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika evenly over the chicken.
5. Step 5: Place butter slices on top of each chicken breast.
6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear. Optionally, spoon some of the pan juices over the chicken before serving.
7. Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon slices if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and seasoning for 30 minutes before baking.
• Substitute butter with olive oil for a dairy-free option.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
• Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through to maintain moisture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but increase the baking time to about 40-45 minutes and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

What if I don’t have lemon-pepper seasoning?

You can make your own by combining freshly ground black pepper with lemon zest and a pinch of salt, or use just lemon juice with black pepper and garlic powder as a simple substitute.

Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 113 reviews

This Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe delivers a flavorful and juicy main dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any weeknight dinner. Tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts are seasoned with lemon juice, lemon-pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika, then baked with butter to create a deliciously moist and zesty entree. Garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices, this dish brings fresh citrus brightness and savory spices to your plate.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 16 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste

Seasonings

• 4 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Other

• 4 teaspoons butter
• Parsley garnish (optional)
• Lemon slices (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
2. Prepare Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a baking dish, evenly spreading them out. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
3. Add Lemon Juice: Gently spoon the 4 teaspoons of lemon juice over the chicken breasts, allowing the citrus to infuse the meat with tangy brightness.
4. Apply Seasonings: Sprinkle the lemon-pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika over the chicken, distributing the spices evenly to build layers of flavor.
5. Add Butter: Place the 4 teaspoons of butter in slices or small pieces on top of the chicken breasts. The butter will melt during baking, keeping the chicken moist and adding richness.
6. Bake Chicken: Bake the chicken uncovered in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached and the juices run clear when pierced. Optionally, spoon some of the flavorful juices over the chicken during baking to keep it moist.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately for a fresh, vibrant dish.

Notes

• Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
• Using fresh lemon juice instead of bottled enhances flavor.
• You can add vegetables like asparagus or green beans in the baking dish for a complete one-pan meal.
• Butter adds richness, but can be substituted with olive oil for a lighter version.
• Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: baked chicken, lemon pepper chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken, quick dinner, lemon chicken