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Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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