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Best Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken Breast: Easy Dinner Winner

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This Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken Breast is a foolproof, crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together in under 40 minutes with just 10 minutes of active prep. The bright lemon, sweet roasted garlic, and impossibly juicy chicken make it perfect for both busy weeknights and impressive dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total), pounded to even thickness
  • 2 large lemons (one for juicing, one for slicing)
  • 6–8 garlic cloves, smashed but not minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give it a good 15-20 minutes to come to temperature.
  2. Pound the chicken to even thickness. Place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to about 1/2-inch thickness.
  3. Season generously. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic powder.
  4. Zest and juice the lemons. Zest one lemon before juicing both. You’ll need about 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice. Set the zest aside.
  5. Smash the garlic cloves. Use the flat side of your chef’s knife to gently smash each clove. Leave the skins on.
  6. Arrange in the baking dish. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in a 9×13 dish. Scatter the smashed garlic cloves around and between the pieces. Tuck the lemon slices (from the second lemon) in between the chicken.
  7. Add the liquids and butter. Pour the chicken broth and lemon juice around the chicken (not directly on top). Dot the butter pieces over the chicken and scatter the lemon zest on top.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered. After 20 minutes, start checking the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. You’re looking for 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
  9. Broil for 2-3 minutes (optional). If you want a golden, slightly crispy top, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Watch it carefully.
  10. Rest and serve. Remove from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Spoon the pan juices over the chicken before serving, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the dish. Use an instant-read thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken. Smashed garlic cloves, not minced, to prevent burning. Make extra pan sauce by simmering the juices with a splash more broth and butter. Fresh lemons are non-negotiable. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, baked chicken breast, easy chicken dinner, juicy chicken, dinner party recipe, healthy chicken, low-carb chicken, gluten-free chicken

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