Roasted lemon garlic chicken is a classic chicken recipe.
This easy to make recipe results in an aromatic, lightly seasoned, juicy, and tender chicken dinner that goes from the stovetop to the table in minutes!
An Easy Entree!
- This lemon garlic chicken recipe tastes like it’s been slow-cooked in the oven for hours with a buttery citrus sauce that’s cooked into every bite!
- Perfect for busy weeknights and lazy weekends, this garlic lemon chicken makes an ideal meal prep recipe. It can be served hot as a main dish or cold tucked into a wrap or as a salad topper!
- Baked chicken breasts are naturally lean, packed full of protein, and so easy to make. Simply add seasonings, saute, then toss them in the oven!
- This recipe is great for a new home cook looking to expand their recipe files!
Ingredients And Variations
Chicken – Skin-on boneless chicken breasts offer the most flavor, but skinless will work as well. Portions that are the same size will cook evenly. Plus, this recipe can be adapted to thighs, strips, or wings, simply adjust the cooking times.
Lemon – Fresh lemons will deliver that tart, citrusy flavor. Soak storebought lemons in a bowl of equal parts water and vinegar for about 15 minutes to remove wax and pesticides or buy organic.
Seasonings – Fragrant and flavorful, garlic and thyme cook to perfection in a buttery sauce. Switch up the herbs and try rosemary, oregano, or even sage. This DIY Italian dressing mix makes an excellent all-purpose blend for chicken as well.
Pro Tip
Make ice cubes with leftover lemon zest (or peels) and add to iced tea or lemonade, or freeze the leftover zest to use for future recipes.
How To Make Lemon Garlic Chicken
- Brown seasoned chicken on both sides and set aside.
- Melt butter and saute garlic. Add lemon juice and thyme.
- Return chicken to the skillet.
- Bake (per the recipe below) until the chicken reaches the desired temperature.
- Let chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing so the juices are reabsorbed back into the meat. Garnish with lemon zest and lemon wedges.
Pro Tip
Make a creamy garlic lemon sauce by whisking in ½ cup of heavy cream in Step 4 before returning the chicken to the pan.
What To Serve With Garlic Lemon Chicken
- Look for lighter versions of starches, veggies sides, and salads that complement the lemon chicken. Try serving portions over cauliflower chicken fried rice, or cauliflower parmesan, or offer sides like sautéed asparagus and mushrooms, bacon green beans, or air fryer stuffed mushrooms. Or whip up a bright and crispy salad like this cherry tomato salad, cucumber & onion salad, or broccoli bacon cheese salad.
- Leftovers? Keep leftover lemon garlic chicken in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or serve cold in sandwiches, wraps, or salads. Freeze portions in zippered bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and use as desired.
Low Carb Chicken Entrees
Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts approx. 5 ounces each
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lemon juiced and zested, plus extra for garnish
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in an oven-safe 10" skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 3-4 on each side until browned, but not cooked through. Set aside on a plate.
- Melt the butter in the skillet. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice and thyme. Add chicken back to the pan and flip to coat with sauce.
- Put the skillet in the oven and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with lemon zest and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Leftover lemon garlic chicken will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheat or serve cold to top salads or make lettuce wraps. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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REPIN this Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
Oh my goodness!! So good!! My husband kept saying “The chicken is delicious! This might be my new favorite! You can Definitely cook this again!” So thank you for this idea! It really is delicious!
So happy to hear this recipe was a hit in your house, Dee Ann! 🙂