Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines zesty lemon with savory garlic and warming spices. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special without much effort.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup butter (cut in pieces)
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 lemon (sliced)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in a 13×9-inch baking dish and pour the lemon juice evenly over them.
- Step 3: Combine the lemon pepper, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over the chicken.
- Step 4: Place one tablespoon of butter on top of each chicken breast and distribute the remaining butter pieces around the chicken in the dish.
- Step 5: Arrange the lemon slices on and around the chicken breasts for added flavor and aroma.
- Step 6: Bake uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a more aromatic twist.
- Substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer darker meat; adjust cooking time accordingly.
Storage
Store any 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 keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes, you can finely mince fresh garlic and add about 2 cloves to the chicken before baking for a stronger garlic flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The juices should run clear and the meat should no longer be pink inside.
PrintGarlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Delicious and easy Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken baked to juicy perfection with a flavorful blend of lemon juice, garlic, paprika, and lemon pepper seasoning. This dish features tender chicken breasts topped with melted butter and fresh lemon slices, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal any day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts
Seasonings and Flavorings
- 1/2 cup butter, cut into pieces
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature before baking the chicken.
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a 13×9 inch baking dish and evenly pour the lemon juice over them to infuse citrus flavor.
- Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine lemon pepper, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over all the chicken breasts to coat them well.
- Add butter: Place one tablespoon of butter on top of each chicken breast. Distribute the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter pieces around the chicken in the baking dish.
- Add lemon slices: Slice the lemon and tuck the slices on and around the chicken to add freshness and extra citrus aroma during baking.
- Bake the chicken: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
Notes
- For even cooking, consider pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness before baking.
- You can substitute fresh garlic for garlic powder for a more intense garlic flavor.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to preserve moisture.
Keywords: garlic lemon pepper chicken, baked chicken breasts, easy chicken recipe, lemon chicken, weeknight dinner
