Baked lemon pepper chicken is a flavorful and healthy dish that combines the zesty brightness of lemon, mellow baked garlic, and slightly spicy taste of black pepper. This savory main dish recipe is a delightful addition to your family dinner, summer barbecues, and other special occasions.
Light and Easy Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken
I love this baked lemon pepper chicken recipe because it’s so simple and satisfying. With just a few basic ingredients—chicken, lemon, and spices—you can whip up a delicious meal in no time.
The zesty lemon, savory garlic, and hint of pepper create a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s a healthy choice! Using lean chicken breast keeps it light while still packing in protein and essential nutrients. What I love most is how versatile it is—you can pair it with rice, mashed potatoes, or veggies for any occasion. And if you’re like me and appreciate meal prepping, this recipe is a lifesaver. It’s perfect for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week!
If you have chicken on the menu this week, I have several other main dish recipes I suggest you try. My family young and old, enjoys my Creamy Loaded Baked Chicken Potato Casserole and Lemon Garlic Chicken In Crock Pot.
Ingredients You Will Need For Lemon Pepper Chicken
Baked lemon pepper chicken is a tasty and aromatic dish that uses a few simple ingredients:
- Chicken breasts: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a healthier option. If you want more flavor and moisture, opt for skin-on breast.
- Lemon: For this recipe, you’ll need one medium lemon (thinly sliced) and two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. The lemon brings the aromatics and zesty flavor to the chicken.
- Pepper: This ingredient adds another signature flavor of this recipe. It brings a spicy, pungent flavor that complements the acidity of the lemon.
- Garlic: To create a more flavorful profile, the sharpness of the garlic blends well with the other ingredients. You can use freshly sliced garlic or garlic powder.
- Olive oil: A tablespoon of olive oil adds moisture to the chicken as it bakes. I use extra-virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and great fusion with the lemon and spices.
- Maple syrup: You’ll need this ingredient to sweeten the lemon pepper sauce for the baked chicken. I use pure maple syrup for its nutritional value, natural flavor, and quality.
- Butter: This is another key ingredient for the sauce, adding a rich flavor that blends well with the pepper and lemon.
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Yes, you can use other cuts of chicken aside from chicken breasts in baked lemon pepper chicken recipes.
- Chicken wings have a nice finger food appeal, making them ideal for casual occasions.
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are more flavorful and juicy than chicken breasts.
- Chicken drumsticks can hold onto the seasonings very well.
📝 Note: You can find the full recipe with ingredients and measurements in the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
How To Make Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken
This one-pan chicken only requires a few simple steps.
Sear the Chicken
- In an oven-proof skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for four minutes for each side or until golden brown.
Add Lemon and Garlic, Then Bake
- Arrange the slices of lemon and garlic around the chicken in the skillet.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F in temperature.
Make the Sauce
- Once done baking, remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a serving platter. Remove the lemon slices and place them back again on top of the chicken.
- With the remaining cooking juices in the skillet, heat it on a stove burner over medium heat.
- Add the butter, lemon juice, and pure maple syrup. Stir continuously until the butter has melted and the sauce is fully blended.
- Stir in the cracked pepper.
Garnish and Serve
- Drizzle the lemon pepper sauce over the kitchen and serve to enjoy.
Gina’s Tips For Recipe Sucess
- Sear Before Baking: Searing creates a beautiful golden crust that locks in moisture and adds a caramelized depth to the dish, making it even more irresistible.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and cracked pepper make the flavors brighter and more aromatic, giving the dish that extra zing that the green bottle lemon just can’t give you.
- Monitor Internal Temperature: Ensuring the chicken is cooked to 165°F keeps it tender and juicy while also making it safe to eat—no guesswork required!
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the chicken rest helps the juices settle back into the meat, so every bite is moist and bursting with flavor.
Storage And Reheating
Here are some storage tips you’ll need to know if you have lots of leftovers or simply planning to make a large batch for a whole week plan.
- Allow the chicken to cool down before packing it for storage to prevent the chicken from getting soggy.
- Store your leftovers in an airtight container. Consider using parchment paper in between layers for large batches of chicken leftovers.
- Keep your chicken leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- To extend the life of your leftovers up to three months, freeze them in a freezer-safe container wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
When it’s time to serve your refrigerated or frozen leftover chicken, here are some ways you can do it.
- Microwave: Thaw the frozen leftover chicken in the fridge overnight, or heat in the microwave and oven.
- Oven: Heat the refrigerated leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed thoroughly.
More Easy Dinner Ideas
⚖️ Need a big batch to feed a crowd? You can easily change the number of servings in the recipe card below by tapping 2x or 3x. The ingredient measurements will automatically double or triple. You can then tap print and there you have it, a recipe for a crowd.
Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Easy Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 4 chicken breasts, bonelsss, skinless (6-ounce)
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1 lemon, medium size, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh squeezed
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup, real, not imitation
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon cracked pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Sear Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4 minutes until golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for another 4 minutes until golden on both sides.4 chicken breasts
Add Lemon and Garlic
- Arrange the lemon slices and sliced garlic around the chicken in the skillet.4 cloves garlic, 1 lemon
Bake Chicken
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for about 25 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165°F.
Make The Sauce
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a serving platter. Arrange the lemon slices on top of the chicken.
- Place the skillet with the remaining cooking juices on a stove burner over medium heat.
- Add the butter, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Stir continuously until the butter has melted and the sauce is well combined.
- Stir in the cracked pepper.1 teaspoon cracked pepper
- Drizzle the sauce over the chicken. Serve warm.
Notes
- Sear Before Baking: Don’t skip searing. Searing creates a beautiful golden crust that locks in moisture and adds a caramelized depth to the dish, making it even more irresistible.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and cracked pepper make the flavors brighter and more aromatic, giving the dish that extra zing that the green bottle lemon just can’t give you.
- Monitor Internal Temperature: Ensuring the chicken is cooked to 165°F keeps it tender and juicy while also making it safe to eat—no guesswork required!
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the chicken rest helps the juices settle back into the meat, so every bite is moist and bursting with flavor.
