Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken – Juicy, Comforting, and Full of Flavor

There’s something about a home-cooked chicken dinner that brings everyone to the table — and my Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken does exactly that. It’s simple, cozy, and full of bright, comforting flavor. Juicy chicken breasts, thighs, and legs are marinated in olive oil, fresh lemon, and garlic, then baked on a bed of onions and bell peppers until perfectly tender. The lemon slices infuse every bite with freshness, while the chicken stock keeps it moist and flavorful. It’s the kind of easy family dinner that feels special but doesn’t take all day — just good, honest food that warms the soul.

If you love comfort food as much as I do, then you’ll definitely want to check out my Seafood Dressing or Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole next!

Baked Chicken is such a cozy, comfort food. So, if you’ve been searching for a dish that feels like rubbing your feet together under the covers, then look no further.

Really love my recipes? You will enjoy this Creole Crawfish Boudin Balls and my Easy Jambalaya Recipe !

You will LOVE baked lemon garlic chicken

It’s full of flavor. Every bite of this baked lemon garlic chicken is juicy and seasoned with the perfect balance of citrus, herbs, and garlic. The lemon slices bake down into the pan, releasing bright, tangy flavor that complements the savory chicken beautifully.

Simple ingredients, big results. You don’t need anything fancy to make this meal — just olive oil, fresh lemon, and a few pantry staples. It’s proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special.

Moist and tender every time. Baking the chicken over a shallow layer of chicken stock keeps it juicy, while covering it with foil locks in the moisture for perfectly cooked chicken every time.

One-pan convenience. Everything cooks together — the chicken, onions, and bell peppers — so cleanup is easy. It’s the kind of recipe that works for busy weeknights or relaxed Sunday dinners.

Perfect for family or meal prep. This dish reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

First, and most importantly, to create this easy baked chicken recipe, gather the following ingredients:

• Chicken breasts, thighs, and legs: Using a mix of white and dark meat gives you the best of both worlds — tender, juicy thighs and legs with flavorful, lean chicken breast. The variety also makes every bite different and satisfying.
• Olive oil: Acts as the base of the marinade, helping the seasonings stick to the chicken while adding richness and moisture. It also helps create that beautiful golden color when broiled at the end.
• Lemons (zest, juice, and slices): The heart of this recipe. Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor, zest adds concentrated citrus aroma, and the lemon slices baked underneath infuse the chicken with a subtle tang that feels fresh and light.
• Garlic: A must for that deep, savory flavor. When baked, garlic becomes mellow and slightly sweet, complementing the lemon perfectly.
• Onion and bell pepper: These add sweetness and depth to the pan. As they roast, they soak up the lemony juices and chicken drippings, turning tender and flavorful — perfect to serve alongside the chicken.
• Chicken stock: Keeps the chicken moist during baking and creates a flavorful pan sauce you can spoon over the finished dish. It’s the secret to juicy, oven-baked chicken every time.
• Bayou City Seasonings paprika, onion powder, etc: This simple seasoning blend layers flavor without overpowering the lemon and garlic. The paprika adds a touch of color, while oregano brings a hint of earthiness.
• Fresh parsley (optional): Adds color and freshness at the end, balancing the richness of the roasted chicken.

Best sides to serve with baked lemon garlic chicken

to complete your dinner, consider pairing it with these four delectable sides:

1. Collard Greens — Tender greens cooked with onion, garlic, and a little hot sauce or vinegar for balance.
2. Southern Cornbread Recipe: A Southern staple that complements the flavors and adds a delightful contrast.
3. Creamy & Buttery Mashed Potato: Classic and easy, adding color and texture to your meal.

Recipe Tips for the Best One Pan Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken:

1. Marinate for maximum flavor.
Give your chicken time to soak up that lemon-garlic goodness. Even 30 minutes makes a difference, but a few hours (or overnight) will take the flavor to the next level.

2. Don’t skip the foil.
Covering the pan traps steam and keeps your chicken tender while it bakes. Removing the foil at the end lets the skin crisp up beautifully under the broiler.

3. Use fresh lemons, not bottled juice.
Fresh lemon juice has a bright, clean flavor that really shines in this dish. The zest adds an extra punch of citrus that you can’t get from bottled juice.

4. Layer your flavors.
Placing the chicken on top of lemon slices, onions, and bell peppers lets everything cook together — the vegetables soak up the juices, and the chicken absorbs their sweetness.

5. Don’t overbake.
Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. A meat thermometer takes out the guesswork and ensures your chicken stays juicy, not dry.

6. Save those pan juices.
Don’t toss the liquid at the bottom — it’s pure flavor! Spoon it over the chicken, drizzle it on rice, or use it as a light sauce for vegetables.

7. Make it your own.
You can easily switch up the herbs — try thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.

FAQ:

I hope you enjoy this southern comforting, easy chicken and dumplings recipe! Make sure to tag me on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook when you make this recipe! I want to see your creation and give you a shoutout!