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baked lemon garlic chicken

Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken

This Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken is juicy, flavorful, and effortlessly delicious. Chicken breasts, thighs, and legs are marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, zest, and aromatic seasonings, then baked over a bed of lemon slices, onions, and bell peppers. A splash of chicken stock keeps it moist while baking, and a final broil adds that golden, irresistible finish. Perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep for the week.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Fusion, Mediterranean, Southern
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 2 chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on preferred
  • 2 chicken legs drumsticks
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 lemons juice and zest
  • 1 lemon sliced into rounds
  • 1 onion sliced
  • 1 bell pepper sliced (any color)
  • 4 garlic cloves minced or smashed
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken stock
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Bayou City Garlic Pepper
  • 1 tsp Bayou City All Purpose
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • chopped parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large baking dish or roasting pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • tongs
  • Aluminum foil
  • Meat thermometer
  • Sharp knife and cutting board

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, paprika, garlic pepper, all purpose, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and toss until well coated. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
Prepare the Pan
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large baking dish, arrange lemon slices, onions, and bell peppers in an even layer. Pour the chicken stock into the bottom of the dish to create a shallow pool.
Assemble and Bake
  1. Place marinated chicken pieces on top of the lemon and vegetable layer. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Broil for Color
  1. Remove the foil and switch the oven to broil. Broil for 5–10 minutes, or until the chicken skin is golden brown and slightly crisp.
Serve and Enjoy
  1. Spoon some of the lemony pan juices over the chicken before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or additional lemon zest for brightness.

Video

Notes

  • For extra flavor: Marinate overnight in the fridge to allow the lemon and garlic to fully infuse the chicken.
  • Check doneness: Chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Make it a meal: Serve with roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, or a simple green salad.
  • Meal prep tip: This chicken stores beautifully—keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.