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Cozy Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken Breast: Easy 30-Minute Dinner

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Tender, juicy chicken breasts baked in a bright lemon garlic sauce with a golden seared crust. This quick and easy 30-minute dinner is perfect for cozy evenings and is made with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 lemons (1 juiced, 1 sliced into thin rounds)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the chicken breasts out of the fridge and let them sit on the counter for about 10 minutes.
  2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast and rub in gently.
  4. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  5. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until deep golden brown. Do not crowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Remove the chicken to a plate.
  6. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Add the chicken broth, lemon juice (from 1 lemon), and butter pieces. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for about a minute until the butter melts and the sauce comes together.
  8. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Lay the lemon slices around and on top of the chicken.
  9. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
  10. Remove the skillet from the oven and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
  11. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top. Spoon pan sauce over each piece of chicken and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the sear—it creates a golden crust and adds depth of flavor. Watch the garlic carefully as it burns quickly. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy. For thicker breasts (over 1 inch), add 3-5 minutes to the bake time or pound them to an even thickness.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, baked chicken breast, easy chicken dinner, 30-minute meal, cozy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://novanosh.com/cozy-lemon-garlic-baked-chicken-breast-easy-30-minute-dinner/