The Best Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken with Garlic (Ready in 30 Minutes!)

BThe first time I made this Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken, it was a Tuesday evening after a particularly exhausting workday. I had chicken breasts but zero energy for anything complicated. What happened next was nothing short of culinary magic! As the chicken baked, the aroma of garlic, lemon, and herbs transformed my kitchen, and my mood along with it. Since that night, this recipe has become my go-to when I need something impressive yet effortless. The combination of tender chicken, zesty lemon, and that perfect crispy topping never fails to make an ordinary weeknight feel special.

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Why This Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe Stands Out

Most baked chicken recipes are good, but this one is exceptional for several reasons:

• Crispy exterior, juicy interior – The breadcrumb coating creates a satisfying crunch while the chicken stays perfectly moist
• Flavor infusion – The chicken bakes directly in the lemon-butter-garlic sauce, allowing it to absorb all those incredible flavors
• Minimal prep work – Just 10 minutes of hands-on time before the oven does all the heavy lifting
• Everyday ingredients – Everything you need is likely already in your pantry and refrigerator
• Company-worthy yet simple – Impressive enough for guests but easy enough for busy weeknights

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – They provide a lean protein base that absorbs the flavorful sauce
• Butter – Creates richness and helps brown the breadcrumb topping to golden perfection
• Garlic – Adds aromatic depth and savory complexity to the dish
• Lemon juice – Provides brightness and tenderizes the chicken with its natural acidity
• Italian breadcrumbs – Create a delicious crispy coating and add subtle herbs and seasoning
• Grated Parmesan cheese – Contributes saltiness and umami while helping the coating brown beautifully
• Thyme – Adds an earthy, slightly floral note that complements the lemon perfectly
• Lemon pepper seasoning – Delivers concentrated citrus flavor with a peppery kick in one convenient ingredient

How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken with Garlic

1. Begin by preheating the oven to 400 degrees.
2. While the oven is heating, cut up the butter and place it in a baking dish that is oven safe. Then place it in the oven to melt the butter.
3. When the butter is melted, remove the baking dish from the oven. 
4. Add in the garlic, thyme, and lemon juice to the baking dish and mix it all together with a spatula. 
   
5. Grab a large zip-top bag and add the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
6. Add the chicken to the bag and shake it to coat the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture.
7. Once the chicken is coated, place each breast in the baking dish.
8. Flip the breasts over allowing each side to get covered with lemon sauce.
9. Then sprinkle the remaining breadcrumbs from the bag on top of the chicken breasts.
10. Sprinkle lemon pepper over the chicken.
    
11. Bake at 400 degrees for 40 minutes or until done (165 degrees internal temperature).
12. Transfer the baked chicken to a serving platter or individual plates.
13. Spoon some of the liquid over the cooked chicken and accompanying side dish if desired.

Smart Substitutions and Variations

Gluten-Free Option

Replace Italian breadcrumbs with gluten-free Panko crumbs plus 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning mixed in.

No Italian Breadcrumbs?

Crush crackers like Ritz or even Cheese-Its as a substitute! Add 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning to the crushed crackers. The cheese crackers add an extra flavor dimension that works surprisingly well.

No Lemon Pepper Seasoning?

Make your own by combining:

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Herb Variations

• Substitute rosemary for thyme for a more robust flavor profile
• Add fresh dill for a bright, summery version
• Mix in some oregano for a Mediterranean twist

Spicy Version

For a dish with heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon sauce or mix some cayenne into the breadcrumb coating.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Lemon Pepper Chicken

Vegetable Sides

• Roasted asparagus
• Steamed broccoli with a squeeze of lemon
• Garlic green beans
• Sautéed spinach with pine nuts

Starchy Sides

• Lemon herb rice pilaf
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Buttered egg noodles
• Crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce

Complete Menu Ideas

• Weeknight Dinner: Lemon Pepper Chicken + Rice Pilaf + Steamed Broccoli
• Date Night: Lemon Pepper Chicken + Roasted Asparagus + Garlic Bread + White Wine
• Family Meal: Lemon Pepper Chicken + Mashed Potatoes + Green Beans + Dinner Rolls

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Store the chicken with some pan sauce for maximum moisture retention.

Freezer Instructions

For uncooked breaded chicken:

1. Prepare the chicken through the breading step
2. Place on a baking sheet and freeze until solid
3. Transfer to freezer bags and store for up to 3 months
4. When ready to cook, prepare the lemon-butter sauce and continue with the recipe (add 10-15 minutes to the baking time)

For cooked chicken:

1. Cool completely
2. Wrap individual portions in foil, then place in freezer bags
3. Freeze for up to 3 months
4. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating

Reheating for Best Results

Oven method (preferred):

1. Preheat oven to 350°F
2. Place chicken in a baking dish
3. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water or chicken broth to the dish
4. Cover with foil
5. Heat for 15-20 minutes until warmed through

Microwave method (quick option):

1. Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate
2. Cover with a damp paper towel
3. Heat at 70% power for 2 minutes, then in 30-second intervals until heated through

Make-Ahead Tips for Meal Prep and Entertaining

• Right before guests arrive: Melt the butter and prepare the lemon sauce, then add the breaded chicken and bake
• Night before: Prepare the breadcrumb mixture and store in an airtight container
• Morning of: Bread the chicken and refrigerate on a plate covered with plastic wrap

More Chicken Recipes

• Chicken Francese
• Chicken Maderia
• Chicken Parmigiana Olive Garden
• Chicken Romano
• Grilled Chicken Alfredo
• Japanese Chicken
• Rosemary Chicken

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• Eye of Round Roast
• Ribeye Roast
• Shish Kabobs
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Check out more of my easy chicken recipes and the best recipes for dinner here on CopyKat!