Lemon and Capers Baked Chicken

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken breasts baked with bright lemon zest and briny capers, finished with a golden crust. Ready in 35 minutes with no extra oil needed. This mediterranean-inspired keto ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) in a baking dish and season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the chicken, then squeeze 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and add 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp capers, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme; gently rub into the chicken.
  3. Step 3: Bake for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and edges are golden brown.
  4. Step 4: Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to lock in juices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon and Capers Baked Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Lemon and Capers Baked Chicken?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon and Capers Baked Chicken?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Lemon and Capers Baked Chicken for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Lemon and Capers Baked Chicken keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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