Lemon-Garlic Baked Chicken Breast

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

Juicy chicken breasts basted in a zesty lemon-garlic butter sauce, roasted to golden perfection. This american-inspired keto ready in about 35 minutes pairs Chicken breast, Olive oil, Lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.0 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat 2 chicken breasts (6 ounces each) dry with paper towels and season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Add 2 tablespoons butter and stir until melted.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken breasts to skillet, spooning lemon-garlic butter over them. Bake for 15-18 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Baked Chicken Breast 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-Garlic Baked Chicken Breast?

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 chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Baked Chicken Breast?

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-Garlic Baked Chicken Breast 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.

What goes well with Lemon-Garlic Baked Chicken Breast?

American keto like this pair well with a low-carb side — cauliflower rice, roasted broccoli or asparagus, or a leafy salad with olive oil and parmesan. Rice, couscous and bread would blow the carb budget this recipe is built around. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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