“Crisp skin on the outside, ultra-tender on the inside! This foolproof 4-ingredient lemon chicken locks in moisture for the ultimate low-effort dinner.”

Directions and Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in a 9×13-inch glass baking dish.
3. If necessary, gently pound thicker portions of the chicken to create an even thickness for more uniform cooking.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
5. Pour the lemon-butter mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring all pieces are coated.
6. Spoon some of the sauce over the tops of the chicken if needed.
7. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
8. Bake for 20 minutes.
9. Carefully remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 15–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
10. Remove the dish from the oven and allow the chicken to rest in the pan juices for 5–10 minutes.
11. Spoon the warm lemon-butter sauce over the chicken before serving.

Notes or Tips

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of dried parsley or thyme to the lemon mixture.
• Letting the chicken rest before serving helps keep it moist and tender.
• Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate results and to avoid overcooking.

Cooking Techniques

• Covering the chicken during the first stage of baking helps retain moisture.
• Uncovering during the final stage allows the sauce to concentrate and the chicken to develop more flavor.
• Evenly sized chicken breasts ensure consistent cooking throughout.