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Lemon Garlic Chicken Bake

Lemon juice tenderizes the surface of the chicken while it bakes, and garlic mellows from sharp to sweet in the oven heat. Olive oil keeps the lean breasts from drying out, and Italian seasoning adds background flavor so the dish doesn't taste flat.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice about 2 lemons
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper pantry basics

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Lightly oil a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels (dry chicken browns better, even in a bake).
  3. Whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper in a small bowl.
  4. Place the chicken in the dish in a single layer and pour the mixture over, turning each breast to coat.
  5. Bake 22 to 28 minutes, until the thickest part reads 165°F on a meat thermometer.
  6. Rest 5 minutes (the juices redistribute — don't skip this), then spoon the pan juices over the top.