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Oven Baked Lemon Chicken Breast Featured

Oven Baked Lemon Chicken Breast

Juicy, tender chicken breasts baked with a bright lemon sauce and aromatic herbs for a simple yet impressive dinner that's ready in under an hour.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6
Course: Oven-Baked
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

  • 4 skin-on bone-in chicken breasts (or 8 thighs)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil plus extra for brushing
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 large shallot sliced thinly
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/3 cup white wine dry vermouth, or chicken broth
  • Zest from 2 lemons finely grated
  • Juice of 2 small lemons strained
  • 2 tbsp lemon marmalade or orange marmalade
  • 1-1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp minced fresh thyme leaves
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 lemons cut into wedges
  • Optional garnishes: sliced almonds lemon slices, minced parsley or green onions

Equipment

  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Small saucepan
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
  2. Warm olive oil and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add shallots and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Remove from heat, add wine, lemon zest, lemon juice, marmalade, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
  5. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading shallots evenly.
  6. Place chicken breasts skin side up over the sauce. Brush with olive oil and season liberally with salt and pepper.
  7. Tuck lemon wedges between chicken pieces.
  8. Bake 40-45 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is lightly browned.
  9. Remove from oven and rest for 10 minutes before serving.
  10. Serve with pan juices and optional garnishes.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through.
  • For boneless chicken, reduce cooking time to 25-30 minutes.