Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Breasts Recipe

Struggling to find one meal the entire family will eat without a single complaint? I feel you. The nightly dinner standoff is real in my house, too.

That’s why I’m so excited to share our go-to winner: Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Breasts. It’s the hero of our weeknight dinner rotation. It’s juicy, packed with flavor, and honestly, it’s just easy. If you love this flavor profile, you must try our Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken for another simple, crowd-pleasing option.

Best of all? It’s a blank canvas. You can keep it simple for the sensitive palates or dress it up for the adults. Let’s get into this lifesaver of a recipe.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American
• Category: Main Course
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4

Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!

I know the struggle of serving something only to hear, “What are those green things?” So here’s the magic. This chicken is golden, juicy, and not scary-looking.

The lemon and garlic make it taste amazing, but they don’t create weird textures. The chicken stays in familiar, bite-sized pieces. It’s a trusted favorite that feels special but safe.

Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List

I promise, no fancy stuff here. You probably have most of this already. Simple ingredients mean less stress for you.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 lbs total)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced (use the jarred kind to save time!)
• Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (adds color, not heat)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional, but pretty)

How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This

Getting little hands involved is my secret weapon. When they help make it, they’re way more likely to try it. Here are two super easy jobs.

Task 1: The Lemon Squeezer. Let them juice the lemon! Use a handheld juicer to catch the seeds. It’s fun and feels important.

Task 2: The Seasoning Shaker. Mix the dried spices (oregano, paprika, salt, pepper) in a small bowl. Let them shake it all over the chicken. They love being in charge of the “flavor magic.”

Recipe

Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Breasts Recipe

Make Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Breasts Recipe with simple ingredients and clear steps. Prep, cook, and enjoy—perfect for cozy evenings.

Author: Olyvia Thompson

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 35 min

Serves: - 4 + bites

★ Rate 🖨 Print

Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 lbs total)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced (use the jarred kind to save time!)
• Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (adds color, not heat)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional, but pretty)

The Full Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for super easy cleanup.

2

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is a key step for getting that nice golden color.

3

Place the chicken on the baking sheet. Drizzle with the olive oil and lemon juice, making sure each piece gets some.

4

In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast. Use your hands to rub it in gently.

5

Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. The chicken is done when it’s no longer pink inside and the juices run clear, or a meat thermometer reads 165°F.

6

Let the chicken rest on the pan for 5 minutes after taking it out. This keeps all the juices inside so it stays moist. Then slice and serve!

Notes

Enjoy your homemade Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Breasts Recipe!

Nutrition Information

High in Protein: Chicken breast is lean and helps keep everyone full.

Good Fats: Olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

No Added Sugar: The flavor comes from herbs and citrus, not hidden sugars.

Customizable: You control the salt and can adjust the oil as needed.

Did You Make This?

Leave a review and tag us on social media!

The Full Step-by-Step Instructions

Don’t worry, this is not a complicated process. I’ve broken it down into the simplest steps possible. You’ve got this!

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for super easy cleanup.
2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is a key step for getting that nice golden color.
3. Place the chicken on the baking sheet. Drizzle with the olive oil and lemon juice, making sure each piece gets some.
4. In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast. Use your hands to rub it in gently.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. The chicken is done when it’s no longer pink inside and the juices run clear, or a meat thermometer reads 165°F.
6. Let the chicken rest on the pan for 5 minutes after taking it out. This keeps all the juices inside so it stays moist. Then slice and serve!

Fun Twists for Different Tastes

One meal, many happy faces. Here’s how I tweak it to please everyone at my table without making two separate dinners.

For Sensitive Kids: Serve the pan juices or extra lemon wedges on the side. Some kids prefer their chicken plain, and that’s totally okay!

For Veggie Lovers: Toss chopped broccoli, carrots, or potatoes in the same seasoning and oil. Roast them on the same pan for a complete one-pan meal.

For the Adults: While the chicken rests, add a pat of butter and a splash of white wine to the hot pan. Scrape up the tasty bits for a quick, delicious sauce to drizzle over ours. For another fantastic recipe that uses thighs and a sweet-savory glaze, check out our Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs.

Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)

This recipe is a meal prep dream. It makes tomorrow’s lunch or dinner a breeze.

Let leftovers cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To reheat, place slices in a skillet with a tiny splash of water or broth over medium-low heat. Cover until warm. This keeps it from drying out. You can also use the microwave, but go slow with 30-second bursts.

Nutrition Notes

As a parent, I like knowing what’s going into our bodies. This dish is a healthy, protein-packed win.

• High in Protein: Chicken breast is lean and helps keep everyone full.
• Good Fats: Olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
• No Added Sugar: The flavor comes from herbs and citrus, not hidden sugars.
• Customizable: You control the salt and can adjust the oil as needed.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely! Bone-in, skin-on thighs are fantastic here. Just add 5-10 minutes to the cook time. They’re super forgiving and stay juicy.

My chicken is always dry. What am I doing wrong?

The two biggest tricks are not overcooking it and letting it rest. Use a simple meat thermometer if you can. Pull it at 165°F and let it sit for 5 minutes. Those few minutes make all the difference.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix the oil, lemon, and spices in a bowl and coat the chicken. Store it in a zip-top bag in the fridge for up to 8 hours. When it’s dinner time, just pop it on the pan and bake.

So there you have it. Our family’s secret weapon for a peaceful, delicious dinner. It’s a recipe that grows with your family’s tastes and saves your sanity on busy nights. If you’re looking for another lemony chicken dish with a delicious pan sauce, our Zesty Chicken Francese is a must-try.

I truly hope this becomes a favorite in your home, too. Nothing makes me happier than hearing about a dinner win in another house.

I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Did your picky eater take a bite? What fun twist did you try? Please leave a comment and rating below!