Bright, zesty, and irresistibly flavorful, Lemon Ade Chicken is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet with a hint of savory garlic and thyme. This easy oven-baked chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a refreshing blend of lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, and olive oil, creating a citrus-forward glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients like fresh garlic and thyme, this recipe is a go-to for busy weeknight dinners or elegant weekend meals. Serve this irresistible lemon chicken alongside rice, quinoa, or roasted veggies, and drizzle the luscious pan sauce over the top for a vibrant and satisfying dish that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds. Perfect for fans of citrus-heavy flavors, this recipe is your new favorite way to make baked chicken exciting and flavorful!
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Add fresh thyme sprigs to the dish.
Cover and refrigerate the chicken for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 hours, to let the flavors penetrate.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Transfer the chicken breasts along with the marinade to a baking dish. Add 1/4 cup of water to the bottom of the dish to ensure the chicken stays moist while cooking.
Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the chicken with the pan juices halfway through cooking.
Remove the dish from the oven, and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve the Lemon Ade Chicken with your favorite sides, such as steamed vegetables or rice. Drizzle some of the lemony pan sauce over the chicken for extra flavor.
Calories |
1567 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 53.1 g | 68% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.2 g | 56% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 572 mg | 191% | |
| Sodium | 2877 mg | 125% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 49.1 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 37.6 g | ||
| Protein | 215.1 g | 430% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 120 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 5.9 mg | 33% | |
| Potassium | 222 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.