Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Introduction

There’s something about a simple, yet flavorful dish like Baked Lemon Butter Chicken that feels like home. It’s the kind of meal you crave when you want something comforting but don’t have a ton of time to spend in the kitchen. The chicken turns out juicy and tender, thanks to a luscious lemon butter sauce that bathes the chicken while it bakes. The tangy lemon pairs perfectly with the richness of the butter, creating a flavor combination that’s simply irresistible.

I first made this dish on a busy weeknight when I had absolutely no idea what to cook but needed something delicious for dinner. I opened the fridge and found a few simple ingredients—chicken breasts, lemon, and butter. After a quick search, I came up with this recipe and, let me tell you, it quickly became a staple in our household. The best part? It’s so easy! It’s the kind of dish that will impress your family or guests, but you don’t have to be a master chef to get it right. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special gathering, this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is sure to shine.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a meal that’s bursting with fresh, bright flavors, yet feels indulgent. I love serving it with some roasted vegetables or a light salad, and it always leaves me feeling satisfied without being overly heavy. Plus, if you’re a fan of citrus, this recipe is going to be your new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons why you’ll absolutely fall in love with this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken:

• Easy to make: This dish doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. If you’ve got chicken, butter, lemon, and a few pantry staples, you’re good to go.
• Perfectly tender chicken: The lemon butter sauce keeps the chicken juicy, making each bite so tender it practically melts in your mouth.
• Balanced flavors: The tang of the lemon and the richness of the butter create a beautifully balanced flavor profile that’s comforting yet bright.
• Quick prep: With minimal hands-on time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick but flavorful.
• Family-friendly: This dish is mild enough to please even picky eaters, but it still has enough flavor to keep everyone excited about dinner.

You’ll love how this chicken turns out perfectly golden on the outside while staying incredibly moist and juicy on the inside. The lemon butter sauce adds just the right amount of richness without feeling too heavy. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’re treating yourself, but it’s also super simple to put together.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Servings: This recipe serves 4 people, but you can easily scale it up or down depending on your needs.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories per serving: 350
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 3g
Fat: 24g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g

Ingredients

To make this delicious Baked Lemon Butter Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – I prefer chicken breasts for their tenderness, but thighs can also be used for a juicier result.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter – This creates a rich, flavorful base for the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Adds richness and helps the chicken brown nicely.
• Juice of 2 lemons – This brightens up the flavor and adds that irresistible zesty tang.
• Zest of 1 lemon – For an extra citrusy punch!
• 3 garlic cloves, minced – For depth of flavor and that beautiful savory note.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – A lovely herb that pairs perfectly with lemon and chicken.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t forget to season well for the best flavor!
• Fresh parsley – Chopped for garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness.

Each of these ingredients works together to create a balanced, flavorful dish. The butter provides richness, while the lemon gives that much-needed acidity to cut through the richness and keep things fresh. The garlic and thyme bring a savory, earthy aroma that elevates the dish to another level. The parsley, added at the end, is the finishing touch that brightens everything up.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for a perfectly baked Lemon Butter Chicken:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the chicken will cook evenly and the sauce will bubble to perfection.
2. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This will help the butter and seasoning adhere better. If you have chicken breasts that are particularly thick, you can gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This ensures they cook evenly and don’t dry out.
3. Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. This simple step brings out the flavor of the chicken and ensures that every bite is perfectly seasoned.
4. Make the lemon butter sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter and olive oil together over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. You don’t want the garlic to burn, so keep an eye on it. After the garlic has softened, add the lemon juice and zest, along with the dried thyme. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Arrange the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Make sure they’re arranged in a single layer so that they cook evenly.
6. Pour the lemon butter sauce: Pour the lemon butter sauce over the chicken, making sure each breast is generously coated. Don’t worry if some of the sauce pools at the bottom of the pan—that’s where all the flavor is!
7. Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you want a golden, crispy top, broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.
8. Rest and garnish: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken moist. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

How to Serve

Here are a few ways to serve this delicious Baked Lemon Butter Chicken:

• Serve it over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the tasty lemon butter sauce.
• Pair it with roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or carrots for a balanced and healthy meal.
• For a lighter option, serve the chicken with a fresh green salad, drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette.
• If you’re a fan of pasta, this chicken pairs wonderfully with linguine or spaghetti, making it a comforting pasta dish.

For a complete meal, I like to serve it alongside some warm garlic bread to dip into that extra sauce—trust me, it’s irresistible!

Additional Tips

To make sure your Baked Lemon Butter Chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:

1. Don’t skip the resting time: After baking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and tender.
2. Use fresh lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor for this dish. Bottled lemon juice just can’t compare to the brightness of fresh citrus!
3. Double the sauce: If you love a lot of sauce, feel free to double the lemon butter mixture. It’s perfect for drizzling over your chicken, rice, or veggies.
4. Bake the chicken at room temperature: For even cooking, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking. This ensures the chicken cooks more evenly.
5. Use a meat thermometer: If you’re unsure whether the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.

Recipe Variations

This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is incredibly versatile! Here are a few variations you can try to change things up:

• Spicy Lemon Butter Chicken: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon butter sauce. It gives the dish a nice kick without overpowering the lemony freshness.
• Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the sauce for extra fragrance and depth of flavor.
• Chicken Thighs: Swap out the chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer darker meat. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier, even if overcooked slightly.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp: If you’re craving seafood, this same lemon butter sauce works wonders with shrimp! Just bake the shrimp for about 10-12 minutes or until they’re pink and cooked through.
• Add Vegetables: Toss in some veggies like sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers around the chicken in the baking dish. They’ll cook up with the chicken and absorb the flavorful sauce.

Serving Suggestions

To make this meal complete, here are a few serving suggestions:

• Side Dishes: Serve with roasted potatoes, sautéed spinach, or a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette. The fresh, bright flavors of the salad pair perfectly with the richness of the chicken.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp, light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay works wonderfully with this dish. If you prefer red wine, try a light Pinot Noir that won’t overpower the citrusy flavors of the chicken.
• For kids: Serve the chicken alongside buttery mashed potatoes or over pasta for a kid-friendly meal.

Freezing and Storage

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken stores beautifully! Here’s how to store and reheat it:

• Storage: Let the chicken cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the oven will keep the chicken juicier.

Special Equipment

To make your Baked Lemon Butter Chicken even better, consider using the following tools:

• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish works perfectly for this recipe. It ensures the chicken bakes evenly and the sauce stays in place.
• Meat Thermometer: A kitchen thermometer is key for making sure your chicken is cooked to perfection. It will help prevent overcooking and dryness.
• Citrus Zester: If you don’t have a zester, a fine grater will work for zesting the lemon. Fresh zest gives the dish its refreshing citrus flavor.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some common questions:

Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes! You can definitely use bone-in chicken pieces. Just keep in mind that the cooking time will be longer, so check the internal temperature to make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken up to 1 day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and bake it when you’re ready.

Can I make this recipe with other proteins?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with chicken thighs, pork chops, or even fish. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you’re using.

Can I use salted butter?
You can, but I recommend using unsalted butter to control the salt level. You can always add more salt to taste at the end.

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Conclusion

I hope you’re excited to try this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken! It’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself. The flavors are fresh, bright, and comforting all at once, making it a meal you’ll want to make again and again. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram when you make it—I’d love to see your beautiful chicken creations! Happy cooking!