Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Introduction

There’s something magical about a dish that combines fresh, zesty lemon with rich, creamy butter. It’s like the sunshine and comfort food joined forces to create the ultimate dinner. Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is exactly that: a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The chicken comes out perfectly juicy, coated in a buttery, lemony sauce that’s tangy, savory, and downright irresistible. If you’re looking for a meal that’s comforting but still light, this is it.

This recipe has quickly become a favorite in our household, and I can’t wait for you to give it a try! It’s one of those dishes that has a way of making the house smell amazing as it bakes in the oven, and the best part? It’s super simple to make, even if you’re not a seasoned cook. Trust me, you’ve got this. Whether you’re new to the kitchen or a culinary pro, this baked chicken will turn out just right, and you’ll be going back for seconds (and maybe thirds).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Minimal prep, maximum flavor: With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how much flavor this dish packs.
2. Juicy and tender chicken: The butter keeps the chicken moist, while the lemon adds a refreshing brightness that balances the richness.
3. Family-friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist the juicy, buttery goodness. Plus, it’s easy to adapt for different tastes.
4. Perfect for meal prep: You can make this ahead of time and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
5. Simple ingredients: No complicated seasonings or hard-to-find ingredients—just everyday staples that you probably already have in your kitchen!

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: ~350 calories (based on 6 servings)
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 2g
• Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this lemon butter chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer)
• 4 tablespoons butter (unsalted, to control the seasoning)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 lemons (you’ll need both the zest and juice)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh, if you’ve got it!)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Why these ingredients?

• Chicken breasts: The leanest and easiest to work with, chicken breasts cook up perfectly juicy when baked. If you prefer thighs for their extra richness, feel free to swap them out.
• Butter: The unsalted butter is key to the creamy, indulgent sauce, but using unsalted allows you to adjust the salt level to your liking.
• Olive oil: It helps ensure the chicken doesn’t dry out in the oven and adds a subtle flavor.
• Lemons: You’ll use both the zest and juice for a bright and tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the butter.
• Garlic: Because garlic makes everything better. It infuses the chicken with flavor without overpowering the lemony goodness.
• Herbs: Thyme adds a savory, earthy note, but feel free to swap it with rosemary or oregano for a slightly different flavor.
• Parsley: For a fresh pop of color and added freshness, sprinkle this on top before serving. It takes the presentation from simple to stunning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have everything ready, let’s get started! Follow these simple steps to make your delicious Baked Lemon Butter Chicken.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

The first step is to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken will cook quickly and evenly, giving you a juicy, tender result every time.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step helps the seasoning and butter stick better to the chicken and ensures the skin crisps up in the oven. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and stir to combine.

Next, zest both lemons (just the yellow part, not the bitter white pith) and add the zest to the butter-oil mixture. Then, squeeze the juice from both lemons into the pan, being careful not to get seeds in the sauce. You can strain the juice if you prefer.

Add the minced garlic and dried thyme (or your choice of herbs) to the sauce and stir it all together. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, just long enough for the garlic to soften and the flavors to blend.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning. If it needs a little more salt or lemon juice, feel free to add it. This sauce is all about balance between rich butter and zesty lemon, so make it to your preference.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Once the sauce is ready, place your chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure it’s all coated. The sauce will sink into the chicken as it bakes, infusing it with amazing flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). I like to check it with a meat thermometer to make sure it’s cooked perfectly every time.

If you want the top to get a little golden and crispy, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring the chicken stays juicy and tender.

Before serving, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.

How to Serve

Here are a few ideas for how to serve this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken:

• With roasted vegetables: The bright lemon sauce pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them alongside the chicken.
• On a bed of rice: Serve the chicken over fluffy white rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up the lemony butter sauce.
• With a side salad: Pair it with a light, refreshing salad like arugula with a lemon vinaigrette to complement the citrusy flavors.
• Mashed potatoes: For a comforting meal, serve the chicken with mashed potatoes to balance out the bright acidity of the lemon.

Additional Tips

1. Don’t Skip the Drying Step: Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps ensure that the butter and spices stick to the chicken, resulting in a beautiful golden finish.
2. Adjust the Lemon Flavor: If you love a more intense lemon flavor, add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice or even some lemon slices on top of the chicken before baking.
3. Make it Ahead: You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Then, just bake it when you’re ready.
4. Add Cheese: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking.
5. Use Bone-In Chicken: If you prefer bone-in chicken, you can definitely use bone-in breasts or thighs. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as bone-in chicken takes a bit longer to cook.

Recipe Variations

While this recipe is delicious as written, there are plenty of ways you can tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.

• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you don’t need to worry about making any swaps.
• Add Some Heat: If you like a little spice, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the lemon butter sauce for a kick.
• Herb Variations: Swap the thyme for other fresh herbs like rosemary, oregano, or even tarragon for a unique twist on the flavor profile.
• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer the richness of chicken thighs, feel free to use them instead of breasts. They’ll cook up just as wonderfully in this lemon butter sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this meal with a variety of sides for a complete dinner experience:

• Roasted potatoes: Creamy, crispy roasted potatoes are the perfect companion for this dish.
• Wine Pairing: A chilled, crisp Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay will complement the lemony flavors perfectly.
• Garlic bread: Serve with a slice of garlic bread to soak up all the buttery sauce!

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for best results.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken! Just let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it at 350°F until heated through.

Special Equipment

• Baking Dish: You’ll need a large enough baking dish to fit the chicken breasts and sauce. An 8×8-inch dish works great for 4 breasts.
• Meat Thermometer: This tool helps ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly every time.
• Zester: For zesting the lemons without removing the bitter white part of the peel, a zester is super handy.

FAQ

Can I use skin-on chicken? Absolutely! Skin-on chicken will add extra crispiness to the dish. Just note that the cooking time might be a little longer.

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then bake it when you’re ready to eat. It’s great for meal prepping!

What if I don’t have fresh thyme? Dried thyme works just as well. If you don’t have thyme, try rosemary or oregano for a different flavor.

Can I use chicken thighs? Yes, chicken thighs will work wonderfully with this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure they cook through.

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Conclusion

This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is the perfect recipe for anyone looking to create a quick, flavorful, and comforting meal that doesn’t require a ton of time or effort. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s sure to be a hit. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Enjoy!