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.