Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

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Introduction

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a delightful, effortless dish that packs a punch of flavor in every bite. Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces baked to perfection, enveloped in a rich, tangy lemon butter sauce that infuses every piece with the perfect balance of citrusy brightness and smooth, buttery goodness. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it to impress at a dinner party, this dish is ideal for any occasion.

The first time I made this chicken, I was blown away by how easy it was to prepare such a flavorful meal. With just a few simple ingredients—chicken, butter, lemon, and seasonings—the sauce came together effortlessly. As the chicken baked, the kitchen filled with the irresistible scent of lemon and butter, and when it was time to dig in, the chicken was perfectly tender and full of flavor.

What I love most about Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is how versatile it is. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides—whether it’s roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. You can even adjust the lemon’s tanginess to suit your taste, adding a touch more butter for a richer flavor or a squeeze of extra lemon for a bolder citrus kick. No matter how you serve it, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Perfect for:

  • Weeknight dinners
  • Family meals
  • Special occasions
  • Meal prep
  • Lemon lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Baked Lemon Butter Chicken will become your new favorite dish:

  • Flavorful and Zesty: The combination of fresh lemon and rich butter creates a bright, tangy sauce that infuses the chicken with incredible flavor.
  • Juicy and Tender: Baking the chicken in the lemon butter sauce ensures it stays moist and juicy while developing a crispy, golden skin.
  • Easy to Make: With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, this dish is perfect for busy nights.
  • One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in one pan, making clean-up a breeze.
  • Customizable: Adjust the level of lemon or add your favorite herbs to make this dish uniquely yours.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 5g, Fat: 22g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Baked Lemon Butter Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and stay juicy when baked with the lemon butter sauce.
  • Butter and Olive Oil: A mix of butter and olive oil creates a silky, flavorful sauce that complements the chicken perfectly.
  • Fresh Lemon: Lemon juice and zest add a bright, zesty kick that elevates the flavor of the chicken.
  • Garlic and Herbs: Minced garlic and dried thyme and oregano provide aromatic depth and savory undertones to the dish.
  • Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a fresh, colorful garnish and a burst of herbaceous flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
  3. Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish.

Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce:

  1. Melt the Butter: In a small bowl, melt the unsalted butter in the microwave or on the stovetop.
  2. Mix the Sauce: Add olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried oregano to the melted butter. Stir well to combine.
  3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice, if needed.

Bake the Chicken:

  1. Pour the Sauce: Pour the lemon butter sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.
  2. Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. Baste (Optional): Halfway through baking, you can spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to keep it moist and enhance the flavor.

Garnish and Serve:

  1. Garnish with Parsley: Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
  2. Serve: Serve the chicken hot with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.

How to Serve

  • With Roasted Vegetables: Serve the chicken with roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots for a balanced meal.
  • On a Bed of Rice: Serve over a bed of rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious lemon butter sauce.
  • With Mashed Potatoes: The creamy mashed potatoes pair perfectly with the rich lemon butter sauce.
  • As a Salad Topping: Slice the chicken and serve it over a green salad with your favorite dressing.
  • With Pasta: Serve alongside pasta tossed in olive oil or a light cream sauce for a hearty meal.

Additional Tips

  • Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for tender, juicy chicken.
  • Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
  • Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the lemon butter sauce for an extra kick.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh thyme or oregano, feel free to use them instead of the dried herbs for more vibrant flavors.
  • Double the Sauce: If you love the lemon butter sauce, make extra and serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try for Baked Lemon Butter Chicken:

  1. Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken: Add more minced garlic for an extra garlicky kick.
  2. Honey Lemon Butter Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the sauce for a sweet and savory twist.
  3. Crispy Lemon Butter Chicken: Coat the chicken breasts in breadcrumbs before baking for a crispy texture.
  4. Lemon Basil Chicken: Use fresh basil instead of parsley for a different herbal flavor.
  5. Lemon Parmesan Chicken: Add grated Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken before baking for a cheesy crust.
  6. Lemon Herb Chicken: Swap the dried thyme and oregano with fresh rosemary, parsley, or dill.
  7. Spicy Lemon Butter Chicken: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy version.
  8. Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs: Swap chicken breasts with bone-in, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier cut.
  9. Lemon Caper Chicken: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of capers for a tangy, briny flavor.
  10. Lemon Butter Chicken with Veggies: Roast the chicken with vegetables like potatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini for a one-pan meal.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Freeze cooked lemon butter chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Special Equipment

  • Baking Dish: A deep, oven-safe dish (like a 9×13-inch glass baking dish) is perfect for holding the chicken and sauces while baking.
  • Meat Thermometer: Ensure the chicken is cooked to the right internal temperature (165°F or 74°C) without overcooking.
  • Citrus Juicer: For fresh, easy lemon juice extraction, a citrus juicer can help get the most juice from your lemons.
  • Garlic Press: Quickly crush fresh garlic cloves for maximum flavor in the butter sauce.
  • Zester or Grater: Zest the lemon for extra fragrance and flavor to enhance the overall dish.
  • Basting Brush: Apply the lemon butter sauce evenly over the chicken for a glossy, flavorful finish.
  • Oven-Safe Skillet: If you want a crispy skin, start cooking the chicken in a stovetop-safe skillet and then transfer it to the oven.
  • Aluminum Foil: For easy clean-up and to lock in moisture during the baking process, use foil to cover the chicken while baking.
  • Small Mixing Bowls: To prepare the lemon butter sauce, using small bowls makes mixing simple and efficient.
  • Tongs: For flipping the chicken or handling it without tearing the skin, a sturdy pair of tongs is ideal.

FAQ

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
    Yes, chicken thighs work well and stay juicy when baked in the lemon butter sauce. Just increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes if using bone-in thighs.
  2. Can I use store-bought lemon juice instead of fresh?
    Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but store-bought lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
  3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake when ready to serve.
  4. Can I use salted butter?
    Yes, but be sure to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe to taste since salted butter will add more salt to the dish.
  5. What can I serve with this chicken?
    This chicken pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or a light salad.

Conclusion

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The juicy chicken, paired with a tangy lemon butter sauce, creates a mouthwatering meal that’s both simple to prepare and impressive to serve. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

The bright, zesty flavor of lemon combined with the richness of butter makes each bite irresistible. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad, making it the ideal meal for any time of year.

I can’t wait to see your Baked Lemon Butter Chicken creations! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you bring this dish to life. Don’t forget to share your tips or any variations in the comments. Happy cooking!

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