If you’re in search of a comforting yet bright and flavorful meal, this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe is a total game-changer. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts bathed in a luscious lemon butter sauce, infused with garlic and fresh herbs, creating a dish that feels both indulgent and fresh. The balance of zesty lemon and rich butter elevates simple ingredients into something truly special, perfect for family dinners or impressing guests without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly straightforward and each one plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture that bring this dish to life.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds total): The hearty foundation providing tender, juicy protein.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough mild heat and depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Intensifies the garlicky notes alongside fresh garlic.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a warm color and subtle earthiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Contributes a gentle herbal aroma that pairs beautifully with lemon.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Creates the rich, silky sauce that coats the chicken.
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Infuses vibrant citrus brightness essential for zingy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Adds concentrated lemon oils for an extra burst of freshness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with pungent, aromatic goodness.
- 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth to the sauce without overpowering it.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for greasing the baking dish to keep chicken from sticking.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Offers a bright, herbaceous finish and pops of color.
- Lemon slices (for garnish): Keeps things fresh and visually inviting for plating.
How to Make Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly with olive oil to keep the chicken moist and to prevent sticking. Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this step ensures seasonings stick well and helps the chicken bake evenly.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme. These spices create a flavorful crust that complements the saucy lemon butter perfectly.
Step 3: Arrange and Mix the Sauce
Place the seasoned chicken breasts evenly into the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and chicken broth to form the luscious lemon butter sauce you’ll pour over the chicken.
Step 4: Bake and Baste
Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure they’re well-coated. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Halfway through baking, baste the chicken with pan juices to boost flavor and keep the chicken juicy.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices. Then spoon the rich lemon butter sauce over the chicken and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices for a fresh, colorful touch.
How to Serve Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and a few thin lemon slices not only brighten the presentation but also add crisp, fresh notes that balance the butter richness flawlessly. Garnishing elevates the dish and makes it feel restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or a medley of roasted vegetables. These sides soak up the lemon butter sauce fantastically and round out a well-balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken on a bed of mixed greens for a light, elegant twist. Or arrange slices on a platter garnished with additional lemon wedges and fresh herbs for entertaining. For a cozy weeknight meal, serve alongside garlic bread to savor every buttery, lemony drop of the sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken moist and flavorful, making for a delightful next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken breasts with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for a quick and delicious meal anytime.
Reheating
When reheating, warm gently in the microwave or in a low oven to avoid drying out the chicken. Spoon extra sauce over the top to keep it luscious and moist upon serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to stay even more tender. Just keep in mind they may need a few extra minutes in the oven to reach a safe internal temperature.
Is it necessary to use fresh lemon juice and zest?
Using fresh lemon juice and zest really amps up the brightness and fresh flavor in this dish. Bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but the fresh ingredients make all the difference.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can season the chicken and prepare the lemon butter sauce a few hours ahead, keeping them refrigerated separately and baking just before serving for maximum freshness.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, water can be used, though it won’t add as much flavor. A splash of white wine or vegetable broth can also add nice depth.
How do I get extra browning on the chicken?
For a beautifully browned top, broil the chicken for the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels effortlessly special, perfect for weeknights or weekend dinners with friends. It’s easy to make but delivers big on vibrant, buttery, lemony flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the simple joy this dish brings to your table as much as I do!
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Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken recipe offers a flavorful and juicy main course perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The tender chicken breasts are seasoned with a blend of spices and baked in a luscious lemon butter sauce infused with garlic and fresh lemon zest. Garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices, this dish is both comforting and elegant, pairing beautifully with rice or roasted vegetables while keeping the meal gluten-free.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds total)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Lemon Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
Additional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Fresh lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the baking dish. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Season the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme to ensure a balanced and aromatic flavor profile.
- Arrange chicken in dish. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, ensuring even spacing to allow for uniform cooking.
- Prepare the lemon butter sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and low sodium chicken broth until well combined. This sauce will keep the chicken moist and infuse it with bright citrus flavor.
- Pour sauce over chicken. Evenly pour the lemon butter mixture over the chicken breasts, coating each piece thoroughly to maximize flavor absorption during baking.
- Bake the chicken. Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Baste halfway through cooking. At approximately 15 minutes into baking, spoon the pan juices over the chicken breasts to enhance moisture and deepen the flavor.
- Rest the chicken. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender texture.
- Finish and garnish. Spoon the lemon butter sauce over the chicken before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and fresh lemon slices for a bright, fresh presentation.
Notes
- For extra browning and a slight crisp on the chicken, broil the dish for the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking, watching closely to avoid burning.
- This recipe pairs wonderfully with side dishes such as rice, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts; they may require a slightly longer baking time of about 35 to 40 minutes depending on thickness.
