Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish featuring juicy, tender chicken baked in a rich lemon-garlic butter sauce. With a perfect balance of tangy citrus and savory butter, this dish is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve it with rice, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich & Flavorful – The lemon-garlic butter sauce is both refreshing and savory.
• Juicy & Tender Chicken – Baking keeps the chicken moist and full of flavor.
• Quick & Easy – Just a few ingredients and minimal prep.
• Versatile & Customizable – Great with different herbs, spices, or side dishes.
• Family-Friendly – A dish that both kids and adults will love!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Garlic, minced
• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh parsley or thyme (for garnish)
• Lemon slices (for extra flavor and presentation)

Directions

1. Preheat & Prepare

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter.

2. Season the Chicken

• Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
• Season both sides with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

3. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and olive oil.

4. Assemble & Bake

• Place chicken in the prepared baking dish.
• Pour the lemon butter sauce over the chicken.
• Arrange lemon slices around the chicken for extra flavor.
• Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

5. Broil for a Golden Finish (Optional)

• Broil on high for 2-3 minutes to lightly brown the top.

6. Garnish & Serve

• Sprinkle with fresh parsley or thyme before serving.
• Serve hot with rice, roasted veggies, or mashed potatoes.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Extra Creamy – Stir in a splash of heavy cream before baking.
• Herb-Infused – Use fresh rosemary or oregano for an earthy flavor.
• Garlic Lovers – Double the amount of garlic for a bolder taste.
• Honey Lemon Chicken – Add 1 tablespoon of honey for a touch of sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes! Adjust the cooking time to 35-40 minutes for bone-in thighs or breasts.

What’s the best side dish for this recipe?

It pairs well with rice, roasted potatoes, steamed veggies, or a side salad.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes! Marinate the chicken in the lemon butter sauce for up to 12 hours before baking.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.

How do I prevent dry chicken?

Bake just until the internal temperature reaches 165°F to keep it juicy.

Can I grill this instead of baking?

Yes! Grill over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.

What’s the difference between lemon butter chicken and lemon garlic chicken?

Lemon butter chicken is richer and creamier, while lemon garlic chicken focuses more on citrus and garlic flavors.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute melted butter with olive oil or vegan butter.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir it into the sauce before baking.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! Add cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or asparagus to the baking dish for a one-pan meal.

Conclusion

This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a simple, flavorful, and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. With juicy chicken coated in a tangy garlic butter sauce, it’s easy to make yet packed with deliciousness. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!

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