This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. The juicy chicken is baked in a luscious lemon-butter sauce, infused with garlic and herbs, creating a bright and savory flavor profile. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and pairs beautifully with rice, veggies, or potatoes.
Recipe Overview
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier results)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons (one juiced, one sliced)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with a bit of olive oil or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, paprika, and chili flakes if using.
3. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.
4. Assemble: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the chicken. Add lemon slices on top and around the chicken for extra flavor.
5. Bake: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is golden brown on top.
6. Broil for Extra Color (Optional): For a beautifully browned finish, broil the chicken on high for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
7. Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dishes: Pair with roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a fresh green salad.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or sautéed spinach.
- Bread for Dipping: Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful lemon-butter sauce.
Tips & Variations
- Juicier Chicken: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra moisture and flavor.
- Herb Variations: Swap oregano and thyme with fresh rosemary, basil, or dill for a different twist.
- Make It Creamy: Add ¼ cup of heavy cream to the lemon butter sauce for a rich, creamy version.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to maintain juiciness.
Enjoy the zesty, buttery goodness of this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken—a dish that’s as easy as it is delicious!
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Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. The juicy chicken is baked in a luscious lemon-butter sauce, infused with garlic and herbs, creating a bright and savory flavor profile. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and pairs beautifully with rice, veggies, or potatoes.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier results)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons (one juiced, one sliced)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with a bit of olive oil or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, paprika, and chili flakes if using.
3. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.
4. Assemble: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the chicken. Add lemon slices on top and around the chicken for extra flavor.
5. Bake: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is golden brown on top.
6. Broil for Extra Color (Optional): For a beautifully browned finish, broil the chicken on high for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
7. Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon if desired.
Notes
- Juicier Chicken: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra moisture and flavor.
- Herb Variations: Swap oregano and thyme with fresh rosemary, basil, or dill for a different twist.
- Make It Creamy: Add ¼ cup of heavy cream to the lemon butter sauce for a rich, creamy version.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to maintain juiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~350 kcal per serving