Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a simple, yet incredibly flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and zesty lemon butter sauce. The chicken turns out perfectly juicy with a slightly crispy skin, all thanks to the buttery lemon marinade that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken. This dish is an easy-to-make weeknight dinner option that will feel like a special meal without requiring hours of preparation. Whether you serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad, Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is sure to impress your family and guests.

The bright, tangy flavors of lemon paired with the richness of butter make this chicken both refreshing and comforting at the same time. It’s the ideal balance of flavors that will have you coming back for more. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a dish to serve at a dinner party, this recipe can be adapted for different occasions and is versatile enough to work with various side dishes.

Why You’ll Love Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

• Perfectly Juicy Chicken: The marinade of butter, lemon, and garlic helps keep the chicken tender and moist while infusing it with delicious flavors. Baking the chicken ensures the skin becomes crispy, while the inside remains juicy.
• Simple Yet Flavorful: This recipe uses just a few ingredients, but the combination of lemon, butter, and garlic makes the chicken taste incredibly flavorful and gourmet. The natural flavors of the chicken shine through, enhanced by the rich sauce.
• Quick and Easy: The recipe requires only a short prep time and minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly: The balanced flavors of this chicken make it suitable for all ages. It’s not too spicy or overpowering, and the mild yet zesty taste is sure to please even picky eaters.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a dinner party, or a special holiday meal, Baked Lemon Butter Chicken will make a stunning main dish that works with a wide range of sides.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 2-3g
• Protein: 40-45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1-2g

Ingredients

For the Baked Lemon Butter Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if available)
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or fresh if available)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Optional Sauce (for serving):

• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or white wine)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for the chicken. While the oven heats up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking during the baking process and allow for easy cleanup afterward.

2. Make the Lemon Butter Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well-mixed and the butter is fully incorporated with the other ingredients. This flavorful marinade will give the chicken a rich, buttery flavor with a hint of brightness from the lemon.

3. Season the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the prepared baking dish. Pour the lemon butter marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. If you have time, marinate the chicken for 15 to 30 minutes in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to infuse the meat. However, if you’re short on time, you can proceed directly to baking.

Once the chicken is coated, sprinkle additional salt and pepper on top to enhance the flavor. If you like a more pronounced lemon flavor, you can add more lemon zest or juice at this stage.

4. Bake the Chicken

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts or thighs. The chicken should be cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). For extra crispy skin, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, but be sure to keep a close eye on the chicken to avoid burning.

If you’re cooking bone-in chicken or thicker pieces, it may take a little longer to cook, so check the internal temperature regularly with a meat thermometer.

5. Prepare the Optional Sauce (If Desired)

While the chicken is baking, you can prepare a simple sauce to serve with the chicken for added flavor. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the chicken broth (or white wine) and butter. Stir occasionally until the butter melts and the sauce simmers. Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to balance the richness, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce will enhance the chicken’s lemony goodness, making it even more flavorful.

Once the sauce is ready, remove it from heat and set it aside until the chicken is done.

6. Serve the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This will help keep the chicken tender and juicy.

Serve the chicken on a platter and drizzle it with the optional sauce if you made it. Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of lemon zest for a burst of color and added freshness.

This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.

Tips for Perfect Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To ensure the chicken stays juicy, be mindful of the cooking time. Overcooking the chicken can cause it to dry out, so use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
• Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh rosemary and thyme available, use them in place of the dried herbs. Fresh herbs have a more vibrant flavor and will add a fragrant aroma to the chicken.
• Marinate for Extra Flavor: Although you can bake the chicken immediately after seasoning it, marinating the chicken for at least 15-30 minutes will give it more flavor. You can even marinate it overnight for a deeper, more intense lemon-butter taste.
• Adjust the Lemon: If you love a strong lemon flavor, feel free to add more lemon juice or zest to both the marinade and the sauce. You can also add lemon slices on top of the chicken before baking for an extra lemony touch.
• Make it Spicy: For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or drizzle a little hot sauce over the chicken before baking.

Variations of Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

• Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs: Swap chicken breasts for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful result. The skin will crisp up beautifully, and the thighs will retain moisture throughout the baking process.
• Lemon Herb Chicken: Add a variety of fresh herbs like oregano, basil, or tarragon to the marinade for a more herbaceous flavor. This variation brings an extra layer of freshness to the dish.
• Garlic Parmesan Lemon Chicken: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the marinade or sprinkle some on top of the chicken during the last few minutes of baking. This adds a rich, cheesy crust that complements the lemon and butter perfectly.
• Lemon Butter Chicken with Vegetables: Add chopped vegetables such as asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini to the baking dish along with the chicken. The vegetables will roast in the lemon butter sauce and become infused with all the wonderful flavors.
• Crispy Lemon Butter Chicken: For a crispy exterior, bread the chicken breasts before baking. Dip the chicken in a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and lemon zest, then bake as usual for a crunchy texture.

Storage and Shelf Life

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Be sure to store any leftover sauce separately to prevent the chicken from becoming soggy. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil, then reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave the chicken, but be careful not to overcook it.

If you want to store the chicken for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen chicken can last up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-40 minutes, or until fully heated through.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

• Roasted Vegetables: Serve the chicken alongside a medley of roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts. The savory flavors of the vegetables complement the rich lemon butter sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower would be an excellent side to soak up the lemon butter sauce.
• Garlic Bread: Serve the chicken with warm, buttery garlic bread to dip into the sauce for an extra indulgence.
• Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette will provide a fresh contrast to the richness of the chicken.
• Rice Pilaf: A light and fluffy rice pilaf makes a great base for the chicken and will absorb all the wonderful lemony sauce.

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Conclusion

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation. With its juicy chicken, rich butter sauce, and bright lemon flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion. The recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for a special gathering. Paired with your favorite sides, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Give this delicious chicken recipe a try, and enjoy the perfect balance of buttery richness and zesty freshness!