If you are craving a dish that combines the bright, zesty flavors of lemon with the rich, velvety taste of butter, then this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe is just what you need. It is incredibly simple to make, yet it offers an impressive burst of flavor that feels both comforting and sophisticated. Tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious lemon butter sauce make every bite irresistibly juicy and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each one playing a vital role in creating a well-balanced dish. From fragrant herbs to fresh lemon juice, these essentials come together to bring flavor, moisture, and color that make the Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe truly shine.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base providing tender, juicy bites.
1/4 cup unsalted butter: Creates the rich, buttery sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps in searing the chicken and layering flavor.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a comforting, aromatic note to the seasoning.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Gives a subtle sweetness and depth to the flavor profile.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Infuses an earthy, herbal essence that complements the lemon.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Enhances the Mediterranean flair with its fragrant warmth.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together and seasoning the chicken.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and a hint of spice.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Provides a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with refreshing citrus acidity.
1 tablespoon lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor with fragrant oils from the peel.
1/4 cup chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist during baking and enriches the sauce.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a pop of green color and fresh herbal brightness as a garnish.

How to Make Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures the chicken cooks through evenly while allowing the outside to develop a golden, inviting color.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Butter Mixture

In a small pan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and add the olive oil. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until everything is combined beautifully and fragrant. This mixture forms the flavor-packed base of your dish.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Pat your boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear. Coat each breast thoroughly with the seasoning blend you just made, making sure to cover all sides evenly for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the olive oil and sear the chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden-brown crust that locks in juices and texture before baking.

Step 5: Add Liquids and Combine

Pour in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth directly into the skillet. Stir gently to blend the sauce ingredients, ensuring each chicken breast is well coated with this tangy, buttery mixture ready for the oven.

Step 6: Bake the Chicken

Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until an internal thermometer reads 165°F (75°C). This guarantees tender, fully cooked chicken bathed in flavorful lemon butter sauce.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

When done, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to redistribute the juices. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of freshness and an inviting pop of color.

How to Serve Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley brightens the dish with color and a fresh herbal note, perfectly balancing the richness of the lemon butter sauce. Adding a thin lemon wheel on top can also enhance the presentation and amplify that lemony aroma.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple steamed vegetables, roasted asparagus, or a light salad to complement its creamy citrus sauce. For something heartier, buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy rice work wonders soaking up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken directly from the skillet to keep the sauce warm and inviting at the table. For an elevated presentation, plate each chicken breast individually and drizzle extra sauce around it with delicately placed herbs or lemon zest curls. This approach adds a touch of rustic elegance that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making your next meal just as delicious.

Freezing

This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe freezes well. Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the oven to maintain moisture and prevent the chicken from drying out. Adding a splash of chicken broth or a bit of water can refresh the sauce during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used and will add more richness and juiciness to the dish, albeit with a slightly different texture. Adjust baking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken first?

Searing is highly recommended because it locks in the chicken’s juices and creates that beautiful golden crust that enhances both flavor and appearance. You can skip it, but you might lose some delicious texture.

Can I prepare this recipe without dairy butter?

Yes, you can substitute butter with a high-quality olive oil or a dairy-free margarine if you need a dairy-free option, though butter adds a unique richness that really helps carry the flavors.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. Just be careful not to overpower the citrus and herb flavors that make this dish special.

What sides pair best with Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe?

Light sides like steamed green beans, roasted vegetables, or jasmine rice complement the zesty butter sauce well. For a comforting touch, buttery mashed potatoes soak up the sauce beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the cozy feeling of a home-cooked meal that tastes as bright and flavorful as this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of simplicity and savory delight that you’ll want to make again and again. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple on your dinner table.

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.4 from 35 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts simmered in a flavorful lemon butter sauce with garlic, herbs, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Baked to perfection in the oven, this delicious and easy-to-make dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Butter Sauce

1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
Prepare butter sauce: In a small saucepan or skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and add the olive oil. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until combined.
Season chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Generously season both sides of each chicken breast with the prepared seasoning mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
Sear chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Add liquids: Pour the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth into the skillet. Stir the butter mixture again to combine and pour it evenly over the chicken breasts.
Bake chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Rest chicken: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken. Spoon some of the buttery lemon sauce from the skillet over the chicken breasts for added flavor and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help the spices stick better.
If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can sear the chicken in a regular pan and then transfer it to a baking dish before adding the butter mixture and baking.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Fresh lemon juice and zest enhance the flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be substituted in a pinch.
This recipe pairs well with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American