There is something truly irresistible about a perfectly cooked chicken breast bathed in bright, zesty lemon and rich, velvety butter, and that’s exactly what makes this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe a shining star on any dinner table. This dish is an absolute delight with its harmonious blend of tangy citrus and savory herbs, all wrapped in a luscious buttery sauce that seeps into the tender chicken. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual weeknight meal, this recipe brings incredible flavor with effortless steps and ingredients you probably already have on hand. Get ready to fall in love with every bite of this easy yet elegant Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, creating a flavor profile that is bright, herbaceous, and comforting all at once. Each one plays its part — butter for richness, lemon for zing, and herbs for that fresh, earthy touch — making the dish irresistibly balanced and colorful.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect lean protein base that soaks up all the buttery lemon goodness.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Adds a luscious creaminess and helps create that rich sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sear the chicken for a golden crust and added depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A warm, savory undertone that complements the fresh aromatics.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances flavor complexity without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings a subtle herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with lemon.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an earthy, slightly peppery character.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential to enhance all the natural flavors in the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle kick of spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a touch of heat that wakes up the palate.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: The star of the show that brings bright, zesty freshness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Intensifies that citrus punch and adds a lovely texture.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist while adding savory depth.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: A final burst of color and freshness.
How to Make Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures your oven is nice and hot for an even and beautiful bake that locks in moisture and flavor.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
In a skillet 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. Mix these aromatics and spices into the butter until fragrant, which creates the flavor-packed base for your sauce.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with garlic powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. This step locks in flavor and juices.
Step 4: Add Lemon and Broth
Pour fresh lemon juice and lemon zest into the skillet along with the chicken broth. Stir gently to combine everything, making sure the sauce envelops the chicken breasts fully for that signature tangy, buttery flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet or chicken breasts arranged in a baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is cooked through. This slow baking step ensures the chicken is juicy and tender inside while the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Spoon the luscious lemon butter sauce over the top and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. This final touch elevates your Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe to something truly special.
How to Serve Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a fantastic, natural garnish that adds brightness and a splash of vibrant green. For an extra citrus boost, a few thin lemon slices on top can make the presentation as stunning as the taste.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up the buttery lemon sauce. Think creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even roasted vegetables like asparagus and green beans. Each side complements and balances the rich and tangy flavors perfectly, creating a meal that feels both homey and elevated.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive presentation, serve your Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe on a large platter with extra lemon wedges and sprigs of fresh herbs. Alternatively, place chicken breasts atop a bed of herbed couscous or quinoa to add a nutritional twist and appealing visual contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover chicken and sauce into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked chicken along with its lemon butter sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. To preserve texture and flavor, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers slowly over low heat on the stovetop or in a low oven, covered, to keep the chicken tender and avoid drying it out. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken while reheating to keep every bite moist and flavorful, just like when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully with this recipe and will offer an even juicier, richer flavor. Just adjust the baking time slightly to ensure they cook through thoroughly.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the butter for a good quality dairy-free margarine or olive oil to keep things buttery but dairy-free. The olive oil already adds some of that richness you want.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh lemon juice?
If fresh lemon juice isn’t available, bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, though fresh really brings the best brightness and flavor. You can also try a mix of lemon zest and a bit of vinegar for acidity.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or skillet. Keep an eye on cooking times, as bigger quantities might need a few extra minutes in the oven.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer; the chicken is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, make sure the juices run clear when you cut into the thickest part.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to meals for its incredible flavor and ease of preparation. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and special, perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as a tasty solo treat. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to savor chicken in a whole new light — I promise, it’s worth every bite!
Print
Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts infused with a zesty lemon butter sauce and aromatic herbs. Perfectly seared on the stovetop and finished in the oven, this flavorful dish is easy to prepare and makes a delicious, elegant meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Butter and Oil
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings
- 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
Lemon and Broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Melt Butter and Combine with Olive Oil: In a small pan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and stir in the olive oil to form the base sauce.
- Prep Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure even browning during searing.
- Mix Seasonings into Butter Mixture: Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the melted butter and olive oil mixture, stirring well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Season Chicken: Thoroughly coat each chicken breast with the seasoning mixture on both sides.
- Heat Skillet and Add Lemon Elements: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to the butter mixture, stirring to blend the flavors.
- Sear Chicken: Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour chicken broth into the skillet with the chicken to enhance moisture and flavor during baking.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the skillet with chicken to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is cooked through.
- Prepare Extra Butter Mixture: While baking, melt extra unsalted butter as needed to spoon over the chicken before serving for additional lemon butter flavor.
- Rest Chicken: After baking, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute for optimal tenderness.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken breasts to add a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Serve and Drizzle Sauce: Spoon some of the buttery lemon sauce from the skillet over the chicken for added moisture and flavor just before serving.
- Enjoy: Serve the baked lemon butter chicken with your favorite side dishes such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry ensures a better sear and browning.
- Use an oven-safe skillet for easy transfer from stovetop to oven.
- Check chicken temperature with a meat thermometer for best results.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Leftover sauce can be drizzled over vegetables or starches for extra flavor.
