There’s something truly magical about the way a simple chicken dish can turn a regular weeknight into a cozy family gathering. I remember the first time I made Baked Lemon Butter Chicken; the zesty aroma filled my kitchen as I prepped it, and soon enough, my loved ones were drawn in, eyes wide with anticipation. The combination of bright lemon, creamy butter, and tender chicken creates a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate, leaving everyone wanting more.

This dish is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re craving a comforting meal after a long day or planning a cozy dinner with friends. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, meaning you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with the people you love. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into the deliciousness that is Baked Lemon Butter Chicken!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to prepare: Perfect for busy weeknights.
• Minimal ingredients: All fresh, easy to find, and budget-friendly!
• Comforting and flavorful: The citrusy zest mingles beautifully with the richness of butter.
• Perfect for meal prepping: Tastes even better the next day!
• Versatile: Pair it with rice, salads, or even crusty bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this zesty dish to life:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (the bright yellow skin of your lemon)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powder!)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now for the fun part! Let’s get cooking.

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your chicken gets that perfectly baked texture.
2. Prep your chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps the butter and seasonings adhere better.
3. Mix the magic: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it a good whisk to combine everything.
4. Arrange the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish in a single layer. You can coat them with cooking spray if you’d like or just use the melted butter mix.
5. Pour it on: Drizzle the lemon butter mixture evenly over the chicken. Make sure each piece is coated beautifully!
6. Bake away: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and has a lovely golden color.
7. Check the temperature: Your chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
8. Garnish and serve: Take the chicken out of the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy!

And voilà! You’ve got yourself a wholesome dish that’s bursting with flavor.

Pro Tips & Variations

Want to jazz things up a bit? Here are some fun twists and cooking tips:

• Spice it up: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a subtle kick.
• Herb variations: Feel free to use fresh herbs if you have them! Thyme and oregano can be swapped out for rosemary, basil, or even dill.
• Sour cream twist: For a creamy version, mix in a couple of tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt into the butter mixture for a richer sauce.
• Veggie lover? Add some sliced zucchini or asparagus to the baking dish. They cook beautifully alongside the chicken and soak up all that delicious lemon butter flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is ready, let’s talk about how to serve it! I love to lay the chicken on a fluffy bed of jasmine rice, allowing the buttery sauce to drench the grains, creating a blissfully comforting meal. You can also serve it with a vibrant salad topped with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the chicken.

If you’re feeling a little indulgent, a side of crusty bread—perfect for mopping up all that lemony goodness—is a must! And for the beverage? A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with a hint of lemon is just the thing to elevate the experience. It’s the kind of meal that invites laughter and storytelling around the dinner table.

Storage Tips

Leftovers? Yes, please! Here’s how to store and reheat without losing that delightful flavor:

• Refrigerating: Allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: If you want to save it for later, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave it but be careful not to overcook, as that can lead to dry chicken.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Bone-in chicken will work beautifully too. Just extend the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the chicken and let it marinate in the sauce for a few hours or even overnight. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy it!

What’s the best way to get a crispy skin on the chicken?

If you prefer a crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

Can I use other proteins besides chicken?

Sure! This lemon butter sauce would also pair wonderfully with fish or shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time since seafood cooks much quicker.

What should I do if I don’t have fresh lemon?

You can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, but fresh lemon really brings out the best flavor! If you have lemon extract, you could use that too, but just a drop or two will do!

Can I double the recipe?

You bet! This recipe scales up beautifully. Just use a larger baking dish to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly. Keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary with larger quantities.

Conclusion

I hope you feel inspired to make Baked Lemon Butter Chicken and fill your home with its delightful aroma. Remember, it’s not just about the food; it’s about the memories you create while sharing a meal with loved ones. I’d love to hear how your chicken turns out or any variations you try! Feel free to drop a comment below or share your experience. Happy cooking!

Irresistible Baked Lemon Butter Chkn Easy Delish Recipe

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Discover this easy delish recipe for Baked Lemon Butter Chkn that guarantees juicy flavor in every bite Perfect for your weeknight dinner

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted

3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)

1 tablespoon of lemon zest

4 cloves of garlic, minced

1 teaspoon of dried oregano

1 teaspoon of dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.

In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine.

Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish in a single layer.

Drizzle the lemon butter mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown.

Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

A simple yet delightful chicken dish that combines the flavors of lemon, butter, and garlic, perfect for any occasion.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 0g
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 35g

Keywords: chicken, lemon, butter, quick dinner, easy recipe, family meal