Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Introduction

If you’re looking for a recipe that combines bright, zesty flavors with melt-in-your-mouth tender chicken, look no further than Baked Lemon Butter Chicken! This dish is a true crowd-pleaser—perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or any time you want to indulge in a little comfort food with a citrusy twist. The lemon butter sauce is rich yet refreshing, infusing the chicken with an incredible depth of flavor, while baking ensures it stays juicy and tender. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that delivers big on taste and is guaranteed to become a household favorite. So, let’s get cooking and bring this tangy, buttery masterpiece to your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons why Baked Lemon Butter Chicken will win a place in your heart and your dinner rotation. Let’s take a look at what makes this dish so special:

• Zesty and Flavorful: The combination of lemon and butter creates a perfect balance of richness and brightness.
• Juicy and Tender Chicken: Baking the chicken ensures it’s tender and juicy, without any dryness.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
• Family-Friendly: This recipe is a hit with all ages, making it great for family dinners.
• Versatile: Serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite veggies for a complete meal.
• Comforting Yet Fresh: The buttery sauce brings comfort, while the lemon adds a fresh and invigorating touch.
• Great for Special Occasions: Whether you’re hosting guests or cooking for a special family meal, this dish looks impressive and tastes even better.
• Minimal Prep Time: You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to make this incredible dish.
• Perfect for Weeknight Dinners: Simple enough for a weeknight, but sophisticated enough to feel like a treat.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Fat: 23g, Carbohydrates: 5g, Fiber: 1g

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to bring your Baked Lemon Butter Chicken to life:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or your favorite herbs)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Lemon Butter Sauce:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender, and quick to cook, chicken breasts are a perfect base for this flavorful dish.
• Lemon: The fresh lemon juice and zest provide the zingy, citrusy notes that bring this dish to life.
• Butter: Rich and creamy, butter is the key to making the sauce smooth and indulgent.
• Garlic: A little garlic goes a long way in adding depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Herbs: A mix of basil, oregano, thyme, and parsley complements the lemon, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is easy, and you’ll be amazed at how delicious it turns out. Follow these simple steps:

Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature helps create a golden, slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
2. Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Drizzle olive oil over both sides, then season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Rub the seasonings into the chicken to ensure it’s evenly coated.
3. Sear the Chicken (Optional): For an extra layer of flavor, you can sear the chicken in a hot skillet with a little olive oil for about 2 minutes on each side, just until golden. This step is optional but highly recommended if you want to enhance the flavor and texture of the chicken.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish: After seasoning (and searing, if desired), place the chicken breasts into a baking dish. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.

Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

1. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
2. Add Lemon: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, basil, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Pour Over Chicken: Pour the lemon butter sauce over the chicken breasts, making sure they are well-coated. You can spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to make sure it’s evenly distributed.

Bake the Chicken

1. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.
2. Check for Doneness: To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the dish from the oven.

Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and freshness.
2. Serve: Serve the chicken with your favorite side dishes—rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad all make fantastic pairings. Drizzle any remaining lemon butter sauce from the pan over the chicken for extra flavor.

How to Serve

Here are some creative ideas to serve your Baked Lemon Butter Chicken:

1. Serve with Rice: A bowl of fluffy rice is the perfect accompaniment to soak up the delicious lemon butter sauce.
2. Pair with Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or roasted broccoli complement the zesty chicken and add a healthy touch.
3. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a great option if you’re looking for something comforting to pair with the chicken.
4. On a Bed of Greens: Serve the chicken on a bed of mixed greens for a fresh and light option.
5. Make a Chicken Salad: Leftover chicken can be chopped up and tossed into a fresh salad with a lemon vinaigrette dressing.
6. Lemon Garlic Pasta: For a heartier meal, serve the chicken alongside lemon garlic pasta to keep the citrus theme going.

Additional Tips

Here are some helpful tips to get the best results from this recipe:

1. Use Fresh Lemon: For the best flavor, always use fresh lemon juice and zest rather than bottled lemon juice.
2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep your chicken juicy and tender, make sure not to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
3. Add Veggies: If you want to add some extra veggies to the dish, consider roasting some baby potatoes or carrots alongside the chicken.
4. Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to help retain its juices.
5. Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the lemon butter sauce.
6. Double the Sauce: If you love sauce, feel free to double the lemon butter mixture to make sure there’s plenty to drizzle over your sides as well.

Recipe Variations

Want to switch things up? Try one of these variations:

• Herb Variations: Swap out the oregano and basil for fresh thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
• Lemon and Parmesan: Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce for a rich, cheesy twist.
• Add White Wine: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the lemon juice for a deeper flavor.
• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer chicken thighs, feel free to swap them in; just adjust the cooking time to ensure they cook through.

Freezing and Storage

Here’s how to store or freeze your Baked Lemon Butter Chicken:

• Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
• Reheat: To keep the chicken juicy, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, basting with a little extra lemon butter sauce if needed.

Special Equipment

While this recipe is simple, here are some tools that can make it even easier:

• Meat Thermometer: Ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly with an instant-read thermometer.
• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish is the perfect size for this recipe.
• Saucepan: You’ll need a small saucepan to prepare the lemon butter sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If you’re curious about any details or need a little extra guidance, this FAQ section has got you covered! Here are some common questions people ask about Baked Lemon Butter Chicken, along with the answers to help make your cooking experience even smoother.

Can I make the lemon butter sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove before using.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! You can use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through than breasts. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

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Conclusion

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a simple, flavorful, and family-friendly dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With its rich lemon butter sauce and tender chicken, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to time and time again. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations!