If you are craving a dish that feels like sunshine on a plate, you will absolutely adore this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe. It’s an easy-to-make meal that combines juicy, tender chicken breasts with the bright zestiness of fresh lemon and the rich, velvety goodness of butter. Each bite offers a perfect balance of savory herbs and a hint of warmth from red pepper flakes, creating a cozy yet refreshing flavor profile. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing friends over dinner, this recipe feels like a warm hug and a celebration all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe lies not just in its incredible taste but also in how straightforward the ingredient list is. Each item adds something essential—like the garlic powder and dried herbs that create irresistible aroma and depth, or the lemon juice and zest that impart lively brightness and acidity. Together, they build a dish that’s as much about comfort as it is about flavor harmony.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing a tender, juicy base that soaks up all the sauce’s flavor.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Melts into a luscious sauce, offering richness and that quintessential buttery taste.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps sear the chicken perfectly, adding a subtle fruitiness and preventing sticking.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives savory depth and a gentle garlic flavor without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the seasoning mix.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings an earthy herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with lemon.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a slightly peppery flavor that complements the other herbs.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly without being too salty.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of mild heat and spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Gently warms the palate for a subtle kick.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Delivers a vibrant tang that keeps the dish bright and fresh.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor with natural oils for extra zing.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce moist and adds savory background notes.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Sprinkled on top to boost color and add a fresh herbal burst.
How to Make Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking. While it’s warming up, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This simple step helps the chicken develop a beautiful golden-brown crust when seared.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Butter Mixture
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix in fresh lemon juice and zest, then add the chicken broth to create a flavorful sauce that perfectly blends butter’s richness with lemon’s brightness.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in a little olive oil to prevent sticking, then add the chicken breasts. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until they develop a golden-brown color. This step locks in juices and adds delicious caramelized flavor to the chicken.
Step 4: Coat and Bake
Arrange the seared chicken breasts in a single layer in your skillet or baking dish. Pour the prepared lemon butter sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure every piece is coated generously. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and keep every bite tender. Spoon some of the buttery sauce from the pan back over the chicken breasts. Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top to brighten the dish visually and with herbal freshness.
How to Serve Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but feel free to add thinly sliced lemon rounds or a few cracked black peppercorns for an added pop of color and texture. These little touches elevate the presentation and also refresh the palate.
Side Dishes
This baked lemon butter chicken shines when paired with simple yet complementary sides. Consider fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a light couscous salad. Each brings a balance to the richness of the chicken while keeping the overall meal satisfying and bright.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive meal, plate the chicken atop a bed of sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables. Drizzle extra sauce artfully around the plate for a restaurant-style presentation that’s surprisingly easy to achieve at home. Sharing this dish family-style, straight from the skillet, creates a warm and inviting dining atmosphere that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen after resting, making leftovers even tastier for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken breasts with the sauce for up to 2 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container or wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the juicy texture.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a microwave at a lower power setting. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Reheating slowly keeps the chicken moist and prevents the butter sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless breasts?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken adds flavor and stays juicy but may require a longer baking time. Just be sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Is it necessary to sear the chicken first?
Searing isn’t required but highly recommended as it creates that irresistible golden crust and locks in moisture, giving the chicken a richer taste and beautiful texture.
Can I substitute fresh herbs for dried ones?
Yes, fresh thyme and oregano can be used. Use about three times the amount called for with dried herbs since fresh ones are less concentrated in flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making this a safe and delicious option for those avoiding gluten.
How can I make this dish lower in calories?
Consider reducing the amount of butter or swapping it partially with olive oil. Also, using skinless chicken breasts keeps fat content lower while maintaining protein.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the way lemon and butter come together in this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe. It’s a dish that’s simple, comforting, and guaranteed to brighten up any meal with its fresh flavors and rich sauce. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite meals to make–and share. Once you experience that juicy, lemon-kissed bite, you’ll understand why it’s so beloved!
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Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken recipe features tender, juicy boneless skinless chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful lemon butter sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and spices. The chicken is first seared in a skillet then finished in the oven, resulting in a golden, succulent dish perfect for a quick and delicious dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Butter Sauce and Seasonings
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken later.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the olive oil and stir to combine.
- Add Seasonings to Butter: Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes into the melted butter and olive oil mixture. Stir well until all spices are evenly incorporated.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides thoroughly with the prepared seasoning mixture, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a little olive oil and sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Add Lemon and Broth: Pour the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth into the skillet with the chicken, stirring the butter mixture again before spooning or drizzling it over the chicken breasts for enhanced flavor.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken for a burst of freshness. Drizzle any remaining buttery lemon sauce from the skillet over the chicken breasts before serving. Enjoy with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Patting chicken breasts dry before seasoning helps the spices adhere better and promotes a nice sear.
- Use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring the chicken between pans.
- If you don’t have fresh lemon, substitute with 1 tablespoon bottled lemon juice and 1 teaspoon lemon zest.
- Check chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
- Leftover sauce can be drizzled over vegetables or rice for added flavor.
