If you’re craving a dish that blends bright, zesty flavors with comforting, buttery richness, this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender chicken breasts soaked in a luscious lemon butter sauce, infused with fragrant herbs and garlic, baked to juicy perfection. It’s an effortlessly elegant meal that brings warmth and freshness to your table, perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners when you want something both simple and impressive. Once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a favorite you’ll reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building the perfect harmony of flavor and texture. From the creamy butter that keeps the chicken moist to the bright lemon juice that wakes up the palate, every element is simple yet essential.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh, evenly sized breasts for uniform cooking and tenderness.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): This adds richness and helps create a silky sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Olive oil enhances flavor and prevents the chicken from sticking.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic infuses the dish with a warm, pungent depth that complements the lemon perfectly.
- Juice of 2 lemons: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish with zingy citrus notes.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Adds an extra punch of lemon aroma and flavor without bitterness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a herbaceous earthiness balancing the citrus and butter.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Thyme adds a subtle woodsy flavor that pairs wonderfully with chicken.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Brings a hint of sweetness and a touch of color.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential to enhance every flavor in the recipe.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a fresh, green garnish that livens up each bite visually and taste-wise.
- Lemon slices for garnish: Not only decorative but they contribute more fresh lemon fragrance while baking.
How to Make Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and help the chicken brown nicely. Setting the stage early ensures everything cooks evenly and comes out perfect.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. This vibrant mixture is where all the magic happens, combining richness with bright herbal and citrus notes that will soak into every bite of chicken.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, arranging them evenly. Pour the lemon butter mixture all over the chicken, making sure each breast is beautifully coated. Don’t be shy about getting every nook and cranny covered—this is what keeps the chicken juicy and full of flavor.
Step 4: Add Lemon Slices and Bake
Top the chicken breasts with the lemon slices. These slices not only look stunning but release gentle lemon oils during baking for an extra layer of aroma and taste. Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The juices will bubble up, making your kitchen smell amazing as the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Once baked, spoon some of the pan juices over the chicken to keep it moist and bursting with flavor. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if you like for a pop of color and fresh flavor that complements the lemon and herbs beautifully.
How to Serve Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a fantastic topping to brighten the plate both visually and flavor-wise. You can also add a few extra lemon slices or thinly sliced green onions for a fresh, crisp layer. These simple touches make the meal feel special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with classic mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice to soak up the luscious lemon butter sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans add texture and a healthy dose of green, making the whole meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lively presentation, serve the chicken on a colorful platter lined with greens like spinach or arugula, scatter fresh herbs on top, and drape lemon wedges alongside to invite guests to squeeze more lemon juice as they wish. This simple plating elevates your dinner into an experience your friends and family will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. The chicken will stay delicious for up to three days, absorbing even more of the lemon butter flavor as it rests overnight.
Freezing
To freeze, let the chicken cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Wrapped properly, the Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your chicken gently in the oven at 300°F while covered with foil to prevent drying out. You can also warm it on the stovetop with a splash of water or extra butter to refresh the sauce and keep the meat tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and tend to stay even juicier thanks to their higher fat content. Just adjust the baking time slightly to ensure they cook through.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free since none of the ingredients contain gluten. It’s a perfect choice if you’re wanting a flavorful gluten-free meal.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with a vegan butter or extra olive oil. The dish will still be packed with flavor and moisture without the dairy.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
While this recipe doesn’t require marinating, letting the chicken soak in the lemon butter mixture for 30 minutes to an hour before baking will deepen the flavors and make the chicken even more tender.
What sides go best with lemon butter chicken?
Rice, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables are classic options, but you can also try quinoa, steamed broccoli, or a crisp salad for variety and texture contrast.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe is like inviting sunshine to your dinner table. It’s simple, satisfying, and bursting with delightful flavors that feel both comforting and fresh. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe promises to impress and become a go-to in your recipe collection. So grab those ingredients and get ready for a delicious meal that’s ready in just 40 minutes—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Experience the bright, rich flavors of this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken recipe, featuring tender chicken breasts baked in a zesty lemon butter sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a hint of paprika. This easy-to-make, gluten-free and low-carb main course is perfect for a healthy family dinner or meal prep, delivering juicy, flavorful chicken every time.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Lemon Butter Sauce
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare Lemon Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful sauce for the chicken.
- Coat Chicken: Place the chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the lemon butter mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated to maximize flavor absorption.
- Add Lemon Slices: Arrange lemon slices on top of the chicken breasts to infuse additional citrus aroma during baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
- Serve: Spoon some of the pan juices over the baked chicken breasts to enhance moisture and flavor. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, then serve immediately with your preferred sides.
Notes
- For even juicier chicken, swap chicken breasts for thighs or marinate the chicken in the lemon butter mixture for 30 minutes before baking.
- Serve this dish alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
