There’s something truly comforting about a beautifully baked chicken dish. The aroma of garlic, butter, and fresh lemon wafting through the kitchen is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is the perfect balance of savory and citrusy, with a rich buttery sauce that keeps the chicken incredibly moist and flavorful.

This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner but elegant enough for entertaining guests. The bright, tangy lemon cuts through the richness of the butter, while garlic and herbs infuse every bite with deep, delicious flavor. Plus, it’s all baked in one dish, making cleanup a breeze!

Whether you’re looking for a new go-to chicken recipe or just want to switch things up, this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – A simple, no-fuss recipe that requires just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Incredibly Flavorful – The combination of butter, garlic, and lemon creates a sauce that’s rich, zesty, and absolutely delicious.
• Perfectly Moist Chicken – Baking the chicken in this luscious sauce ensures that every bite is juicy and tender.
• Versatile – Pair it with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Great for Meal Prep – The leftovers taste just as good (if not better) the next day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Juice of 1 large lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon slices (for garnish)

How to Make Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this helps the seasonings stick better and ensures a nice texture.

Place the chicken in a baking dish large enough to hold them in a single layer. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken, then season with salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, and thyme. Rub the seasoning in well so every inch of the chicken is coated in flavor.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Stir everything together until well combined.

Pour this flavorful sauce over the chicken in the baking dish. If you want extra lemony goodness, place a few thin slices of lemon on top of each chicken breast.

Step 3: Bake Until Perfectly Juicy

Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

About halfway through baking, use a spoon to baste the chicken with the buttery sauce—this keeps it extra juicy and ensures maximum flavor.

Step 4: Broil for a Golden Finish

For a slightly crispy, golden top, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken nice and moist.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with your favorite side dishes. Drizzle some of that incredible lemon butter sauce over the top for extra flavor!

Helpful Tips

• Use Fresh Lemon – Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a big difference in flavor compared to bottled lemon juice.
• Don’t Skip the Basting – Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken halfway through baking to keep it ultra-moist.
• Check for Doneness – Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Let It Rest – Allowing the chicken to sit for a few minutes before serving helps retain all the juices.
• Add Vegetables – For an easy one-pan meal, toss some asparagus, green beans, or sliced bell peppers into the dish before baking.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Notes

• If using bone-in, skin-on chicken, adjust the cooking time to 35-40 minutes for proper doneness.
• For a dairy-free version, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative like vegan butter or extra olive oil.
• You can marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before baking for even more flavor

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 42g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 480mg

(These values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs will work beautifully in this recipe. Since they have more fat, they tend to be even juicier. Just extend the bake time by about 5 minutes if using bone-in thighs.

How Can I Make This Recipe Creamier?

If you love a creamy sauce, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream to the lemon butter sauce before baking. It adds a rich, luxurious texture.

What Sides Go Well With Baked Lemon Butter Chicken?

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides! Here are some great options:

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Steamed or roasted vegetables
• Rice pilaf or quinoa
• A simple green salad

Can I Meal Prep This Dish?

Absolutely! This chicken stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave it for a quick meal.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: This dish freezes well! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken, you might enjoy these other delicious dishes:

• French Chicken Casserole à la Normande
• Honey Lemon Pepper Wings: A Perfect Blend of Sweet, Tangy, and Savory
• Honey Lemon Pepper Wings: A Sticky, Zesty Delight
• Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Classic

Conclusion

This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a must-try recipe that’s bursting with fresh, zesty flavors and a rich buttery sauce. It’s an easy, comforting dish that works for both busy weeknights and special occasions. The best part? It comes together in under an hour with minimal cleanup!

Print