Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts baked in a rich, buttery lemon sauce. This easy recipe comes together in under an hour and is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright and flavorful: The combination of butter, garlic, and lemon creates a rich and tangy taste.
- Tender and juicy: Baking the chicken in a buttery sauce keeps it moist and delicious.
- Quick and easy: Requires minimal prep and only a few simple ingredients.
- Versatile: Pairs well with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- Butter (melted)
- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Garlic (minced)
- Chicken broth
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chicken broth.
- Assemble: Place the chicken in the baking dish and pour the lemon butter sauce over the top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Herb-infused: Add fresh rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
- Creamy version: Stir in a bit of heavy cream or Parmesan for a richer sauce.
- Spicy kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables.
- Bone-in chicken: Use bone-in thighs or drumsticks, adjusting the baking time as needed.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating:
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm in a pan with a bit of butter over medium heat.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs work well and stay extra juicy.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Bake covered for most of the time, and let it rest before slicing to keep the juices inside.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and marinate the chicken in the lemon butter sauce, then bake when ready.
What can I serve with lemon butter chicken?
It pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, rice, or a fresh salad.
Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?
Absolutely! Add asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for a complete meal.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch with the chicken broth before baking.
Can I grill this chicken instead?
Yes! Grill over medium heat for about 6–7 minutes per side, brushing with the lemon butter sauce.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature is 165°F (75°C).
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels to be sure.
Conclusion
Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a quick, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tangy, buttery sauce and tender chicken, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious homemade meal!
Print
Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a simple and flavorful dish featuring juicy, oven-baked chicken breasts smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon and herbs. It’s an easy, one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for balance)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat & Prep the Chicken:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
2. Sear the Chicken (Optional for Extra Flavor):
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
3. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, honey, and red pepper flakes.
4. Bake the Chicken:
- Pour the lemon butter sauce over the chicken in the skillet (or transfer to a baking dish).
- Top with lemon slices and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Serve & Enjoy:
- Spoon extra sauce over the chicken before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Want it crispier? Broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end.
- Prefer thighs? Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Dairy-free? Use olive oil instead of butter.
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