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Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines juicy baked chicken thighs or breasts with a bright and tangy lemon butter sauce. Infused with fresh garlic and herbs, this recipe offers perfectly balanced flavors and tender, succulent chicken that is easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 bone-in or boneless chicken thighs or breasts

Lemon Butter Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Juice of 2 fresh lemons
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped

Seasoning and Oil

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance natural flavors.
  2. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned. Stir in fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, then add the chopped fresh herbs to infuse the sauce with aroma.
  3. Combine and Bake: Place the seasoned chicken in a baking dish. Drizzle the lemon butter sauce evenly over the chicken. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
  4. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with additional fresh herbs and thin lemon slices before serving for an inviting presentation.

Notes

  • Patting the chicken dry helps achieve perfectly crisp skin.
  • Use fresh lemons for a brighter, more vibrant lemon flavor.
  • Check the internal temperature to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C) to keep it juicy.
  • Allow the chicken to rest after baking to retain moisture.
  • Pour the lemon butter sauce over the chicken before baking for maximum flavor absorption.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh or breast with sauce
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg

Keywords: Baked Lemon Butter Chicken, lemon chicken, baked chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, gluten free chicken, lemon garlic chicken, buttery lemon chicken