Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Introduction

When it comes to weeknight dinners, it’s easy to fall into a rut of quick and easy, but not necessarily exciting, meals. Enter this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken a simple yet flavorful dish that takes just a bit of time to prepare but delivers a punch of flavor that will make everyone at the table sit up and take notice. The chicken is tender, juicy, and smothered in a buttery lemon sauce that’s bright, zesty, and just the right amount of indulgent.

I’ve always been a fan of lemon chicken. It’s light, fresh, and the citrusy tang pairs beautifully with the richness of butter. But when you bake it? Magic happens. The chicken soaks up the lemon butter sauce, becoming incredibly moist and flavorful while still retaining that satisfying crispness on the outside. It’s the perfect combination of simplicity and elegance.

I first made this recipe for a family dinner, and it quickly became a household favorite. It’s the kind of dish you can make on a busy weeknight, but it’s also impressive enough to serve at a casual dinner party. Plus, it requires minimal ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen. The lemon butter sauce is the real star, though—it’s bright and tangy, with a buttery richness that will have you wanting to dip everything into it. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a lot to love about this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken, and here’s why:

Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can have dinner ready in under an hour. The chicken bakes in the oven, so you don’t have to worry about constant attention.
Bright and Flavorful: The lemon butter sauce is tangy, buttery, and absolutely packed with flavor. It brings out the best in the chicken, making it tender, juicy, and full of zest.
Family-Friendly: Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or those with adventurous palates, this dish has broad appeal. The flavors are simple but not boring, and the chicken itself is tender and easy to eat.
Versatile: This chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, from roasted veggies to mashed potatoes or a light salad. You can even serve it over pasta or rice for a full meal.

The best part? This dish is a great balance between comfort food and something a little more elevated. You get that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth chicken with the refreshing zest of lemon, making it feel fancy without all the effort. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal!

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Servings: Serves 4
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 400
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 5g
Fat: 30g

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The chicken breasts are the perfect canvas for the lemon butter sauce, becoming juicy and tender as they bake.
1/2 cup unsalted butter: Butter is key to the rich flavor of this dish, helping to create that silky, delicious sauce.
1 lemon, juiced and zested: Fresh lemon adds that bright, citrusy punch that pairs so well with the butter. Both the juice and zest are used for maximum flavor.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a savory depth that balances the tangy lemon and buttery richness.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Oregano complements the citrus and garlic, giving the chicken an aromatic boost.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: A little thyme adds earthiness and pairs beautifully with the lemony butter.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken and the sauce, bringing everything together.
Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the finished dish.

Optional for serving:

Lemon slices: To garnish the chicken, enhancing the lemony flavor and adding a touch of visual appeal.
Rice or mashed potatoes: For serving alongside the chicken, soaking up the lemon butter sauce.

Step-by-Step Instruction

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the chicken and sauce. This ensures the chicken will cook evenly and the sauce will bake up perfectly.
Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This will help the chicken sear and cook evenly, allowing the sauce to penetrate the meat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning will enhance the natural flavor of the chicken and create a perfect base for the lemon butter sauce.
Make the lemon butter sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. You want the garlic to become aromatic, not burnt, so keep an eye on it.
Add the lemon: Once the garlic is fragrant, add the lemon juice and zest to the saucepan, stirring to combine. The combination of lemon juice and zest will create a wonderfully fresh and tangy sauce. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir in the oregano and thyme, and taste for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
Transfer the chicken to a baking dish: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into a baking dish in a single layer. You want the chicken to be close together but not overcrowded, as this ensures even cooking.
Pour the sauce over the chicken: Once the lemon butter sauce is ready, pour it evenly over the chicken breasts. Make sure each piece is coated in the flavorful sauce. If you’d like extra flavor, you can even spoon some of the sauce over the chicken halfway through baking.
Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). The chicken will turn a beautiful golden color, and the sauce will bubble around the edges.
Optional broil for a golden finish: If you want a golden, slightly crispy top on the chicken, you can switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on it, though—broiling can go from golden to burnt pretty quickly!
Rest the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute within the meat, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender.

How to Serve

Serve over rice: A bed of fluffy rice is perfect for soaking up all the delicious lemon butter sauce.
With mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes pair beautifully with the buttery chicken, making for a rich, comforting meal.
Alongside roasted veggies: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus make a light and flavorful side dish to balance the richness of the chicken.
With a simple salad: A light, green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can help cut through the richness of the sauce, offering a refreshing contrast.

For an added touch, garnish the chicken with fresh lemon slices and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color and freshness.

Additional Tips

Pat the chicken dry: Drying the chicken breasts before seasoning is an important step. This allows the chicken to brown better and prevents it from becoming soggy during cooking.
Use fresh lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest give the sauce the brightest, freshest flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice, as it won’t provide the same zingy punch.
Don’t overcook the chicken: The key to juicy, tender chicken is not overcooking it. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to avoid dryness.
Let the chicken rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring that each bite is juicy and flavorful.
Make it ahead: You can prepare the chicken and the lemon butter sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, and then bake the chicken when you’re ready to serve it.

Recipe Variations

Chicken Thighs: If you prefer darker meat, you can substitute chicken thighs for the breasts. They’ll be just as tender and juicy, and they’ll soak up the lemon butter sauce beautifully.
Add Vegetables: You can easily turn this into a one-pan meal by adding vegetables to the baking dish. Think baby potatoes, carrots, or green beans. Just toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and bake alongside the chicken.
Herb Variations: While thyme and oregano are the herbs used in this recipe, you can experiment with others. Rosemary, tarragon, or basil would all work wonderfully with the lemon butter sauce.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon butter sauce for a little heat that balances the richness of the butter and the brightness of the lemon.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes: Serve this baked lemon butter chicken with your favorite sides, like roasted sweet potatoes, garlic bread, or a side of quinoa. The chicken is flavorful enough that it can be paired with almost anything!
Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs perfectly with the fresh, citrusy flavors of the chicken.
For Kids: If you’re serving this to little ones, consider pairing it with something mild like mashed potatoes or buttered noodles. They’ll love the tender chicken, and the mild lemon flavor is usually a hit.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet with a little extra butter or broth to keep it moist.
Freezing: If you want to freeze this dish, you can freeze the chicken after baking. Let it cool to room temperature, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, bake the chicken at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Special Equipment

Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer ensures that your chicken is cooked to perfection and prevents overcooking.
Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish works perfectly for this recipe. If you’re doubling the recipe, use a larger dish to ensure the chicken cooks evenly.

FAQ Section

Can I use bone-in chicken? Yes! Bone-in chicken thighs or breasts would work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time to 45-50 minutes to ensure the meat is fully cooked and tender.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake the chicken just before serving.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice for this recipe. They will take a little longer to cook, but they’ll still turn out juicy and delicious.
Can I use a store-bought lemon butter sauce? While homemade is always best, you can use a store-bought lemon butter sauce in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited to try this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken as I am! It’s a dish that’s not only simple and quick but also packed with bright, buttery flavor that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for your family or making a special meal for friends, this chicken is sure to impress. Don’t forget to snap a picture of your finished dish and tag me on Instagram—I love seeing your cooking creations!