Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

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Introduction

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. With its tender, juicy chicken bathed in a rich and creamy lemon butter sauce, this recipe offers a delightful balance of savory and citrusy flavors. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this dish will impress anyone who takes a bite.

In this article, we’ll explore why Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a must-try recipe, provide step-by-step instructions on how to make it, and offer tips and variations to customize it to your liking. From its irresistible aroma as it bakes to the tender, flavorful chicken that results, you’ll soon see why this dish is destined to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple and Easy to Make: With just a few basic ingredients, this dish comes together quickly, making it a perfect choice for a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering.
  • Rich and Flavorful: The combination of butter, lemon, and herbs creates a rich, savory sauce that pairs perfectly with the chicken, making each bite incredibly flavorful.
  • Juicy Chicken: The chicken comes out of the oven tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked, thanks to the lemon butter sauce that keeps it moist during baking.
  • Healthy and Wholesome: This recipe uses lean chicken breast, which is a great source of protein. By controlling the ingredients, you can make it a healthier option for your family.
  • Customizable: The recipe can be easily adjusted to suit your preferences. Add different herbs, spices, or even vegetables to make it your own.

Preparation Time and Servings

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (15 minutes for prep, 1 hour for baking)
  • Servings: This recipe serves 4 people, depending on the size of your chicken breasts.
  • Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 350, Protein: 35g, Carbs: 8g, Fat: 22g.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh, high-quality chicken for the best flavor and texture.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken and adding richness to the dish.
  • Salt and pepper: To taste. These simple seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds depth and a savory aroma to the dish.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A versatile herb that pairs beautifully with chicken and the lemon butter sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a slightly earthy flavor that complements the lemon and butter.

For the Lemon Butter Sauce:

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter: The base of the sauce, providing richness and creaminess.
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice is key to giving the dish its bright and tangy flavor.
  • Zest of 1 lemon: Adds an extra layer of lemon flavor, brightening up the sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon honey: A touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the lemon.
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and helps create a smooth, pourable sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: For garnish and a fresh, herbal note.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest: Adds an extra burst of freshness when sprinkled on top.

Optional Add-Ins and Variations:

  • Vegetables: You can add roasted vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or green beans alongside the chicken for a complete meal.
  • Spices: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon butter sauce.
  • Creamy Variation: For a richer, creamier sauce, you can stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or sour cream.

Step-by-Step Preparation

FIRST STEP: SEASON AND Sear the Chicken

  1. Prep the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps ensure a nice sear on the chicken when it’s cooked.
  2. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Use your hands to rub the seasoning into the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
  3. Sear the Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this point, as it will finish cooking in the oven.
  4. Set the Chicken Aside: Once seared, remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside while you prepare the lemon butter sauce.

SECOND STEP: MAKE THE LEMON BUTTER SAUCE

  1. Melt the Butter: In the same skillet used to sear the chicken, add 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt, swirling the pan to coat the bottom.
  2. Add Garlic: Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Add Lemon and Broth: Pour in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, followed by the chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  4. Add Honey: Stir in the honey and cook for another minute. The honey will balance out the tartness of the lemon and add a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
  5. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add a little more honey at this point.

THIRD STEP: BAKING THE CHICKEN

  1. Return Chicken to Skillet: Once the sauce is ready, return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to coat it evenly.
  2. Bake in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fully cooked through.
  3. Baste the Chicken: Halfway through baking, you can baste the chicken with the lemon butter sauce for extra flavor and moisture. If you prefer a slightly golden, crispy top, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.

FINAL STEP: GARNISH AND SERVE

  1. Garnish the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle the chicken with fresh chopped parsley and additional lemon zest for a burst of color and freshness.
  2. Serve: Serve the Baked Lemon Butter Chicken with the sauce spooned over the top. This dish pairs perfectly with rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

How to Serve Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes to create a complete meal. Here are some great serving ideas:

1. Serve with Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and broccoli make a great side dish for Baked Lemon Butter Chicken. Their natural sweetness complements the tangy, buttery sauce of the chicken, creating a balanced meal.

2. Pair with Rice or Pasta

A bed of fluffy rice or pasta is perfect for soaking up the lemon butter sauce. You can serve the chicken over white rice, brown rice, or a pasta like spaghetti or penne for a satisfying meal.

3. As a Light Dinner

If you’re looking for a lighter meal, pair the Baked Lemon Butter Chicken with a simple green salad. The freshness of the salad will contrast nicely with the rich and flavorful chicken.

4. Serve with Garlic Bread

For a more indulgent meal, serve Baked Lemon Butter Chicken with homemade garlic bread. The bread will absorb the lemon butter sauce and add extra flavor to each bite.

Additional Tips

  1. Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and lemon butter sauce in advance. Sear the chicken, make the sauce, and refrigerate them separately. When ready to cook, simply assemble and bake.
  2. Freezing: You can freeze leftover Baked Lemon Butter Chicken for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
  3. Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon butter sauce for a spicy twist.
  4. Lighter Version: To lighten up the dish, use olive oil instead of butter and serve the chicken with a side of steamed vegetables instead of a creamy side.

Recipe Variations

While Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is fantastic as written, there are plenty of ways to customize the recipe:

1. Add Fresh Herbs

If you love fresh herbs, try adding rosemary, thyme, or basil to the lemon butter sauce for an aromatic twist. Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor and make the dish even more fragrant.

2. Use Chicken Thighs

If you prefer darker meat, chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts. They remain moist and flavorful, making them an excellent choice for this recipe.

3. Make It Creamy

For a richer version of this dish, add heavy cream or coconut milk to the lemon butter sauce. This will create a creamy, velvety sauce that is perfect for serving over rice or pasta.

4. Add Veggies to the Sauce

For a complete one-pan meal, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini to the skillet while the chicken bakes. The vegetables will soak up the delicious lemon butter sauce and add extra flavor to the dish.

Freezing and Storage

If you have any leftover Baked Lemon Butter Chicken, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

For longer storage, freeze the chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.

Special Equipment

While you don’t need any special equipment to make Baked Lemon Butter Chicken, a few essentials will help streamline the process:

  • Oven-Safe Skillet: An oven-safe skillet, such as a cast-iron skillet, makes this recipe even easier, as it allows you to sear the chicken and bake it all in one pan.
  • Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer ensures the chicken is cooked to the perfect temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.
  • Citrus Zester or Grater: To get the zest from the lemon, a zester or fine grater works best.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes! Chicken thighs will work great in this recipe. They have more fat and flavor, so they’ll be even more tender.
  2. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh? Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
  3. Can I use a different type of broth? Yes, you can use vegetable broth or even water as a substitute for chicken broth, although chicken broth gives the sauce more depth.
  4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes, you can substitute the butter with dairy-free butter or olive oil to make this recipe dairy-free.
  5. Can I use the sauce on other proteins? Absolutely! The lemon butter sauce is versatile and pairs well with fish, shrimp, or even tofu.

Conclusion

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The tender, juicy chicken combined with the creamy, tangy lemon butter sauce creates a meal that is both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress.

With the flexibility to adjust the recipe to suit your preferences, it’s a meal that can be customized to your liking. Try adding your favorite herbs, vegetables, or spices, and enjoy the richness and brightness of this irresistible dish.

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