If you’re searching for a weeknight wonder that looks gorgeous and tastes like pure sunshine, Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is about to become your new go-to. This vibrant dish brings together juicy chicken breasts bathed in a luscious lemon butter sauce, with zesty citrus slices and garden-fresh parsley for extra flair. The balance of tangy, garlicky flavors and just a hint of heat is truly irresistible—it’s one of those recipes that manages to be both comforting and refreshingly light. Plus, it all comes together in one pan with minimal fuss and everyday ingredients. Whether you’re serving guests or just want to perk up a quiet evening at home, Baked Lemon Butter Chicken always delivers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Baked Lemon Butter Chicken lies in its beautiful simplicity. Every ingredient is easy to find but serves a vital role, from infusing rich flavor and juicy tenderness to adding color and a kiss of freshness.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These provide a hearty, protein-packed base and soak up the tangy, buttery sauce.
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter: This brings richness and helps the flavors meld beautifully as the chicken bakes.
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Adds a bright, citrusy tang that balances out the buttery goodness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor and perfumes the entire dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers aromatic, savory notes that play perfectly with the citrus.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out the flavors of all the other ingredients.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives just the right amount of warmth and depth.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Rounds everything out with lovely herby undertones.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Provides a gentle smokiness and gorgeous color.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of pleasurable heat, use as much or as little as you like.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps keep the chicken moist and adds a layer of flavor all its own.
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced: Lays over and around the chicken for visual wow and extra citrus zip.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Sprinkled on at the end, it brightens up the whole dish with color and freshness.
How to Make Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then arrange your chicken breasts in a single cozy layer. This ensures even cooking and lets every bite soak up the incredible lemon butter sauce.
Step 2: Whisk the Lemon Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, zest, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and, if you’re feeling bold, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk it all together until you get a glossy, aromatic blend. Each swirl is packed with flavor—you’ll want to drizzle every last drop over the chicken.
Step 3: Dress the Chicken
Pour the homemade lemon butter mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure every piece gets coated. Then, drizzle the olive oil over the top and tuck in those thin lemon slices all around and over the chicken. This step ensures maximum flavor and stunning presentation once it emerges from the oven.
Step 4: Bake to Beautiful Perfection
Slide your baking dish into the oven, uncovered, and let the magic happen for 25 to 30 minutes. When the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), you’re golden. For an even more appetizing finish, pop the dish under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes to caramelize and slightly brown the top.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Take the dish out, then give the chicken a quick baste with that tangy, golden sauce that’s pooled at the bottom. Sprinkle with fresh parsley just before serving for a final flourish of flavor and color. You’ll want everyone to see this beauty at the table!
How to Serve Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
Garnishes
Nothing beats a flurry of chopped fresh parsley on Baked Lemon Butter Chicken. The green brings out the yellow hues, and the herbal freshness can’t be overstated. If you want to go extra fancy, add a few extra twists of lemon zest on top, or even a scatter of thinly shaved Parmesan for richness.
Side Dishes
This dish is practically begging for a side of fluffy rice to sop up the bright and buttery sauce. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or baby carrots, bring color and sweetness, while a simple green salad keeps things light and balanced. Crusty bread is also a stellar choice for mopping up every last drop of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For effortless elegance, serve Baked Lemon Butter Chicken family-style right from the baking dish—it’s a stunner! Or, slice the chicken and fan it over a mound of risotto with a spoonful of sauce drizzled artfully on top. For dinner parties, plate individually, nestling chicken over a vibrant vegetable medley with lemon slices layered neatly for effect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once everyone’s had their fill, store any leftover Baked Lemon Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce keeps the chicken juicy, so it’s just as delightful the next day.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, fully cooked Baked Lemon Butter Chicken can be frozen! Let it cool completely, then wrap each chicken breast tightly or place in a freezer-safe container with the sauce. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, arrange the chicken and sauce in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 325°F (163°C) until just heated through. For smaller portions, microwave in 30-second bursts, spooning over extra sauce to keep things moist and tender.
Baked Lemon Butter Chicken FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully with the same cooking time and deliver even more juicy flavor. Just check that signature 165°F for doneness.
Is it possible to make Baked Lemon Butter Chicken dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with your favorite plant-based butter alternative and follow the same directions. The dish will still be bright, zesty, and comforting without the dairy.
Do I have to use fresh lemon juice and zest?
Fresh really is best here, as it offers unmatched brightness and depth. Bottled lemon juice or dried zest just can’t compete, but in a pinch, they’ll do—just expect a milder flavor.
How do I keep chicken breasts moist while baking?
The combination of a generous lemon butter sauce, a tight baking arrangement, and not overbaking are your best friends for juicy chicken. Be sure to check the temperature right at the 25-minute mark.
Can I make Baked Lemon Butter Chicken ahead of time for a dinner party?
Definitely! You can prep the chicken and sauce earlier in the day, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Pop it in the oven just before guests arrive and garnish right before serving for a stress-free, crowd-pleasing meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a bright, flavor-packed classic to your repertoire, Baked Lemon Butter Chicken never disappoints. With minimal effort and everyday ingredients, it transforms dinner into a special occasion. Give it a try—your kitchen (and everyone at your table) will thank you!
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Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful combination of tender chicken breasts bathed in a flavorful lemon butter sauce and baked to perfection. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Lemon Butter Sauce:
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Additional:
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish in a single layer.
- Make Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Pour over the chicken.
- Add Olive Oil and Lemon Slices: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and arrange lemon slices on and around the chicken.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Optional Broil: Broil for 2–3 minutes for a slightly browned top.
- Finish and Garnish: Spoon the lemon butter sauce over the chicken, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.
- Enhance with heavy cream or Parmesan cheese before baking for added richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
