Zesty Citrus-Infused Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand simplicity and flavor, and this mouthwatering lemon butter chicken recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Tender chicken breasts bathe in a rich, silky sauce that whispers elegance with every bite.

The zesty lemon cuts through the buttery richness, creating a harmonious dance of tangy and smooth notes.

Each golden-brown piece promises a burst of bright, aromatic goodness that makes taste buds sing.

Quick and straightforward, this dish transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Fresh herbs sprinkled on top add a final touch of vibrant color and freshness.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this restaurant-worthy chicken that comes together in less than 30 minutes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the base of the dish, choose fresh, plump cuts with minimal fat for best results.
• Salt: Enhances natural flavors and helps tenderize the meat.
• Black Pepper: Adds a warm, spicy kick and complements the chicken's mild taste.
• Garlic Powder: Brings deep, aromatic flavor without fresh garlic's texture.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky sweetness and beautiful reddish color to the chicken.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides a blend of Mediterranean herbs for complex, vibrant taste profile.

• Butter: Creates rich, silky sauce and helps keep chicken moist during baking.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish with tangy, zesty notes and helps tenderize the meat.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh, herbaceous flavor to complete the dish.

Kitchen Tools For Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

• Baking Dish: Large rectangular or square dish to roast chicken evenly.
• Paper Towels: For drying chicken before seasoning.
• Measuring Spoons: To accurately measure seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
• Cutting Board: Clean surface for preparing chicken.
• Sharp Knife: To trim chicken if needed.
• Mixing Bowl: Optional, for combining seasonings.
• Tongs: To handle and place chicken in baking dish.
• Aluminum Foil: To cover dish if needed during baking.

Steps To Bake Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Perfectly

• Prep the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375°F, getting it ready for some culinary magic.

• Season the Star

Grab your chicken and give it a loving massage with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Make sure every inch gets some flavor love.

• Butter It Up

Melt some butter and drizzle it generously over the seasoned chicken, creating a golden, mouth-watering coating.

• Lemon Love

Squeeze fresh lemon juice all over the chicken, letting the bright citrus notes dance with the rich butter.

• Baking Brilliance

Place the chicken in a baking dish and slide it into the preheated oven. Let it bake for about 25-30 minutes until the skin turns crispy and golden, and the internal temperature hits 165°F.

• Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps lock in those delicious juices. Plate it up and watch everyone’s eyes light up with anticipation.

Tips To Make Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Bold And Bright

• Crispy Skin Secret: Pat chicken extra dry with paper towels to ensure golden, crispy skin that will make everyone's mouth water.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Replace butter with olive oil or coconut oil for a lactose-free version without losing rich, delicious flavor.
• Herb Garden Twist: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill instead of Italian seasoning to create unique flavor profiles that surprise your taste buds.
• Low-Carb Champion: Skip any flour coating and use almond flour or skip breading entirely to keep the dish keto and gluten-friendly while maintaining juicy chicken texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: This chicken stores beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for quick lunches or planned dinners throughout the week.

Serving Baked Lemon Butter Chicken With Flavor

• Zesty Dinner Companion: Serve this succulent chicken alongside fluffy white rice or roasted potatoes to soak up the delicious lemon butter sauce.
• Fresh Mediterranean Flair: Pair the chicken with a crisp Greek salad featuring cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese for a vibrant meal experience.
• Herbaceous Green Side: Complement the dish with steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli sprinkled with fresh parsley to add nutritious green vegetables that enhance the chicken's bright flavors.
• Bread Mopping Magic: Include crusty sourdough or garlic bread to help guests capture every last drop of the mouthwatering lemon butter sauce from their plates.

How To Store Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Properly

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe wrap or containers, which maintain quality for up to 2 months when sealed properly.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated chicken in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
• Meal Prep Power: Prepare chicken earlier in the week, slice, and use in salads, sandwiches, or quick pasta dishes for convenient, time-saving meals.

Juicy Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon butter chicken emerges as a culinary masterpiece from Mediterranean kitchens. Professional chefs and home cooks alike will adore this elegant dish that promises rich flavors and simple preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6 chicken thighs)
• 1 tbsp honey (for a touch of sweetness)
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) fresh lemon juice
• 4 tbsps (60 mL) unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup (60 mL) chicken broth (or water)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Fresh parsley or thyme
• Lemon slices

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Meticulously dry chicken pieces using clean kitchen towels, eliminating excess moisture for optimal seasoning adherence and crispy texture.
2. Seasoning: Craft a dynamic spice blend combining salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian herbs, generously massaging into both sides of the chicken to create a flavor-packed exterior.
3. Dish Setup: Arrange chicken pieces skin-side up in a spacious baking dish, maintaining strategic spacing to ensure uniform roasting and maximum crispiness.
4. Sauce Creation: Melt butter and blend with fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped parsley, creating a vibrant, aromatic sauce that will elevate the chicken’s flavor profile.
5. Flavor Infusion: Generously drizzle the lemon-butter mixture over the seasoned chicken, placing lemon rounds strategically throughout the dish to intensify citrus notes during roasting.
6. Roasting Process: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 35-40 minutes, achieving a golden-brown finish and ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfect doneness.
7. Resting and Serving: Allow chicken to rest for 5-7 minutes, enabling juice redistribution, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately, accompanied by the rich pan drippings.

Notes

• Moisture Matters: Thoroughly drying chicken prevents steaming and ensures a crispy, golden-brown exterior during baking.
• Seasoning Strategy: Apply spices generously and evenly, massaging into the chicken to create a deeply flavorful crust that penetrates the meat.
• Space Optimization: Use a large baking dish that allows chicken pieces to sit in a single layer, preventing overcrowding and promoting consistent, even cooking.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meat without drying out.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg