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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Meticulously dry chicken pieces using clean kitchen towels, eliminating excess moisture for optimal seasoning adherence and crispy texture.
- 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.
- Dish Setup: Arrange chicken pieces skin-side up in a spacious baking dish, maintaining strategic spacing to ensure uniform roasting and maximum crispiness.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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