Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. The juicy chicken breasts are coated in a tangy lemon butter sauce with garlic, baked to perfection, and finished with fresh parsley for that extra pop of color. It's a quick, easy, and delicious recipe that pairs perfectly with your favorite sides. Say goodbye to store-bought meals and hello to homemade goodness!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter or olive oil for a lighter version
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme if you have it
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Key Substitutions:
- You can swap chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier richer flavor.
- If you don’t have fresh lemon lemon juice from a bottle works, but fresh is always better!
- Swap butter for olive oil for a healthier alternative or use half butter, half olive oil for a balance.
Instructions
How to Cook Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). We want it nice and toasty in there, so the chicken cooks perfectly!
Prep the chicken – Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them cook evenly and get that golden color. Don’t skip this step!
Season the chicken – Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a little dried thyme. Nothing fancy—just enough to make it tasty!
Melt the butter – In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter (about 30 seconds). Stir in the lemon juice, zest, and minced garlic. Smell that? You’re already halfway to flavor town!
Coat the chicken – Pour the lemon butter mixture over the chicken breasts. Make sure they’re all coated—think of it as a little lemon butter bath for the chicken!
Bake it – Pop the chicken into the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). You’ll know it’s ready when it smells irresistible.
Garnish & Serve – Once baked, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve it up with your favorite side dish, and enjoy!
- That’s it! Simple, right? You’ve just made an amazing meal that’s sure to impress (even if it’s just you enjoying it!).
Notes
- Chicken Thighs: You can swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer more juicy, tender meat.
- Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Resting the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to keep it juicy.