There’s nothing quite like the bright, zesty flavor of lemon combined with the rich, velvety goodness of butter to create the ultimate comfort dish. This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor in every bite. The buttery garlic-lemon sauce infuses the chicken with deep, mouthwatering flavor, making it a dish you’ll want to cook again and again. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal for guests, this recipe is a winner!

Why You’ll Love Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Versatile

Perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even a fancy dinner party—it fits every occasion.

Budget-Friendly

Uses simple, affordable ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.

Quick and Easy

Minimal prep work with less than 10 minutes of hands-on time!

Customizable

Want to add extra herbs or spice it up? You can easily tweak this recipe to your taste.

Crowd-Pleasing

With its rich, buttery sauce and tangy lemon flavor, everyone at the table will be asking for seconds!

Ingredients

Ingredients in Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

This recipe proves that simple ingredients can create an incredible dish!

Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish—juicy, tender, and packed with protein.

Butter: Adds richness and keeps the chicken moist while baking.

Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives this dish its bold, savory kick.

Lemon Juice & Zest: Fresh lemon brightens up the flavors and balances the richness of the butter.

Chicken Broth: Helps create a flavorful, slightly tangy sauce that keeps the chicken juicy.

Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness and color to the chicken.

Dried Oregano: Brings in a subtle earthiness that complements the lemon beautifully.

Salt & Black Pepper: Enhances the flavors and balances everything out.

Fresh Parsley: A pop of freshness for garnish.

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and gives the chicken a perfectly tender texture.

Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and oregano.

Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice, zest, and chicken broth, then remove from heat.

Arrange in a Baking Dish

Place the seasoned chicken in a lightly greased baking dish. Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the top, making sure each piece is coated.

Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Let It Rest

Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley, drizzle any extra sauce from the pan over the top, and serve warm!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 320

Note: Nutrition values may vary based on ingredients used.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some delicious serving ideas:

Garlic Butter Rice – The perfect side to soak up that flavorful lemon butter sauce.
Mashed Potatoes – Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes make this a comforting meal.
Steamed Vegetables – Keep it light with broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
Crusty Bread – Use it to scoop up the extra sauce (because you won’t want to waste a drop!).

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make your Baked Lemon Butter Chicken even better:

Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor—bottled lemon juice just isn’t the same!
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat.
Double the sauce if you love extra buttery goodness for drizzling over rice or potatoes.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs will work great—just adjust the cooking time to 35-40 minutes since they take longer to cook.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken in the lemon butter sauce for up to 24 hours in the fridge before baking.

3. Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s best to thaw the chicken first, but if using frozen, add about 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time.

4. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer—it should read 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the chicken.

5. Can I make this on the stovetop instead?

Yes! Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side, then pour in the sauce and let it simmer until fully cooked.

6. Can I add cheese to this recipe?

Yes! Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top before baking adds a delicious, salty kick.

7. What if I don’t have chicken broth?

You can substitute vegetable broth, white wine, or even water with a pinch of salt.

8. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or in the microwave.

9. Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?

Yes! Toss in cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers to bake alongside the chicken.

10. Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh parsley adds a better pop of color and freshness. Use half the amount if using dried.

Conclusion

This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is the ultimate easy yet elegant meal that’s packed with flavor, moisture, and buttery lemon goodness. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough for guests. Whether you serve it with rice, potatoes, or veggies, it’s a foolproof recipe that will keep everyone coming back for more. So go ahead, whip up this juicy, zesty, buttery masterpiece and enjoy every bite!