Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces baked in a rich, tangy lemon butter sauce. Infused with garlic and fresh herbs, the dish delivers a burst of citrus and savory notes that make it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish / Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Contemporary
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
## Chicken:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
## Lemon Butter Sauce:
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3-4 tablespoons)
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary)
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
## For Garnish:
– Lemon slices
– Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the chicken pieces in a single layer.
2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Arrange the chicken pieces in the baking dish. Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
5. Scatter a few lemon slices on top of the chicken.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
7. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
– For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end of the baking time.
– Feel free to swap out the herbs based on your preference; oregano or basil also work well.
– This recipe works equally well with chicken breasts or drumsticks. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
– Serve with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a crisp green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Sugar: ~2 g
- Sodium: ~280 mg
- Fat: ~20 g
- Saturated Fat: ~8 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~3 g
- Fiber: ~0 g
- Protein: ~28 g
- Cholesterol: ~120 mg
Find it online: https://www.cookflash.com/baked-lemon-butter-chicken/