Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a tender, juicy dish featuring bone-in or boneless chicken baked in a rich lemon-garlic butter sauce. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and elegant enough for guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish delivers bright citrus flavor balanced with buttery richness and fragrant herbs. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and pairs well with a variety of sides from vegetables to rice and potatoes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken thighs or breasts (boneless or bone-in)
• Unsalted butter
• Garlic, minced
• Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• Lemon zest
• Paprika
• Dried thyme or rosemary
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place chicken in a baking dish and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter and add garlic, lemon juice, and zest.
4. Pour the lemon butter mixture over the chicken.
5. Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Spoon sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves 4. Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 40 minutes. Total: 50 minutes.

Variations

• Use chicken drumsticks or wings for a fun twist
• Add a splash of white wine for depth
• Include sliced lemons or capers for a Mediterranean touch
• Sprinkle grated parmesan in the final 10 minutes of baking

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through (10–15 minutes) or in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid microwaving to retain texture.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, boneless thighs or breasts work well but reduce cooking time slightly.

Is it better to use fresh or bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for optimal flavor.

Can I cook this with vegetables in the same dish?

Yes—add vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or asparagus to the baking dish.

What herbs go best with lemon butter chicken?

Thyme, rosemary, parsley, or oregano complement the lemon flavor beautifully.

Can I grill instead of bake?

Yes—grill over medium heat, brushing with lemon butter frequently.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes—freeze cooked chicken with sauce for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat in the oven.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative or olive oil.

What side dishes go well with it?

Rice, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or roasted asparagus.

Does the chicken need to be marinated?

Not necessary, but marinating for 30 minutes in lemon juice and garlic enhances flavor.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Use bone-in chicken or baste with sauce halfway through baking.

Conclusion

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a bright and flavorful dish that’s simple to prepare and full of comforting richness. Its classic flavors and elegant presentation make it an ideal choice for any dinner table.

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

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Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a tender, juicy dish featuring bone-in or boneless chicken baked in a rich lemon-garlic butter sauce. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and elegant enough for guests.

• Author: Emma Harper
• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 40 min
• Total Time: 50 min
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken thighs or breasts (boneless or bone-in)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place chicken in a baking dish and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried herbs.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic, lemon juice, and zest, stirring until fragrant.
4. Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over the chicken.
5. Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Spoon the pan sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• Use chicken drumsticks or wings as an alternative cut.
• Add white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
• Include sliced lemons or capers for a Mediterranean twist.
• Sprinkle grated parmesan during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days and reheat in oven or skillet.
• For dairy-free, use plant-based butter or olive oil.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken piece with sauce
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 115mg