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Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
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Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish combining juicy, tender chicken with a bright, zesty lemon taste and rich buttery sauce. This simple one-pan meal is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or elegant occasions, offering moist chicken infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and a vibrant citrus punch.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 chicken thighs or breasts (skin-on or skinless, about 1.5 to 2 pounds)

Butter Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Zest of 1 fresh lemon
  • Juice of 1 fresh lemon
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped

Seasonings & Others

  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the butter and seasonings stick better. Season all sides generously with salt and pepper. Optionally, heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown to lock in juices before baking.
  2. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: Melt butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped fresh herbs until well combined. This vibrant sauce will infuse the chicken throughout baking.
  3. Combine and Bake: Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in a baking dish or sheet pan. Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring every piece is coated. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
  4. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices and enhance tenderness before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemons for the brightest flavor—both zest and juice.
  • Searing the chicken before baking adds deeper flavor and a beautiful golden color.
  • Maintain moderate oven temperature to prevent drying out the chicken.
  • Use a brush or spoon to ensure the lemon butter sauce is evenly spread over the chicken for consistent taste.
  • Let the chicken rest after baking to retain moisture and enhance tenderness.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked lemon butter chicken, lemon butter chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, one-pan chicken, gluten free dinner

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/baked-lemon-butter-chicken/