Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Requires minimal prep time
• Uses basic pantry ingredients
• Delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home
• Versatile – works with different cuts of chicken
• Healthy yet indulgent-tasting

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Pat chicken breasts dry and arrange in the prepared baking dish.
3. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Sprinkle evenly over chicken.
4. In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic.
5. Pour lemon butter mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. During the last 5 minutes of baking, baste chicken with pan juices.
8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and spoon pan sauce over chicken when serving.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, bone-in or boneless thighs work well. Adjust cooking time as needed (thighs may require 5-10 minutes longer).

How can I make the sauce thicker?

After baking, transfer pan juices to a small saucepan and simmer with 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water until thickened.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Substitute butter with olive oil or dairy-free butter alternative, though the flavor profile will change slightly.

You Must Know

• Chicken breasts vary in thickness – pound thicker pieces to even thickness for consistent cooking.
• Fresh lemon juice provides better flavor than bottled in this recipe.
• The chicken will continue cooking slightly while resting – remove from oven when it reaches 160°F.
• For more intense lemon flavor, marinate chicken in the lemon butter mixture for 30 minutes before baking.

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F or in the microwave to prevent drying out.
• The sauce may separate when refrigerated – whisk while reheating to re-emulsify.
• Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the chicken may become rubbery.