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Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
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Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a simple yet impressive dinner recipe featuring tender, juicy chicken infused with the bright zest of fresh lemon and rich, creamy butter. Perfectly baked to lock in moisture and flavor, this dish is quick to prepare, family-friendly, and customizable with herbs and spice variations to suit any taste or dietary need.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 bone-in or boneless chicken thighs or breasts

Citrus & Butter

  • 2 fresh lemons (zest and juice)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Aromatics & Seasoning

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary), chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps create a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help it brown properly. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides for balanced flavor.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken, skin side down if using thighs with skin, until it’s golden brown—about 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side.
  4. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add butter and minced garlic to the same pan. Stir until the butter melts and the garlic becomes fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add lemon juice and zest, and fresh herbs, stirring to combine.
  5. Bake the Chicken: Transfer the chicken and the pan sauce to a baking dish (or use the oven-safe skillet). Pour any remaining lemon butter sauce over the chicken. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender, juicy bites every time.

Notes

  • Dry the Chicken: Patting the chicken dry helps achieve a crispier, better-seared crust.
  • Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing locks in flavor and adds beautiful color before baking.
  • Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh juice and zest make a significant difference in brightness and flavor.
  • Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness every time.
  • Let It Rest: Resting the chicken after baking preserves juiciness and tenderness.
  • Herbs Matter: Adding fresh herbs at the end gives a fresh, vibrant aroma that dried herbs can’t match.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon butter chicken, baked chicken, easy chicken recipe, gluten free dinner, family friendly chicken

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