Description
This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is coated in a zesty lemon-garlic butter sauce, then baked until golden and juicy. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special dinner!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6 chicken thighs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Lemon Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for a touch of sweetness)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley or thyme
- Lemon slices
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
2. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, honey, and chicken broth.
3. Assemble & Bake
- Place the chicken breasts in a greased baking dish.
- Pour the lemon butter sauce over the chicken.
- Arrange lemon slices around the chicken for extra flavor.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken before serving.
4. Serve & Garnish
- Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme and serve hot with rice, roasted veggies, or mashed potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm.
Notes
- Swap chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Add Parmesan cheese on top before baking for a cheesy twist.
- If using bone-in chicken, increase bake time to 35–40 minutes.