Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re searching for a simple yet delicious chicken dinner, this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a must-try! Juicy chicken breasts baked in a rich garlic butter lemon sauce — it’s flavorful, comforting, and ready in under 40 minutes. Perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or healthy meal prep.

🍋 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Simple Ingredients: Only pantry staples — chicken, butter, lemon, and garlic.
✅ Quick Prep: Ready in less than 10 minutes of prep time.
✅ Healthy and Delicious: Oven-baked, not fried, with natural fresh flavors.
✅ Meal-Prep Friendly: Store leftovers for easy lunches.

🍗 Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredient	Quantity
Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)	4 pieces
Butter (melted)	4 tbsp
Garlic (minced)	4 cloves
Fresh lemon juice	3 tbsp
Lemon zest	1 tsp
Olive oil	1 tbsp
Dried thyme	1 tsp
Dried parsley	1 tsp
Salt	1 tsp
Black pepper	½ tsp
Lemon slices (for garnish)	Optional

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, zest, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Place chicken breasts in the baking dish and pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over the top. Flip the chicken to coat both sides.

Step 4: Bake

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature: 165°F / 74°C).

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh lemon slices and parsley. Serve warm with roasted vegetables, rice, or a light salad.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Pair with garlic mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, or buttered rice.
For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or a green salad.
Drizzle leftover sauce over vegetables for extra flavor.

🧊 Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or microwave until hot.

🌿 Tips for Perfect Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Don’t Overbake: Overcooked chicken becomes dry — check temperature at 25 minutes.
Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary or basil can add a lovely aroma.
Marinate for Extra Flavor: Let the chicken soak in the lemon butter sauce for 20–30 minutes before baking.

❤️ Why This Lemon Butter Chicken Is So Popular

This oven-baked lemon butter chicken recipe is one of the easiest ways to make juicy, tender chicken bursting with citrusy flavor. The combination of butter, garlic, and lemon creates a rich sauce that turns simple chicken into a gourmet meal — without complicated steps or expensive ingredients.

📖 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 32 g
Fat: 20 g
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Sugar: 1 g

(Values may vary based on portion size and ingredients used.)

📌 FAQs About Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs work beautifully. Adjust baking time to about 35–40 minutes.

Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil.

Q: Can I add vegetables to bake together?
Yes — add broccoli, zucchini, or green beans to the same pan for a complete one-pan meal

Air Fryer Recipe

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe | Easy Oven-Baked Chicken Dinner