Description
Succulent Baked Lemon Butter Chicken promises a Mediterranean-inspired feast that dances with zesty brightness and rich, creamy elegance. Garlic, herbs, and citrusy notes combine to create a delightful dinner you’ll crave time and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6 chicken thighs)
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
- 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) honey (for a touch of sweetness)
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) chicken broth (or water)
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or thyme
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Thoroughly dry chicken breasts using paper towels, then generously season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning to create a robust flavor profile.
- Prepare the lemon butter sauce by whisking together melted butter, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, grated lemon zest, red pepper flakes, honey, and chicken broth in a mixing bowl until smoothly combined.
- Grease a baking dish and carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts inside, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Lavishly pour the prepared lemon butter sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated and infused with the zesty mixture.
- Decoratively arrange thin lemon slices around the chicken to enhance the citrusy flavor and create an appealing presentation.
- Transfer the baking dish to a preheated oven set at 375F (190C) and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F (75C).
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and generously spoon additional sauce over the chicken to maximize flavor and moisture.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a vibrant touch, and serve immediately alongside complementary sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Moisture is key for tender chicken, so never skip patting the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
- Swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly version or use agave nectar for a lower glycemic index alternative.
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for a more budget-friendly option that stays incredibly moist and absorbs more flavor from the lemon butter sauce.
- Create a gluten-free meal by using cornstarch instead of traditional flour when greasing the baking dish and ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg