Zesty Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe: Brighten Your Dinner Table!

Crisp weeknight dinners demand a zesty lemon butter chicken that bursts with flavor and simplicity.

This mouthwatering recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a luxurious sauce that dances between bright citrus notes and rich buttery goodness.

Golden-brown chicken sears quickly in a hot skillet, creating a perfect canvas for the vibrant lemon butter sauce.

Herbs like parsley and thyme add depth and aromatic complexity to each bite.

The magic happens when the sauce caramelizes, coating the chicken in a glossy, tantalizing glaze.

Fresh lemon juice cuts through the richness, balancing every savory element on the plate.

Serve this irresistible dish and watch as everyone around the table becomes an instant fan.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 4

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Ingredient Essentials

For Seasoning: .

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the dish's taste profile.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a rich, aromatic background note without raw garlic intensity.
• Paprika: Introduces warm color and mild smoky undertone.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs to create a complex, Mediterranean-inspired flavor.

• Butter: Creates luxurious, silky texture and rich golden flavor.
• Garlic: Infuses deep, pungent aromatic essence into the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Brings bright, tangy acidity to balance richness.
• Lemon Zest: Adds intense citrus oils for more vibrant flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle, warming spiciness.
• Honey: Provides subtle sweetness and helps sauce caramelize.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and deepens overall sauce complexity.

• Chicken Breasts: Primary protein that absorbs all delicious sauce flavors.
• Fresh Parsley or Thyme: Adds fresh, herbaceous finish and visual appeal.
• Lemon Slices: Decorative element that infuses additional citrus notes during baking.

Equipment for Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

• Baking Dish: A medium-sized, greased dish for perfectly roasting the chicken.
• Whisk: Essential for blending the flavorful lemon butter sauce smoothly.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for mixing the sauce ingredients together.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and sauce components.
• Cutting Board: Needed for zesting lemon and chopping fresh herbs.
• Sharp Knife: Great for slicing lemons and preparing garnishes.
• Paper Towels: Crucial for drying chicken before seasoning.
• Oven Mitts: Protect hands when handling hot baking dishes.

Steps to Make Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

• Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F, getting it ready for some delicious chicken magic.

• Season the Star of the Show

Grab your chicken breasts and give them a flavor explosion with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Pat them dry first to help the spices stick.

• Create the Liquid Gold

Whip up a mouthwatering sauce by mixing melted butter, minced garlic, zesty lemon juice, bright lemon zest, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, a touch of honey, and a splash of chicken broth.

• Set the Stage

Slide the seasoned chicken into a greased baking dish and shower it with your tangy lemon butter sauce. Tuck some lemon slices around the chicken for extra zinger.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and let it sizzle uncovered for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is ready when it hits 165F internally – juicy and safe to devour.

• Finishing Touches

Drizzle some of that incredible sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top for a pop of color and freshness.

• Serve and Enjoy

Plate up your masterpiece alongside rice, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Tricks to Perfect Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

• Crispy Chicken Skin Hack: Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning to achieve a beautifully golden and crispy exterior that seals in all those delicious juices.
• Low-Carb Friendly Twist: Replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or stevia to make this recipe diabetes and keto-diet compatible without losing the sweet-tangy flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the chicken and sauce up to 24 hours in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator. This allows flavors to meld and makes weeknight dinner prep super quick and easy.
• Herb Garden Variation: Experiment with different fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, or oregano instead of parsley to create unique flavor combinations that match your taste preferences or what's growing in your garden.
• Protein Swap Option: This versatile recipe works wonderfully with turkey breasts, fish fillets, or pork chops – simply adjust cooking times based on the protein's thickness to ensure perfect doneness.

How to Serve Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

• Zesty Plate Companion: Serve alongside fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious lemon butter sauce, creating a perfect flavor-absorbing base.
• Veggie Delight Pairing: Roast colorful vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini to complement the bright, tangy chicken and add nutritional balance.
• Herbal Fresh Finish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the dish to enhance the lemony flavors and add a pop of green color and fresh aroma.
• Mediterranean Twist: Pair with a light Greek salad or tzatziki sauce to bring a Mediterranean-inspired side that matches the recipe's bright and zesty profile.

Store Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Like a Pro

• Smart Reheating Strategy: Warm leftover chicken gently in the oven at 325F for 10-15 minutes to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap steam and preserve delicate flavors.
• Refrigerator Storage Tips: Place cooled chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly stored, the dish stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Always store the chicken with some extra sauce to keep the meat tender.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Seal chicken portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chicken remains delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Hack: Prepare multiple chicken breasts simultaneously and portion them into individual containers. This strategy saves time during busy weekdays and provides quick, delicious lunch or dinner options. Label containers with the date of preparation to track freshness.

Tangy Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent baked lemon butter chicken brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Zesty herbs and creamy sauce create a delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) or 6 chicken thighs
• 4 tbsps (60 ml) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup (60 ml) chicken broth or water
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) honey
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley or thyme
• Lemon slices

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Instructions

1. Prep Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season comprehensively with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Create Lemon Butter Sauce: Whisk melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, honey, and chicken broth into a harmonious, aromatic liquid that will elevate the chicken’s taste profile.
3. Assemble and Dress: Lightly grease a baking dish, arrange seasoned chicken breasts strategically, then cascade the prepared lemon butter sauce over each piece, guaranteeing complete and even coating with the vibrant mixture.
4. Citrus Enhancement: Artfully scatter thin lemon slices around the chicken to intensify the zesty essence and create a visually appealing culinary canvas.
5. Baking Process: Slide the baking dish into a preheated 375F (190C) oven, allowing the chicken to roast uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165F (75C), ensuring tender, juicy meat.
6. Finishing Touches: Retrieve the dish from the oven, generously drizzle additional sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a burst of color and herbaceous complexity, serving immediately with complementary side dishes.

Notes

• Patting Chicken Dry: Ensure chicken breasts are completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Sauce Consistency Check: Whisk lemon butter sauce thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated blend that evenly coats the chicken and maximizes flavor absorption.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to accurately check internal chicken temperature, avoiding overcooking while ensuring food safety at 165F (75C).
• Herb Flexibility: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or basil instead of parsley, allowing personal taste preferences and seasonal availability to guide your garnish choice.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg