Easy Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

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There’s something magical that happens when zesty lemons, creamy butter, and tender chicken come together in one dish. Baked Lemon Butter Chicken combines bright citrus notes with rich, velvety butter to create a mouthwatering meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.

This baked lemon butter chicken recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for those evenings when I crave something impressive yet don’t want to spend hours cooking. The beauty of this dish lies in its elegant simplicity – just a handful of ingredients transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal that’s ready in just half an hour. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or hosting weekend guests, this fool-proof recipe delivers exceptional flavor every time.

Ingredients List

For this delicious baked lemon butter chicken, you’ll need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (approximately 1-2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Lemon slices for garnish

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Chicken thighs can replace breasts for more moisture and flavor
• Ghee or olive oil can substitute for butter in dairy-sensitive diets
• Lime juice works well if lemons aren’t available
• Italian seasoning can replace the individual herbs in a pinch
• Plant-based butter alternatives work for dairy-free versions

Timing

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes (25% faster than traditional oven-baked chicken recipes that typically require 40+ minutes)

This quick cooking time makes baked lemon butter chicken perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the wait. The active preparation is minimal, allowing you to focus on preparing sides or taking care of other tasks while the oven does the work.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels – this crucial step ensures a better sear and helps the seasonings adhere properly. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider butterflying them or pounding to an even thickness of about ¾ inch for more consistent cooking.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. For extra flavor absorption, you can season the chicken up to an hour ahead and refrigerate. This gives the salt time to penetrate the meat, enhancing juiciness and flavor throughout the chicken, not just on the surface.

Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. The residual heat will help bloom the spices, releasing their essential oils and intensifying the flavors in your baked lemon butter chicken.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers (but before it smokes), add the chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This creates a flavorful crust while sealing in juices. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the chicken to a baking dish after searing.

Step 5: Add the Lemon Butter Sauce

Pour the prepared lemon butter sauce over the seared chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Tilt the pan to distribute the sauce evenly. For an extra touch, place thin lemon slices on top of each chicken breast – they’ll caramelize slightly in the oven, adding both visual appeal and concentrated lemon flavor.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at its thickest point. Baste the chicken with the pan sauce halfway through cooking to maximize flavor development and keep the meat moist.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the baked lemon butter chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat instead of running out when cut. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional lemon slices for a bright, appealing presentation.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Baked Lemon Butter Chicken (based on one chicken breast with sauce) contains:

• Calories: 385
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fat: 26g (Saturated Fat: 12g)
• Cholesterol: 145mg
• Sodium: 320mg (varies based on salt added)
• Vitamin C: 15% of Daily Value
• Vitamin A: 12% of Daily Value
• Calcium: 2% of Daily Value
• Iron: 6% of Daily Value

This protein-rich dish is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for keto and low-carb dietary approaches. The high protein content (70% of the recommended daily intake for an average adult) makes it particularly satisfying and ideal for those focused on muscle maintenance or weight management.

Healthier Alternatives for Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Transform this baked lemon butter chicken into an even more nutritious meal with these simple modifications:

• Reduce butter by half and replace it with chicken broth for a lighter sauce that still delivers flavor
• Use clarified butter (ghee), which contains less lactose and casein while maintaining the buttery flavor
• Incorporate more herbs like oregano and basil to add flavor complexity while reducing the need for salt
• Add vegetables like asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini to the pan during the last 10 minutes of baking for a complete one-pan meal with added fiber and nutrients
• Opt for organic, free-range chicken, which typically contains more omega-3 fatty acids and less saturated fat than conventional options
• Skip the initial searing to reduce oil usage, though you’ll sacrifice some flavor development
• Use a butter-infused olive oil spray instead of full butter for a significant calorie reduction

These modifications can reduce the calorie content by up to 30% while maintaining the dish’s signature flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your baked lemon butter chicken with these complementary side dishes and presentation ideas:

• Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option
• Pair with roasted garlic mashed potatoes that can soak up the decadent sauce
• Accompanied by steamed asparagus or green beans with a squeeze of lemon
• Create a Mediterranean-inspired meal with a side of Greek salad and warm pita bread
• Serve alongside lemon-herb quinoa for a protein-packed, complete meal
• For a dinner party presentation, arrange the chicken on a platter with roasted lemon slices and fresh herb sprigs
• Create individual serving plates by placing each chicken breast on a small pool of sauce, garnished with microgreens

My favorite way to enjoy this dish is with a side of angel hair pasta tossed lightly in olive oil, parmesan, and fresh herbs – the pasta beautifully captures the extra lemon butter sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced cooks can improve their baked lemon butter chicken by avoiding these common pitfalls:

1. Using cold chicken straight from the refrigerator – Always let chicken come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking for more even results
2. Overcrowding the pan when searing – Work in batches if necessary; crowded chicken will steam rather than sear
3. Using bottled lemon juice – Fresh lemon juice contains up to 30% more aromatic compounds than bottled versions
4. Skipping the meat thermometer – Visual cues can be misleading; 93% of home cooks overcook chicken when not using a thermometer
5. Not reducing the sauce – If your sauce seems too thin after baking, remove the chicken and reduce the sauce on the stovetop for 2-3 minutes
6. Adding cold butter to hot garlic – This can cause the garlic to burn; melt butter first, then add garlic briefly
7. Using the wrong pan – A heavy-bottomed, oven-safe skillet conducts heat more evenly than thin bakeware
8. Not patting chicken dry – Moisture on the surface prevents proper browning and dilutes the sauce

Storing Tips for Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Maximize the shelf life and quality of your baked lemon butter chicken with these storage best practices:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Pour the sauce over the chicken to keep it moist during storage.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Freeze individual portions with sauce in freezer-safe containers for easy single servings.
• Reheating: For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes with the sauce. Add a tablespoon of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
• Meal Prep: You can prepare the lemon butter sauce up to 2 days ahead and store it refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before using.
• Make-Ahead Option: Complete all steps except the final baking up to 8 hours ahead. Refrigerate the seared chicken in the sauce, then allow to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

Pro tip: When reheating, add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of herbs to revive the bright flavors that may have diminished during storage.

Conclusion

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. This versatile recipe combines zesty citrus, aromatic herbs, and rich butter to transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal in just 30 minutes. The perfect balance of flavors and foolproof technique make this dish an excellent addition to your regular cooking rotation.

Ready to impress your family or guests with this delicious baked lemon butter chicken? Give this recipe a try tonight and share your experience in the comments section below! Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more quick, flavorful recipes delivered straight to your inbox. Your feedback helps our community grow and inspires future recipe creations!

FAQs Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

How do you get butter under chicken skin?

To get butter under chicken skin, gently loosen the skin from the meat by sliding your fingers between the skin and flesh, creating a pocket while keeping the skin attached. Then, either spread softened compound butter directly under the skin using your fingers, or place thin slices of flavored butter in the pocket. Make sure to distribute it evenly by massaging the skin from the outside. You can also use a butter injector or small spoon to help with placement.

What is a thickening agent for butter chicken?

The traditional thickening agent for butter chicken is a combination of tomato paste, heavy cream, and cashew paste or ground cashews. Some recipes also use yogurt that’s been reduced through cooking. For a quicker version, many home cooks and restaurants use a small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) or gram flour (besan) to achieve the desired consistency without altering the flavor significantly.

What is the Speciality of butter chicken?

The specialty of butter chicken (Murgh Makhani) is its rich, velvety tomato-based sauce that balances tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. Originally created in Delhi in the 1950s at Moti Mahal restaurant, it was invented as a way to use leftover tandoori chicken by simmering it in a buttery tomato gravy. Unlike many Indian dishes, butter chicken is not typically very spicy, making it broadly appealing across different palates. Its distinctive cooking method involves marinating chicken in yogurt and spices before finishing in the signature sauce.

What is the flavor profile of butter chicken?

Butter chicken has a complex flavor profile characterized by:

• Rich creaminess from butter and cream
• Tanginess from tomatoes and yogurt
• Mild sweetness balanced with savory elements
• Aromatic depth from garam masala, fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi), and cardamom
• Subtle smokiness if tandoor-cooked chicken is used
• Gentle warmth rather than intense heat, with spices that complement rather than overwhelm
• Umami notes from the slow-cooked onion and tomato base
• A distinctive nutty undertone from cashews or almonds in many versions

The hallmark of excellent butter chicken is the harmonious balance of these flavors without any single element dominating.