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Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

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Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken breasts baked in a rich garlic-lemon butter sauce. It’s a quick, elegant one-pan meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25–35 minutes
  • Total Time: 35–45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
  2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Arrange in prepared dish.
  3. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Simmer briefly.
  4. Pour the lemon butter sauce over the chicken. Add lemon slices around the chicken, if using.
  5. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes (for breasts) or 30–35 minutes (for thighs), or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Spoon pan sauce over chicken before serving and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

  • Add grated Parmesan before baking for a golden topping.
  • Stir in capers or olives for extra depth.
  • Add a splash of cream to the sauce for a creamy variation.
  • Works well with bone-in thighs—just increase bake time accordingly.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor; bottled juice in a pinch.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/baked-lemon-butter-chicken/