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Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken recipe offers an effortlessly delicious meal bursting with bright lemony flavors and rich buttery goodness. It’s quick, juicy, tender, and flavorful, perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend treats. The recipe features simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, delivering a satisfying and elegant dish every time.

Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients

  • 2 to 4 Skinless Chicken Breasts (or bone-in for extra juiciness)
  • 4 tablespoons Butter
  • 1 Lemon, juiced and zested
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme or Oregano
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove moisture, which helps achieve a nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and dried herbs to build flavor.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked. This locks in juices and adds beautiful color.
  3. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: Lower the heat and add butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet. Stir and let the butter melt completely, allowing the sauce to infuse the chicken with fresh citrus and garlic flavors.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The baking process ensures tender chicken soaked with buttery lemon sauce.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Spoon the remaining sauce over the chicken before serving for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Pat dry chicken first to ensure a crispy sear and better sauce adherence.
  • Use fresh lemons for brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to bottled lemon juice and zest.
  • Do not skip searing, as it adds layers of flavor and appealing color.
  • Monitor baking time closely; overbaking can dry out the chicken. Use a meat thermometer for best results.
  • Let the chicken rest after baking to seal in juices for tender, moist bites.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 380 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Baked Lemon Butter Chicken, lemon chicken recipe, buttery chicken, easy chicken dinner, one pan chicken, juicy chicken breasts, gluten free chicken

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