Looking for a comforting, easy-to-make chicken dinner that’s full of zesty flavor and buttery goodness? This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken recipe delivers the perfect balance of tangy citrus and savory richness, all in one pan. Whether you’re hosting guests or preparing a cozy family meal, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy.
Ingredients
Chicken:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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2 tablespoons olive oil
Lemon Butter Sauce:
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
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1 tablespoon lemon zest
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
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Lemon slices, for garnish
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Large oven-safe skillet or baking dish
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Small mixing bowl
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Measuring spoons and cups
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Citrus zester or fine grater
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Knife and cutting board
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Basting brush (optional)
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Tongs or spatula
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature helps seal in the juices and gives the chicken a golden top without drying it out.
2: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Rub the seasoning blend evenly over each chicken piece.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)
In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. This adds flavor and helps lock in moisture.
4: Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet or transfer to a baking dish and coat evenly.
5: Bake the Chicken
Place the skillet or dish in the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste with sauce halfway through for extra flavor.
6: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and fresh lemon slices before serving.
Helpful Tips for Making and Serving
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Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: Thighs tend to stay moist and flavorful, even with longer cooking times.
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Make It a One-Pan Meal: Add vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or baby potatoes to the skillet before baking.
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Double the Sauce: Love extra sauce for dipping or pouring over rice or pasta? Simply double the lemon butter mixture.
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Meal Prep Friendly: This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and is freezer-friendly for up to 2 months.
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Don’t Skip the Zest: Lemon zest adds bright, citrusy aroma and depth to the sauce—don’t leave it out!
Nutritional Value (Per Serving – Approximate)
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Calories: 310 kcal
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Protein: 29g
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Fat: 18g
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Saturated Fat: 7g
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Carbohydrates: 4g
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Fiber: 0.5g
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Sugar: 1g
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Sodium: 420mg
(Note: Nutrition may vary depending on portion size and any modifications.)
Why This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Should Be Your Next Chicken Dinner
When it comes to quick and satisfying chicken dinner options, this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken hits all the right notes—simple to prepare, bursting with flavor, and elegant enough to serve to guests. The tang of fresh lemon combined with buttery richness and herbs creates a mouthwatering balance you’ll crave time and time again.
Whether you serve it with roasted vegetables, rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s also weeknight-friendly. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s destined to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
So go ahead—grab your lemons, fire up the oven, and treat yourself to a chicken dinner that’s anything but ordinary!
