Delicious Baked Lemon Butter Chicken: Juicy, Tangy Perfection

Succulent lemon butter chicken takes ordinary poultry and turns it into a special meal.

This classic dish is loved by many for its simple and elegant way of cooking.

The mix of zesty lemon and creamy butter creates flavors that are truly mouthwatering.

When baked with this rich sauce, chicken breasts become tender and juicy, making them perfect for family dinners or special events.

With just a few ingredients and easy steps, even beginners can make this tasty recipe without any fuss.

The fresh aroma of lemon and butter gives the chicken a bright taste that enhances every bite.

Helpful Notes For Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Marinate chicken for 2-3 hours before baking to allow spices and herbs to deeply penetrate the meat, creating more intense taste.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize red pepper flakes and smoked paprika quantities to match your heat preference, making the dish mild or bold according to personal taste.
• Skin-On Option: Keep chicken skin during baking for extra crispiness and richer flavor, which adds delightful texture and golden-brown appearance.
• Substitute Dairy: Replace cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for lighter versions or to accommodate lactose-intolerant dietary needs without compromising taste.
• Perfect Doneness Check: Use meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches internal temperature of 75°C (165°F), guaranteeing safe and juicy results every time.

How To Store And Reheat Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain food safety and freshness.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 165°C (325°F). Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken stock to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
• Microwave Method: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of chicken stock. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent overcooking.
• Freezing Option: Wrap chicken tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Perfect Sides For Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

• Elevate Citrus Vibrancy: Pair this zesty lemon butter chicken with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, whose sharp acidity complements the dish's bright lemony notes.
• Hearty Grain Companion: Serve alongside fluffy herbed quinoa or wild rice pilaf to soak up the rich, creamy sauce and add delightful texture to each bite.
• Mediterranean Side Kick: Complement the chicken with a fresh Greek salad featuring cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese, which balances the dish's richness with tangy, light flavors.
• Rustic Bread Pairing: Add warm, crusty sourdough or garlic bread to mop up the delectable pan sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal experience.

Fun Variations Of Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

• Dairy-Free Zest Chicken: Replace butter and cream with olive oil and coconut milk for a lactose-free version. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain rich flavor.
• Low-Carb Herb Chicken: Swap red onion with chopped green onions and reduce stock quantity. Add extra herbs like thyme and rosemary for deeper flavor profile without adding carbohydrates.
• Mediterranean Inspired Chicken: Incorporate kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and swap smoked paprika with dried oregano. Use Greek yogurt as a lighter sauce alternative to create a Mediterranean-style dish.
• Keto-Friendly Garlic Chicken: Use bone-in chicken thighs, increase butter quantity, eliminate onions, and add extra garlic. Sprinkle almond flour instead of Parmesan for a low-carb coating that maintains crispy texture.

FAQs For Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken pieces?

Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly. Just ensure they are evenly sized for consistent cooking and check internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).

• How can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. You can also use mild paprika instead of smoked paprika to lower the heat level.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Baked Lemon Butter Chicken can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for 2-3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving to maintain flavor and texture.

• What side dishes complement this chicken recipe?

Roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad pair wonderfully with this flavorful chicken dish.

Why Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Is So Flavorful

• Elevate Weeknight Dinners: Transform your ordinary meal into a gourmet experience with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Taste: Combine ingredients quickly in just 15 minutes, then let the oven do the hard work while you relax.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with zesty lemon, creamy sauce, and perfectly seasoned chicken that appeals to both kids and adults with its versatile flavor profile.
• Quick Cleanup Winner: Uses only a few dishes, reduces kitchen mess, and delivers a delicious one-pan meal that saves time on cooking and washing up.

What You Need For Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

• Chicken Pieces: Tender protein base for the dish, best with bone-in chicken thighs or breasts for maximum flavor.

• Chicken Spice Mix, Salt, Smoked Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes: Layered spices to enhance chicken's natural taste, providing depth and mild heat.

• Parsley, Garlic, Red Onion: Bright and fragrant herbs and vegetables that add freshness and complexity to the overall flavor profile.

• Chicken Stock, Lemon Juice, Melted Butter, Cream: Rich and tangy sauce base that keeps chicken moist and creates a luxurious coating.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that adds a golden crust and extra savory dimension to the finished dish.

How To Make Baked Lemon Butter Chicken At Home

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set the oven to 200°C (400°F) to ensure a perfectly heated cooking environment.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken Base

• Chicken spice mix
• Salt
• Smoked paprika
• Red pepper flakes

Step 3: Create Herbal Topping

• Fresh parsley
• Minced garlic
• Diced red onion

Step 4: Craft Luxurious Sauce

• Chicken stock
• Fresh lemon juice
• Melted butter
• Heavy cream

Step 5: Drench And Dress

Pour the prepared sauce evenly across the chicken, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Finish

Generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the entire dish.

Step 7: Roast To Perfection

Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until chicken turns golden brown and reaches complete doneness.

Step 8: Serve And Savor

Remove from oven and plate immediately while hot, ready to delight taste buds.

Addictive Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent “Baked Lemon Butter Chicken” delivers Mediterranean magic with zesty citrus and rich, golden-brown perfection. Crisp herb-infused skin and tender meat promise a delightful dinner you’ll savor from first delicious bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 10 pieces chicken
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon chicken spice mix
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped

Fresh Ingredients and Liquids:

• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ cup red onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ⅓ cup cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 200°C (400°F), ensuring an even temperature for optimal cooking.
2. Arrange chicken pieces in a spacious baking dish, creating a single layer for uniform heat distribution.
3. Generously coat the chicken with a robust blend of spices, including chicken seasoning, salt, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes, massaging the flavors into the meat.
4. Create a vibrant herb mixture by combining finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, and diced red onion.
5. Evenly spread the aromatic herb blend across the surface of the seasoned chicken, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Craft a luscious sauce by whisking together rich chicken stock, tangy lemon juice, melted butter, and smooth cream in a separate mixing bowl.
7. Carefully pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and accompanying vegetables, allowing the liquid to pool around the meat.
8. Sprinkle a generous layer of grated Parmesan cheese across the top, creating a golden, crispy topping.
9. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and roast uncovered for 45-50 minutes, monitoring until the chicken achieves a beautiful golden-brown color and is thoroughly cooked.
10. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest briefly before serving to allow the flavors to meld and settle.
11. Present the dish hot, inviting diners to savor the aromatic and flavorful baked lemon butter chicken.

Notes

• Swap chicken pieces with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the zesty flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free chicken stock and check spice mix ingredients to make this recipe celiac-friendly.
• Pat chicken pieces dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior and maximum flavor absorption.
• Reduce butter quantity or substitute with olive oil for a lighter, heart-healthy alternative without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg