Description
A flavorful and juicy chicken dish that’s simple yet delicious. The chicken is baked in a rich lemon butter sauce that adds a zesty, tangy flavor to every bite. This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Baked Lemon Butter Chicken:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
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2 teaspoons lemon zest
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, prepare the chicken breasts. If the breasts are particularly thick, you can slice them horizontally to create thinner pieces for quicker cooking. If you prefer, you can also use chicken thighs for a richer, juicier flavor, though the cooking time may vary slightly.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning stick better and ensure that the chicken browns nicely in the oven. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. This step adds flavor to the chicken and helps to enhance the overall dish.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
The lemon juice provides a tangy, refreshing flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttery richness, while the garlic and herbs add savory notes to the sauce. The olive oil helps to thin out the sauce and creates a smooth texture that coats the chicken beautifully during baking.
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a large baking dish. Make sure they are arranged in a single layer to ensure even cooking. If you have any additional seasonings or herbs left over from the chicken, feel free to sprinkle them over the top for added flavor.
Pour the lemon butter sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is coated generously with the sauce. Use a spoon or brush to spread the sauce evenly over the chicken if needed. The sauce will melt and mingle with the chicken as it bakes, creating a flavorful coating.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts, so be sure to check the temperature to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
If the top of the chicken begins to brown too quickly, you can cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning, allowing the chicken to continue cooking through without drying out.
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains moist and tender.
To serve, plate the chicken and drizzle any remaining lemon butter sauce from the baking dish over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrusy freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 2-5g
- Protein: 30g