Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

A Succulent, Flavorful, and Easy-to-Make Dinner That’s Perfect for Any Night of the Week!

If you’re searching for a simple yet indulgent chicken recipe that’s bursting with flavor, Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is your answer. This dish takes juicy chicken breasts, smothered in a buttery lemon sauce with fragrant herbs, and transforms it into a mouthwatering dinner. The creamy sauce is tangy with a hint of freshness from the lemon and the perfect balance of richness from the butter. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is a surefire winner.

The best part? It only takes 40 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy cooks who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it alongside a vegetable or starch, and you’ve got yourself a complete, restaurant-quality meal.

???? Ingredients

Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total: 40 mins

For the Chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – 4 (about 600g)
Olive oil – 2 tbsp (30ml)
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp
Garlic powder – ½ tsp
Dried thyme – ½ tsp
Dried oregano – ½ tsp

For the Lemon Butter Sauce:

Butter – 100g (½ cup), melted
Fresh lemon juice – 2 tbsp (30ml)
Zest of 1 lemon
Garlic – 3 cloves (9g), minced
Fresh parsley – 2 tbsp (8g), chopped
Chicken broth – 125ml (½ cup)
Dijon mustard – 1 tsp (5g) (optional, for added flavor)

????‍???? Instructions

???? Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease or line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

???? Step 2: Season the Chicken

Rub each chicken breast with olive oil.
Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and oregano on both sides.

???? Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chicken broth, and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir until well combined.

????️ Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
Pour the lemon butter sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly covered.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) and is no longer pink in the center.

???? Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and garnish with extra chopped parsley before serving.

????️ Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Carbs: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 540mg

???? Tip: Pair this dish with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes to balance out the richness of the sauce.

???? Tips & Tricks

Use bone-in chicken: For even more flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by 10–15 minutes.
Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little kick.
Save the sauce: The leftover lemon butter sauce can be drizzled over steamed veggies, rice, or pasta for an extra burst of flavor.
Meal prep: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it great for meal prep.

???? My Twist: Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs

Switch things up by using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for added flavor and moisture. The crispy skin paired with the lemony butter sauce is a match made in heaven. Bake for about 40 minutes, depending on the size of the thighs.

???? Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious Baked Lemon Butter Chicken with a side of roasted garlic mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, or a crisp salad for a well-rounded meal. The lemon butter sauce is so good, you’ll want to drizzle it over everything on your plate!