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Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
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Baked Lemon Butter Chicken features juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts baked in a luscious lemon and butter sauce. This simple yet stunning dish balances bright, fresh lemon flavors with rich butter and aromatic herbs, creating a tender, flavorful meal perfect for quick weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Garnish (optional)

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly season the chicken breasts all over with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano, ensuring even coating for optimal flavor.
  2. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and whisk in the fresh lemon juice to form a silky, tangy butter sauce.
  3. Arrange Chicken in Baking Dish: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is fully coated to let the flavors soak in while baking.
  4. Bake Until Perfect: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be tender and juicy with a lightly golden surface from the buttery lemon sauce.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh herbal aroma before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice for brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to bottled lemon juice.
  • Avoid overbaking to maintain the chicken’s juiciness; a meat thermometer is recommended.
  • Choose unsalted butter to better control the salt level in the dish.
  • Let the chicken rest after baking to lock in the juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
  • Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more flavorful and aromatic sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked lemon butter chicken, lemon chicken recipe, easy baked chicken, weeknight dinner, gluten free chicken

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