Description
Succulent lemon butter chicken delivers Mediterranean flavors straight to dinner tables with elegant simplicity. Juicy chicken breasts bathed in zesty butter sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6 chicken thighs)
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
- 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) honey (for a touch of sweetness)
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) chicken broth (or water)
- Fresh parsley or thyme
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Thoroughly cleanse and pat the chicken pieces completely dry using clean kitchen towels, ensuring maximum moisture removal.
- Create a robust seasoning blend by generously coating both sides of the chicken with a mixture of salt, freshly ground black pepper, aromatic garlic powder, sweet paprika, and fragrant Italian herb seasoning.
- Select a spacious baking dish that allows chicken pieces to rest in a single layer without overcrowding, promoting even heat distribution and crispy exterior.
- Strategically position chicken pieces skin-side up within the prepared baking dish, allowing ample space between each portion.
- Melt butter in a separate small saucepan, infusing it with freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, and finely chopped parsley to create a vibrant, aromatic sauce.
- Carefully drizzle the luscious lemon-butter mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken, ensuring comprehensive coverage and maximum flavor absorption.
- Slice additional lemon rounds and nestle them delicately between and around the chicken pieces to enhance citrusy undertones during roasting.
- Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven, roasting for approximately 35-40 minutes until chicken achieves a golden-brown exterior and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and allow chicken to rest for 5-7 minutes, permitting juices to redistribute and ensuring succulent, tender meat.
- Garnish with extra fresh parsley and serve immediately, accompanied by pan drippings for added richness and flavor.
Notes
- Always use fresh lemons for the brightest, most vibrant citrus flavor that will elevate the entire dish.
- Pat the chicken completely dry to ensure a perfectly crispy and golden-brown exterior when baking.
- Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts for maximum juiciness and rich flavor development.
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your chicken pieces, using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg