There’s something truly special about a dinner dish that feels both elegant and effortlessly easy to whip up on a busy weeknight. Baked Lemon Butter Chicken lives up to its name by delivering juicy chicken breasts drenched in a creamy lemon-butter garlic sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Tender chicken is first seasoned and seared to a golden-brown perfection, creating those irresistible crispy bits before taking a luxurious bath in a velvety blend of melted butter, heavy cream, tangy lemon juice, and bright lemon zest. Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and a herbaceous finish that balances the richness of the sauce.
I still remember the first time I made this recipe for my family—my partner’s eyes lit up at that first forkful, and our kitchen smelled like a cozy bistro in seconds. With just 15 minutes of prep, 35 minutes of cooking time, and a final five-minute rest, you’ve got an impressive dish that clocks in at around 450 calories per serving. Whether you’re a beginner cook looking to boost your confidence or a seasoned home chef craving something new, this recipe delivers comfort and sophistication in every bite.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN BAKED LEMON BUTTER CHICKEN
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s chat about what makes this dish so crave-worthy. Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor—from the crisp coating on the chicken to the luscious, silky sauce that hugs every bite.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Provides a lean, tender base that soaks up the buttery lemon sauce beautifully. Choosing high-quality chicken ensures juicy results.
- All-purpose flour
Creates a light, golden crust when dredged on the chicken, locking in moisture and adding a subtle toasty flavor.
- Garlic powder
Infuses the flour mixture with savory depth, building a robust background note that complements the fresh garlic in the sauce.
- Paprika
Adds a hint of smokiness and vibrant color to the crust, making each piece of chicken as visually appealing as it is tasty.
- Salt and pepper
Simple seasonings that highlight and balance all the other flavors, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned.
- Olive oil
Ideal for searing at medium-high heat, it helps achieve that coveted golden-brown exterior without burning.
- Unsalted butter
Melts into the sauce for richness and a silky texture. Using unsalted butter lets you control the overall seasoning.
- Garlic cloves, minced
Fresh garlic brings an aromatic punch, giving the sauce its signature garlicky warmth.
- Chicken broth
Forms the savory foundation of the sauce, adding depth and preventing the dish from feeling overly heavy.
- Heavy cream
Lends a luxurious creaminess, transforming the broth and butter into a decadent velouté sauce.
- Lemon, zested and juiced
Brightens the entire dish with citrusy zing. The zest imparts intense lemon aroma while the juice balances the richness.
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Sprinkled on top for a fresh, herbaceous finish and a lovely green garnish that makes the dish pop.
HOW TO MAKE BAKED LEMON BUTTER CHICKEN
Now that our flavor-packed ingredients are ready, let’s walk through the process of building this sensational dish. You’ll sear the chicken to lock in juiciness, craft the luscious lemon-butter sauce right in the same skillet, and finish everything off in the oven for hands-off perfection.
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it reaches the perfect temperature for baking while you prepare the chicken.
2. In a shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the mixture, coating evenly and shaking off any excess to prevent clumps.
3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot oil and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, or until each piece develops a beautiful golden crust. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
4. Reduce the heat to medium and add unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
5. Pour in chicken broth, then whisk in heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir vigorously to combine, then let the sauce come to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and slightly thicken.
6. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over each piece to coat them in that creamy lemon-butter goodness.
7. Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
8. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR BAKED LEMON BUTTER CHICKEN
Once your Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is out of the oven, it’s time to choose the perfect accompaniments that will take this dish from great to unforgettable. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends for dinner, these serving ideas will help you create a well-rounded meal that highlights the rich, tangy flavors of the sauce without overpowering them.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice
Fluffy rice grains soak up every drop of the creamy lemon-butter sauce, making each forkful irresistibly saucy. Use a rice cooker or a pot with a tight-fitting lid for perfectly tender rice.
- Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Toss any long pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine work well) in a light garlic and Parmesan coating before plating. The cheesy notes complement the zesty sauce and add a comforting carb element.
- Roasted Seasonal Vegetables
A medley of roasted carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers brings color and crunch. Toss veggies with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F for about 20 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Crispy Artisan Bread
Warm, crusty slices of baguette or ciabatta are perfect for mopping up leftover sauce. Lightly toast the bread under the broiler and rub with a cut garlic clove for extra flavor.
HOW TO STORE BAKED LEMON BUTTER CHICKEN
Storing your Baked Lemon Butter Chicken properly ensures you can savor those bright, buttery flavors even days after you first bake it. Whether you’re meal-prepping or simply saving leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch, these storage tips will help maintain the chicken’s juiciness and the sauce’s silky consistency.
- Refrigerate in an Airtight Container
Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature, then place it and the sauce into a sealed container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave-safe dish or warm in a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Freeze Individual Portions
For longer storage, divide the chicken and sauce into single-serving freezer bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Separate Sauce from Chicken
If you prefer to maintain the chicken’s crispy exterior, store the sauce and chicken in different containers. Reheat the sauce first, then quickly warm the chicken in a skillet to crisp the edges before combining.
- Reheat with Fresh Herbs
To revive that just-cooked flavor, sprinkle chopped parsley and a little extra lemon zest over the reheated dish. This brightens the flavor and adds a fresh, vibrant finish.
CONCLUSION
Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is more than just an easy dinner recipe—it’s a celebration of simple ingredients elevated by thoughtful techniques. We started with lean chicken breasts, coated them in a flavorful flour mixture, and achieved a golden sear that locks in juiciness. From there, we built a luscious sauce of melted butter, heavy cream, fresh garlic, and bright lemon zest and juice, simmering everything to silky perfection. A quick bake in the oven brings the chicken to a safe and succulent finish, while a final sprinkle of parsley adds that pop of color and fresh herbaceous note. With just 15 minutes of prep, 35 minutes of hands-off cooking, and a brief rest, you have an impressive, restaurant-quality meal that’s approachable for cooks of all levels.
Feel free to print this article and save it for your recipe box—you’ll want to keep this one on hand whenever you need a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing dinner. Below you’ll find a handy FAQ section covering common questions, from ingredient substitutions to tips on achieving the perfect sear. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment with your questions, tweaks, or success stories, and let me know how this creamy, zesty dish came together in your kitchen. Your feedback helps me share even more delicious recipes and ensures that every home cook feels confident and excited about putting dinner on the table.
Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
Description
This easy recipe features tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and bathed in a velvety sauce brimming with zesty lemon, melted butter, garlic, and cream. A fresh parsley garnish adds a pop of color and flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
In a shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
-
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
-
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
-
Pour in chicken broth, then add heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
-
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over them.
-
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
-
Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Note
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add additional lemon zest.
- You can substitute boneless chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- Pair with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
