Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe
Hey there! Today, I’m excited to share with you my absolute favorite recipe for Baked Lemon Butter Chicken. This dish has been a staple in my household for years, and every time I make it, it brings back memories of cozy family dinners and laughter around the table. There’s just something about the tangy lemon flavor combined with the richness of butter that makes this dish truly irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This
I make this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken when I want a meal that is both comforting and elegant. The zesty lemon cuts through the richness of the butter, creating a perfect balance of flavors. My family goes crazy for this dish because it’s simple to make yet tastes like a gourmet meal you’d get at a fancy restaurant. Plus, the aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes is simply delightful!
Now, let’s talk about the key players in this recipe: the ingredients. For this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken, you’ll need chicken breasts, lemons, butter, garlic, and a handful of herbs like thyme and parsley. If you’re in a pinch, you can swap out fresh herbs for dried ones, but trust me, the fresh ones really take it to the next level.
When it comes to the directions, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Start by preheating your oven and seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper. Then, make a simple lemon butter sauce by melting butter with garlic and lemon juice. Pour the sauce over the chicken, pop it in the oven, and let it bake to golden perfection. This is where I usually sneak a taste because it smells so good!
As for serving suggestions, I love pairing this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken with a side of roasted vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes. The leftovers (if there are any) taste even better the next day, making it a great dish for meal prep. In my house, this chicken never lasts more than a day because everyone always goes back for seconds!
Variations
Now, let’s talk about some fun variations I’ve experimented with. One time, I tried adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top before baking, and it added a lovely savory crust to the chicken. However, I also tried adding too much lemon once, and let’s just say it was a bit too tangy for my taste. It’s all about finding the right balance that suits your palate!
When it comes to equipment, a good baking dish is essential for this recipe. If you don’t have one, you can use a regular oven-safe pan as a workaround. The key is to make sure the chicken cooks evenly and the lemon butter sauce doesn’t spill over.
Storage-wise, though honestly, in my house, this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken never lasts more than a day! But if you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just be warned, the aroma might tempt you to have it for breakfast the next day!
Pro Tips
Pro tip: I once tried rushing the cooking time, and the chicken ended up a bit tough. So, patience is key when it comes to letting it bake to perfection. Also, don’t skimp on the lemon butter sauce; it’s what gives this dish its incredible flavor!
So there you have it, a delicious and simple recipe for Baked Lemon Butter Chicken that will have your taste buds singing. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out for you. Happy cooking!
Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe
A delicious and comforting dish where the tangy lemon flavor combines perfectly with the richness of butter to create a balanced and irresistible flavor. This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is simple to make yet tastes gourmet, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Preheat the oven and season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
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In a saucepan, melt the butter with minced garlic and juice from 1 lemon to make a lemon butter sauce.
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Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish, pour the lemon butter sauce over them, and sprinkle with fresh thyme and parsley.
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Slice the remaining lemon and place the slices on top of the chicken.
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Bake in the preheated oven until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
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Serve the Baked Lemon Butter Chicken with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes.
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Enjoy the delightful aroma and flavors of this dish!