The Zesty Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe You’ll Adore

Succulent baked lemon butter chicken bursts with zesty Mediterranean flavors that dance across your plate.

Bright citrus notes infuse each tender morsel with irresistible aromatic charm.

Crispy golden skin conceals juicy meat underneath, promising a delightful dining experience.

Simple ingredients combine to create magic in your kitchen without complex techniques.

Weeknight dinners will never feel mundane when this recipe enters your culinary repertoire.

Home cooks seeking effortless yet impressive meals will absolutely adore this straightforward approach.

One bite promises to transport you to sunny coastal regions with its vibrant, fresh profile.

Jump into this delectable adventure and let your taste buds celebrate!

Reasons to Love Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers rich, tangy flavors that satisfy everyone from kids to adults with its creamy lemon butter sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal prep work and simple ingredients make this dish a go-to solution for busy families needing a delicious meal without complicated cooking techniques.
• One-Pan Wonder: Requires just a single baking dish, reducing cleanup time and making dinner preparation stress-free with minimal kitchen mess.
• Adaptable Dinner Star: Versatile recipe that pairs beautifully with multiple sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or salad, ensuring flexibility for different dietary preferences and meal plans.

Ingredients for Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

• Chicken Pieces: Tender meat that forms the main protein of the dish.

• Chicken Spice Mix, Salt, Smoked Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes: Blend of spices that add depth and warmth to the chicken's flavor profile.

• Parsley, Garlic, Red Onion: Fresh aromatics that provide brightness and complexity to the overall taste.

• Chicken Stock, Lemon Juice, Melted Butter, Cream: Creamy liquid mixture that creates a rich, tangy sauce with a smooth texture.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated cheese that adds a salty, nutty finish and helps create a golden crust.

How to Bake Lemon Butter Chicken Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to create the perfect roasting environment for your chicken.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

• Chicken spice mix
• Salt
• Smoked paprika
• Red pepper flakes

Massage the seasonings into every nook and cranny of the chicken to ensure maximum flavor.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Herb Topping

• Freshly chopped parsley
• Minced garlic
• Finely diced red onion

Sprinkle this vibrant herb mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken, creating a mouthwatering layer of fresh flavors.

Step 4: Whip Up the Magical Sauce

• Chicken stock
• Fresh lemon juice
• Melted butter
• Heavy cream

Pour this creamy, tangy sauce over the chicken, ensuring it covers the meat and surrounding vegetables completely.

Step 5: Add the Cheesy Finale

Generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese across the top of the chicken, creating a golden, crispy crust that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast uncovered for 45-50 minutes.

The chicken is ready when it turns a beautiful golden brown and is completely cooked through.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Remove from the oven and let the aroma fill your kitchen.

Serve the chicken immediately while it’s hot and juicy, ready to be devoured by eager diners.

Tips for Juicy Lemon Butter Chicken

• Marinate chicken for 2-3 hours before baking to enhance depth and tenderness of meat.
• Use meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) for safe, juicy results.
• Replace cream with coconut milk for dairy-free option or Greek yogurt for lower-fat alternative.
• Broil chicken for final 2-3 minutes to create golden, slightly crispy cheese and herb crust.
• Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain moisture and flavor.

Variations for Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace lemon juice with orange juice and add oregano, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Herb Garden Variation: Swap parsley with fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage; include diced zucchini and reduce cream for a lighter herbal version.
• Spicy Cajun Remix: Substitute chicken spice mix with Cajun seasoning, add diced bell peppers, and include andouille sausage for a New Orleans-style kick.
• Coconut Curry Option: Mix in coconut milk instead of cream, add curry powder, ginger, and green onions for an aromatic Southeast Asian-inspired dish.

Pairing Ideas with Lemon Butter Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the lemon's bright acidity and cut through the rich butter sauce.
• Serve Alongside Roasted Vegetables: Prepare garlic-roasted asparagus or herb-infused green beans to balance the chicken's rich flavors and add nutritional variety.
• Match with Herb-Infused Quinoa: Create a light quinoa side dish with fresh parsley and lemon zest to echo the chicken's herbal and citrus notes, providing a perfect textural contrast.
• Enhance with Crusty Bread: Include a rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up the delicious lemon butter sauce, turning every bite into a flavor-packed experience.

Proper Storage for Lemon Butter Chicken

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a sealed freezer bag. Keeps well for 2-3 months.

Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Preheat oven to 165C (325F). Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken stock to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• What makes the chicken so flavorful?

The combination of chicken spice mix, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs creates a complex, bold flavor profile that infuses the chicken with delicious taste.

• Can I use different cuts of chicken?

Yes, this recipe works great with chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. Just ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can easily adjust the heat by reducing or eliminating them based on your spice preference.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer. The meat should also be white throughout with no pink areas.

Perfect Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon butter chicken blends Mediterranean zest with home-cooked comfort, promising a delightful culinary journey. Crisp golden skin and tender meat invite you to savor each flavorful bite of this irresistible dinner classic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 10 pieces chicken
• 1 tablespoon chicken spice mix

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 cup chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/3 cup cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Herbs:

• 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 200C (400F) to ensure a consistent cooking environment for the chicken.
2. Arrange chicken pieces in a baking dish, generously coating with chicken spice mix, salt, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes for a robust flavor profile.
3. Create a vibrant herb mixture by combining finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, and diced red onion, then distribute evenly across the seasoned chicken.
4. Craft a luxurious sauce by whisking together chicken stock, freshly squeezed lemon juice, melted butter, and cream in a separate mixing bowl.
5. Cascade the prepared sauce over the chicken and accompanying vegetables, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Sprinkle a generous layer of grated Parmesan cheese across the top, adding a rich, nutty dimension to the dish.
7. Roast uncovered in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, monitoring until the chicken develops a golden exterior and reaches complete doneness.
8. Remove from the oven and allow a brief resting period before serving to let the flavors meld and juices redistribute.
9. Present the aromatic dish immediately, inviting diners to savor the harmonious blend of herbs, spices, and creamy sauce.

Notes

• Customize the spice mix by adjusting red pepper flakes for heat preference, making the dish mild or spicy.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior and better spice adherence.
• Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes after baking to lock in juices and enhance overall flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 760 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg