Baked Lemon Butter Chicken: Easy, Juicy, and Bursting with Citrus Flavor
When dinner calls for something comforting, flavorful, and fuss-free, Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is your answer. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken kissed with lemon, butter, garlic, and herbs. It’s a warm hug in dinner form—ready in under an hour!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is the kind of recipe I keep on repeat. It’s got the zesty brightness of fresh lemon, the richness of melted butter, and just the right hit of herbs and garlic. You don’t need a pantry full of ingredients or a lot of time—just one pan, a hot oven, and some hungry mouths to feed.
It’s also super flexible. Use thighs for juiciness, drumsticks for fun, or breasts for lean protein—whatever you have on hand.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken pieces (thighs, breasts, or drumsticks)
- 1/4 cup Butter, melted
- 1/4 cup Fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- Optional: Lemon slices, fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
1️⃣ Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2️⃣ Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
3️⃣ Coat the Chicken
Place chicken pieces in a baking dish and pour the lemon butter mixture over them, making sure each piece is well coated.
4️⃣ Bake
Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5️⃣ Garnish & Serve
Top with lemon slices and chopped parsley, if desired. Spoon some of those golden pan juices over each piece for extra flavor.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overbake: Use a meat thermometer to keep the chicken juicy.
- Use fresh lemon juice: The flavor really pops.
- Baste halfway: Optional, but spooning juices over the chicken mid-bake makes it even more flavorful.
- Make it saucier: Double the sauce for drizzling over rice or veggies.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your lemon butter chicken with:
- Fluffy rice or herbed couscous
- Garlic roasted potatoes
- A crisp green salad
- Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli
More Chicken Recipes to Try
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit
- These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
- A Light, Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (And There’s No Mayo in Sight)
- This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort
Final Thoughts
This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen to make something absolutely delicious. It’s fast, it’s flavorful, and it’s the kind of dish that just works—whether it’s a weeknight dinner or something special.
Tried it? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to tag @chefmaniac when you share your plate! 🍋🍗✨
