Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is juicy, tender, and full of bright, savory flavor. Oven-baked in a rich lemon butter garlic sauce, this easy chicken dinner is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a comforting family meal—no frying and no complicated steps required.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for greasing
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Arrange chicken in a single layer in the baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and chicken broth.
- Pour sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Sprinkle paprika or Italian seasoning on top, if using.
- Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, depending on thickness, spooning sauce over chicken halfway through.
- Remove from oven when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest 5 minutes before serving. Spoon extra sauce over the top.
Notes
- Avoid adding too much lemon juice—balance is key.
- Let chicken rest so juices redistribute and stay tender.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end if you want extra browning.