Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

There's something undeniably comforting about the sizzle of chicken baking in the oven, especially when it's drenched in lemony, buttery goodness. This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is the kind of dish that perfumes your whole kitchen with citrus and herbs—and delivers bold, tangy flavor in every juicy bite.

I first made this recipe on a chilly Sunday afternoon, hoping to use up a few lemons from the crisper drawer. The result was so rich and satisfying, it instantly became a go-to meal. It's now our weeknight hero—fast, flavorful, and a hit with both kids and adults.

Whether you're feeding a family or looking for a fuss-free dish to impress guests, this one checks all the boxes. Let's dive into what makes it so special.

Why You'll Love This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Get ready to meet your new favorite chicken dinner. This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is everything a home cook wants: juicy, flavorful, low-effort, and crowd-pleasing.

It’s effortlessly simple. With just a handful of ingredients and one baking dish, you can have dinner in the oven in under 10 minutes. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or when you just don’t feel like spending much time in the kitchen.

The flavor is bright, rich, and balanced. The tanginess of the fresh lemon cuts beautifully through the richness of the butter, creating a savory sauce that coats the chicken perfectly. Add garlic and herbs, and you've got a depth of flavor that tastes gourmet.

Budget-friendly and pantry-ready. You likely have most of the ingredients already. Chicken thighs or breasts, butter, lemon, garlic, and a few spices—nothing fancy, but the result is anything but plain.

Versatility is built in. Serve it over rice, pasta, or even mashed potatoes. Leftovers are excellent sliced into wraps, tossed on salads, or stuffed into sandwiches for lunch the next day.

Once you've made it, you'll understand why this is one of those recipes you’ll return to again and again.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken lies in the combination of simple ingredients that, together, create a luxurious, comforting dish. Here’s what each key ingredient brings to the table:

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my preferred cut here. They’re tender, juicy, and nearly impossible to overcook. If you only have chicken breasts, those work too—just be mindful not to overbake them, as they can dry out faster.

Fresh lemons are essential. You’ll use both the juice and zest to infuse the dish with vibrant citrus flavor. Bottled lemon juice won’t give you the same brightness, so opt for fresh if possible.

Unsalted butter gives this dish its rich, silky texture. When melted and combined with lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, it becomes a decadent sauce that soaks into the chicken as it bakes.

Garlic cloves (freshly minced) add bold, aromatic depth. Garlic powder won’t quite cut it here—you want those little golden bits caramelizing in the pan.

Italian seasoning brings a herbaceous kick that complements the lemon beautifully. You can use dried oregano and thyme if that’s what you have on hand, or go fresh if you're feeling fancy.

No special tools required here—just a baking dish large enough to hold your chicken in a single layer and some aluminum foil for covering.

How To Make This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Making this dish is as relaxing as it is rewarding. Follow these steps and you’ll have a mouthwatering meal in no time.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease a baking dish and arrange your chicken thighs or breasts in a single layer. Pat them dry with a paper towel—this helps them brown better.

In a small saucepan, melt your butter over medium heat. Once fully melted, stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer gently for about a minute to bloom the herbs and mellow the garlic.

Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure to coat every piece. Season generously with salt and pepper, and if you like, tuck a few thin slices of lemon between the chicken for added flair and flavor.

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F/74°C).

When done, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken slightly and continue to infuse the meat with flavor. Spoon that buttery lemon sauce over the top—you don’t want to miss a drop.

Total time? Just about 40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have a dish that feels elegant enough for company but easy enough for Wednesday night.

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this chicken stores beautifully.

Refrigerator: Store the chicken and any sauce in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers extra delicious.

Freezer: You can freeze the cooked chicken in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a covered dish in a 325°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

This dish also makes great meal prep for lunchboxes or quick dinners throughout the week.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is as flexible as it is flavorful. Here are a few easy ways to customize it to your tastes or pantry.

Swap the protein. Try it with boneless pork chops, turkey cutlets, or even firm white fish like cod or halibut. Just adjust the cooking time based on thickness.

Add veggies to the dish. Toss some asparagus, green beans, or cherry tomatoes into the baking dish along with the chicken. They’ll soak up the lemon butter sauce and roast to perfection.

Make it creamy. Stir a little heavy cream or half-and-half into the lemon butter sauce before pouring it over the chicken for a creamier texture.

Use fresh herbs. If you have fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley, toss them on top before baking. They’ll elevate the flavor and aroma beautifully.

Spice it up. Like a little heat? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a zesty kick.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. The base is solid—you can riff on it however you like and still end up with a dinner that tastes amazing.

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