Description
Lemon butter chicken brings zesty, tender goodness straight to your dinner table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Creamy sauce and golden-seared chicken breasts make this recipe a weeknight champion that comes together faster than you can order takeout.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- ½ cup lemon juice
Supporting Ingredients:
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat your oven to a precise 375°F (190°C) for perfect chicken cooking.
- Melt ½ cup butter in a skillet over medium heat until completely liquid and smooth.
- Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the melted butter, stirring for 30 seconds until their aroma fills your kitchen.
- Pour ½ cup lemon juice into the skillet, then sprinkle in 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper, mixing thoroughly.
- Arrange 4 chicken breasts in a clean baking dish, creating a single layer without overcrowding.
- Carefully drench the chicken with the entire lemon butter mixture, ensuring each breast is generously coated.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and roast for exactly 25-30 minutes, checking that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 3-5 minutes to seal in the juices.
- Scatter 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley across the top for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Chicken thickness matters – thinner breasts cook faster and more evenly, so pound them to a consistent 1/2-inch thickness before seasoning.
- Fresh lemon juice delivers sharper flavor compared to bottled, so squeeze your own lemons for the best taste.
- Let the chicken rest 5-10 minutes after baking to help juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and preventing dryness.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute half the butter with olive oil and use skinless chicken breasts to reduce calories.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 570 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg