If you are looking to delight your taste buds with a wonderfully simple yet irresistibly flavorful dish, this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Juicy chicken thighs baked to golden perfection, bathed in a luscious lemon butter sauce that is infused with garlic, herbs, and just the right touch of zest, create a comforting meal that feels both elegant and homey. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers a beautiful balance of bright citrus notes and rich buttery goodness that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe starts with a handful of simple but crucial ingredients. Each one plays a special role, bringing layers of flavor, moisture, and color that transform basic chicken thighs into a mouthwatering entrée.
- 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs: These provide juicy, tender meat with extra flavor thanks to the skin.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps carry all the seasoning flavors beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Contributes to crisping the chicken skin and blends perfectly with butter.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a savory and aromatic base to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest: Offers a bright citrus fragrance that wakes up the whole dish.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: Brings tangy acidity to balance the richness of butter and chicken.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds subtle earthiness and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Provides a warm, herbaceous note perfect for baked chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives mild smokiness and beautiful color to the chicken.
- 3/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all other flavors and seasons the chicken properly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Finishes the dish with a fresh herbaceous pop of color and flavor.
How to Make Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This temperature ensures a perfect balance between crisping the skin and juicy cooking inside. Lightly grease a baking dish just big enough to fit all the chicken thighs in a single layer—this helps avoid overcrowding so each piece cooks evenly. Then, pat your chicken thighs dry with paper towels; removing excess moisture is key for that crispy skin everyone loves.
Step 2: Mix the Lemon Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and olive oil with minced garlic, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, dried thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended. This zesty, herbaceous blend will coat the chicken, infusing each bite with a vibrant combination of bright and buttery flavors.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken and Bake
Arrange the chicken thighs in the baking dish skin side up, then pour the lemon butter mixture over, ensuring every piece is generously coated. Pop the dish in the oven uncovered and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Halfway through, baste the chicken with the pan juices; this helps keep the meat moist and imparts even more flavorful sauce into every nook and cranny.
Step 4: Finish with a Browning Touch
Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has turned a gorgeous golden brown, feel free to turn the broiler on for 2 to 3 minutes. This step is optional but highly recommended for extra crispness on the skin. Just keep a close eye so it does not burn. After removing from the oven, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes—this allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite tender and juicy.
How to Serve Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds brightness and a lovely pop of green that contrasts with the golden chicken, both elevating the look and refreshing the palate. Lemon wedges can also be served alongside for an optional extra squeeze of citrusy zing.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with an array of sides—from fluffy rice that soaks up that luscious lemon butter sauce to roasted or steamed vegetables which add balancing earthiness and texture. Creamy mashed potatoes or herb-infused quinoa also make gorgeous companions to highlight the savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch at entertaining, arrange the chicken atop a bed of sautéed greens or roasted root vegetables. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh herbs for a rustic yet elegant look. Serving family-style on a large platter encourages sharing and adds warmth to any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked lemon butter chicken keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep any extra sauce with it to retain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken thighs in a tightly sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain tenderness and taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a 350°F oven until warmed through to maintain crisp skin and juicy meat. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with some of the reserved sauce, turning occasionally to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well for this recipe, though you should reduce the cooking time to prevent drying out. Keep an eye on the internal temperature, aiming for 160–165°F.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic choice for those avoiding gluten.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like margarine or use extra olive oil to keep it dairy-free while still retaining richness.
How do I get the chicken skin extra crispy?
Make sure to pat the skin dry before baking and consider broiling for the last few minutes. Also, avoid covering the chicken while baking to allow the skin to crisp properly.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken in the lemon butter sauce a few hours ahead or overnight to deepen the flavors, then bake when ready.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe is truly a keeper—simple ingredients come together to create a dish that is bursting with bright citrus flavor, savory herbs, and buttery richness. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like it took hours but is effortless to make, perfect for impressing family and friends or treating yourself. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious warmth this classic comfort dish brings to your table.
Print
Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken recipe features juicy, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs baked to golden perfection with a tangy lemon butter sauce infused with garlic, thyme, oregano, and paprika. It’s an easy, gluten-free main course that delivers rich flavors and crispy skin, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Sauce & Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish large enough to place the chicken thighs in a single layer.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Arrange them skin side up in the prepared baking dish.
- Make Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Coat Chicken: Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, basting the chicken once halfway through the cooking time to keep it moist and flavorful. Bake until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Optional Broiling: For extra crispy and browned skin, broil the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but reduce the cooking time to avoid drying them out.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, or potatoes to soak up the delicious lemon butter sauce.
