Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *best lemon butter chicken* recipe! It’s a dish that’s not only packed with flavor but also makes my kitchen smell divine. I first stumbled upon it during a cozy dinner party, and it instantly became a favorite among my friends and family. The juicy chicken, perfectly complemented by that rich, buttery lemon sauce, is simply irresistible. What I love most is how easy it is to whip up—seriously, you won’t believe how quickly you can get this on the table! Plus, it’s gluten-free, making it a great option for everyone. Trust me, once you try this lemon butter chicken, you’ll be craving it on repeat! Get ready for a delightful culinary experience!
Ingredients List
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
How to Prepare the Best Lemon Butter Chicken
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This sets the stage for perfectly cooked chicken, so don’t skip this step! While the oven is warming up, you can get everything else ready.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a skillet over medium heat, add the unsalted butter. Melting it slowly on medium heat is key here—too high, and you risk burning it. Just keep an eye on it as it transforms into that luscious liquid gold!
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
Once the butter’s melted, toss in the minced garlic. You’ll want to sauté it just until it gets fragrant—about 30 seconds to a minute. Be careful not to let it brown too much; we just want that delicious aroma to fill the kitchen!
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Now, stir in the lemon juice and zest, along with the salt and pepper. Mixing these in the right order helps to really meld those flavors together. You’ll start smelling that bright lemony goodness, and trust me, it’s heavenly!
Step 5: Prepare Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in a baking dish, making sure they’re spread out nicely. Pour that gorgeous lemon butter mixture all over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. It’s like a warm hug for your chicken!
Step 6: Bake
Pop the baking dish in the oven and let it bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for perfectly juicy chicken!
Step 7: Garnish
Finally, before serving, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. Not only does it add a pop of color, but it also brings a fresh flavor that really complements the dish. And there you have it—the best lemon butter chicken, ready to impress!
Tips for Success
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor—bottled lemon juice just doesn’t have the same zing!
- Consider marinating the chicken in the lemon butter mixture for at least 30 minutes to really infuse those flavors.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking dish; give each chicken breast some space for even cooking.
- Check the chicken’s doneness with a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked, juicy meat.
- For added richness, feel free to stir in a splash of cream to the lemon butter sauce just before pouring it over the chicken.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for this delicious *best lemon butter chicken* recipe. Keep in mind these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods:
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 2g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 35g
This dish is not only flavorful but also a great source of protein, making it a wonderful choice for a satisfying meal. Enjoy knowing that you’re treating yourself to something delicious and nutritious!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking, so thawing is key for juicy results.
What can I serve with lemon butter chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with some crusty bread to soak up that delicious lemon butter sauce!
Can I make this dish in advance?
You can prep the chicken and the lemon butter mixture ahead of time, but I recommend baking it fresh for the best flavor and texture. If you have leftovers, they store well in the fridge!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover lemon butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?
Certainly! Feel free to add vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to the baking dish for a one-pan meal. You can also experiment with different herbs for a unique twist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy preparation—it’s a simple, straightforward recipe that anyone can master!
- Incredible flavor—tangy lemon combined with rich butter and garlic makes every bite a delight.
- Healthy ingredients—packed with protein and gluten-free, it’s a nutritious meal option.
- Quick cooking time—ready in just about 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Versatile serving options—great with rice, veggies, or even on its own for a light meal.
- Impressive presentation—garnishing with parsley adds a touch of elegance to your dinner table.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious *best lemon butter chicken*, and now you have some leftovers—lucky you! To store them properly, let the chicken cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to seal it tightly to maintain that tasty flavor!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist, and heat for about 15–20 minutes or until it’s warmed through. You can also pop it in the microwave if you’re in a hurry—just be sure to use a microwave-safe dish and cover it to prevent drying out. Heat it in short intervals, checking frequently, until it’s heated to your liking.
Whichever method you choose, your lemon butter chicken will still be delicious the next day, ready to wow your taste buds all over again!
Print
Best Lemon Butter Chicken: 5 Reasons You’ll Crave It
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful lemon butter chicken dish that is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice and zest, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Pour the lemon butter mixture over the chicken.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for best flavor.
- Chicken can be marinated for more intense flavor.
- Serve with rice or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: best lemon butter chicken
