Name: Comfort Food Recipes Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin on; 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 lemon, juiced; 1 lemon, thinly sliced; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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When I think of comfort food recipes, this baked lemon butter chicken is always the first that comes to mind. The way the butter melts into the pan, mingling with garlic and lemon juice, creates a sauce so good you’ll want to dip bread right in it. I’ve made this dish on hectic weeknights, and it has never failed me. The crispy edges of the chicken thighs with that tangy citrus flavor feel like a hug on a plate. Sometimes I swap chicken breasts for thighs if that’s what I have, and honestly both versions taste amazing. The flavor is bright and rich at the same time, which makes it perfect for family dinners when you want something filling but not heavy. If you’re a fan of lemon butter chicken, then you already know the smell of it baking is half the joy. My kids usually show up in the kitchen long before dinner, asking when it’s ready. Whether you’re searching for a new lemon butter chicken recipe, curious about baked chicken recipes that lean into fresh citrus flavors, or just craving some healthy comfort food recipes, this one delivers. I love serving it with rice or mashed potatoes to soak up that buttery sauce. Leftovers? Rarely happen. And if they do, they’re even better the next day because the chicken has had more time to soak up that lemony garlic goodness.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe
3) Ingredients for Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
4) How to Make Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
5) Tips for Making Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
6) Making Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
8) Try these Main Course next!
9) Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This baked lemon butter chicken is one of those comfort food recipes that checks every box. It’s quick enough for weeknights, flavorful enough for guests, and simple enough to not stress you out. Think of it as the recipe you’ll turn to when you need something warm and bright without hours in the kitchen.

The chicken stays juicy with crispy edges while the lemon and butter combine into a sauce that feels like sunshine. You can pair it with rice, pasta, or bread, and it works every single time. If you’ve struggled to find baked chicken recipes that taste both fresh and filling, this one will surprise you.

It’s flexible too. Swap thighs for breasts or change the herbs to whatever you have on hand. And the smell of garlic, butter, and citrus filling the kitchen? That alone makes it worth making.

2) Easy Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

I like recipes that don’t ask me to babysit the pan. This one goes in the oven, and you’re free to set the table or sneak a bite of dessert while it bakes. With a handful of simple ingredients, you get something that tastes far fancier than the work it requires.

The main players are chicken, butter, lemon, garlic, and spices. Nothing fancy. The result is a meal that tastes rich but feels light. When you want comfort chicken recipes that don’t weigh you down, this is the one.

It’s the sort of meal that wins over picky eaters. My family always asks for seconds, and I love that I can make it without breaking a sweat.

3) Ingredients for Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Chicken Thighs: I like bone-in with the skin on because it keeps the chicken juicy and adds a little crunch. You can use chicken breasts too if that’s your style.

Butter: The real star. Melted butter mixes with lemon and garlic to make the sauce. It’s simple but unforgettable.

Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the dish a warm, savory flavor that spreads through the whole pan.

Lemon: Juice adds sharp brightness, while slices bake into the chicken for extra zing. It’s fresh, clean, and cuts through the richness of the butter.

Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme add layers of flavor. Salt and pepper bring it all together.

Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and a burst of freshness on top. It makes the final plate look inviting.

4) How to Make Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. That way it’s hot and ready when you put the chicken in. No waiting around.

Step 2. Pat the chicken dry. Then season both sides with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. This step makes the flavor stick.

Step 3. Whisk melted butter, garlic, and lemon juice in a small bowl. The smell alone will make you want to taste it right away.

Step 4. Place the chicken in a baking dish and pour the butter mix over the top. Tuck lemon slices around and on top of the chicken.

Step 5. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes until golden. The skin should crisp while the meat stays tender. You’ll know it’s ready when the temperature hits 165°F.

Step 6. Sprinkle parsley over the top and serve hot with your favorite sides. Don’t forget to spoon that buttery sauce over everything.

5) Tips for Making Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

I’ve learned a few tricks after making this dish many times. First, dry the chicken before seasoning so the spices cling. It seems small, but it changes the flavor.

Second, don’t crowd the baking dish. Give each piece room so the skin can crisp. Overcrowding makes it steam instead of roast, and that’s not what we want.

Last, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. It keeps the juices inside, and the flavor deepens. Trust me, waiting a little makes it better.

6) Making Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Ahead of Time

This recipe works well if you prep it early. You can season the chicken and mix the butter sauce in the morning. Leave it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Marinating in the butter, garlic, and lemon for half an hour or more makes the flavors soak deeper. When it’s time for dinner, just pop it in the oven. Simple and stress-free.

If you’re planning for guests, this is the kind of comfort food recipe that makes you look organized. Everything can be ready to bake before they arrive, and the house will smell amazing once it’s in the oven.

7) Storing Leftover Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

If you do end up with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay good for three to four days.

Reheat in the oven instead of the microwave if you want to keep the skin a little crispy. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out.

And honestly, this chicken tastes even better the next day. The lemon and garlic flavors settle deeper into the meat, which makes every bite rich and bright.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) Baked Lemon Butter Chicken