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To make Baked Lemon Butter Chicken, gather these simple ingredients: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large lemons (zested and juiced) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme) - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a dish that is bright and flavorful. The lemons give a zesty kick, while the butter adds richness. Garlic and thyme bring in wonderful aromas that will fill your kitchen. When selecting chicken, look for fresh, high-quality breasts. This will ensure your dish comes out juicy and tender. The butter should be unsalted, as we will add salt later for better control over the flavor. For the best taste, use fresh thyme if you can find it. Dried thyme works well too, but fresh has a stronger flavor. The key to this dish is balance. The tartness of the lemon meets the richness of the butter. Together, they create a sauce that is perfect for drizzling over the chicken. This combination makes it a favorite in my kitchen. For the full recipe, check the instructions provided. Happy cooking! 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. 2. In a bowl, mix melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. This marinade adds great flavor. 3. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish, leaving space between them. 4. Pour the lemon butter marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well coated. For the best taste, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. 1. Letting the chicken marinate helps deepen the flavors. 2. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. This keeps the chicken moist. 3. After 20 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for another 15-20 minutes. Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. 1. Take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. 2. Garnish the chicken with chopped parsley for a nice touch. This simple method gives you a tasty Baked Lemon Butter Chicken. For the full recipe, check the ingredients above. Enjoy your meal! To get the best flavor, marinate the chicken well. Use a bowl to mix the marinade. Make sure to coat each piece of chicken evenly. For maximum flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes. You can marinate up to 2 hours. The longer you marinate, the more the flavors soak in. To ensure even cooking, space the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Avoid stacking them. Cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking. This helps keep the chicken juicy. After 20 minutes, remove the foil to let the chicken brown. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat. Baked Lemon Butter Chicken pairs great with sides. Try roasted vegetables or a light salad. For a nice look, serve the chicken on a large platter. Add lemon slices around the chicken for a fresh touch. Finish with chopped parsley on top for a pop of color. This makes the meal look as good as it tastes. {{image_4}} You can change the herbs for a new taste. Try rosemary, oregano, or basil. These herbs add great flavor. Adjust the spice levels by adding more paprika or red pepper flakes if you like heat. Start small and taste as you go. Feel free to switch up the chicken parts. Chicken thighs or drumsticks work well too. They stay juicy and add a deeper flavor. If you want a vegetarian dish, try using mushrooms or tofu. They soak up the lemon butter sauce nicely. To make the sauce richer, add cream or cheese. Cream will give a smooth texture. Cheese like Parmesan can add a salty bite. You can also toss in vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers. They will roast nicely and make the dish more colorful. For the full recipe, check the link. To store your Baked Lemon Butter Chicken, first let it cool. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. When reheating, you want to keep the chicken juicy. The best way is to use the oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15–20 minutes. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it's safe to eat. Yes, you can freeze Baked Lemon Butter Chicken! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven or microwave as mentioned before for the best taste. To make sure your chicken is cooked just right, check the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). This temperature kills harmful bacteria. Make sure to check in the thickest part of the chicken. If you do not have a thermometer, cut the chicken open. The meat should be white, and the juices should run clear. This means your chicken is done. Always let it rest for a few minutes before cutting. This keeps the juices inside for a juicier bite. Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it will need some extra care. First, do not bake the chicken straight from frozen. Thaw it in the fridge overnight for best results. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Just ensure it is fully thawed before cooking. This helps it cook evenly. If you bake it frozen, it may take longer and not cook evenly. Follow the same cooking times as fresh chicken after thawing. If you want to swap out butter, there are a few tasty options. You can use olive oil for a lighter flavor. Coconut oil also works well and adds a slight sweetness. If you're looking for dairy-free options, try using vegan butter. Each of these options will give you a nice flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste may change slightly. You can also mix in some chicken broth for added moisture and flavor. This blog post covered a simple and tasty Baked Lemon Butter Chicken recipe. We explored its easy ingredients, step-by-step cooking process, and tips for flavor. You learned about different variations and how to store leftovers properly. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. With this recipe, you can create a delicious meal with ease. Don’t hesitate to explore your flavors and make it your own. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Discover the mouthwatering flavors of Zesty Baked Lemon Butter Chicken with this easy recipe! Perfectly marinated in lemon, garlic, and herbs, each juicy bite is packed with flavor. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress. Ready in just one hour, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Click through for the full recipe and elevate your dinner table today!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large lemons (zested and juiced)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure the chicken cooks evenly.

    In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture will serve as a delicious marinade for the chicken.

      Next, arrange the chicken breasts in a large baking dish, making sure they are spaced evenly to allow for proper cooking.

        Generously pour the lemon butter marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated in the flavorful mixture. For optimal taste, let the chicken marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or place it in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours to deepen the flavors.

          After marinating, cover the baking dish securely with aluminum foil. This helps lock in moisture as it bakes. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.

            After the initial 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The top should appear golden brown and delicious.

              Once done, take the chicken out of the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. This will help retain its juices.

                Finally, garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley for an added pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 1 hour | 4 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: To serve, place the chicken on a large, elegant platter. Surround it with lemon slices for a fresh look and sprinkle with parsley on top for a vibrant finish. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.