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Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

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Introduction

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a practical recipe for busy home cooks who want dependable results without complicated prep. This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken method is built for weeknight cooking, weekend batch prep, or casual gatherings when you need something predictable and satisfying. The process focuses on repeatable timing, clear doneness checks, and balanced flavor so each batch comes out consistent. You will notice how chicken breasts develops better flavor when the slow cooker sequence is controlled from start to finish. Using a oven and accurate heat settings keeps texture stable, with a tender center and a clean finish.

If you have ever struggled with uneven doneness or flat flavor, this structure solves that by combining prep logic, cue-based cooking, and practical storage guidance. The result is a recipe that tastes rich, feels satisfying, and works well for real kitchen schedules. Keep the workflow steady, trust the visual and texture cues, and adjust timing in small increments for repeatable results. Use chicken breasts at a consistent ripeness level for balanced flavor.

💡Why This Recipe Works

  • ■chicken breasts pairs with the slow cooker method for consistent structure.
  • ■Heat control in the oven improves texture and prevents uneven doneness.
  • ■Timed staging keeps flavor balanced while maintaining a tender, stable bite.

Ingredients

  • ■4 chicken breasts: use the source-recipe amount for balanced results
  • ■1/4 cup unsalted butter: use the source-recipe amount for balanced results
  • ■1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: use the source-recipe amount for balanced results
  • ■2 cloves garlic, minced: use the source-recipe amount for balanced results
  • ■1 teaspoon dried thyme: use the source-recipe amount for balanced results
  • ■1 teaspoon dried rosemary: use the source-recipe amount for balanced results
  • ■Salt and pepper to taste: use the source-recipe amount for balanced results
  • ■Lemon slices for garnish: use the source-recipe amount for balanced results

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
Baked Lemon Butter Chicken | momycooks.com

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook for 8-10 minutes, until the surface looks lightly golden and set and the texture feels tender and slightly firm
Step 2: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the lemon juice, garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 8-10 minutes at 350 F, until the surface looks lightly golden and set and the texture feels tender and slightly firm
Step 3: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place in a baking dish. Cook for 8-10 minutes at 350 F, until the surface looks lightly golden and set and the texture feels tender and slightly firm
Step 4: Pour the lemon butter mixture over the chicken. Cook for 8-10 minutes at 350 F, until the surface looks lightly golden and set and the texture feels tender and slightly firm
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. at 350 F, until the surface looks lightly golden and set and the texture feels tender and slightly firm
Step 6: Garnish with lemon slices before serving. Cook for 8-10 minutes at 350 F, until the surface looks lightly golden and set and the texture feels tender and slightly firm
Step 7: Continue controlled cooking

Cook for 8-10 minutes at 350 F until the surface looks lightly golden and set and the texture feels tender and slightly firm.

Step 8: Continue controlled cooking

Cook for 8-10 minutes at 350 F until the surface looks lightly golden and set and the texture feels tender and slightly firm. Measure chicken breasts carefully so moisture stays predictable. Follow the slow cooker sequence in order to avoid texture drift.

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
Baked Lemon Butter Chicken | momycooks.com

Common Mistakes

Symptom: Dry result. Cause: overcooked timing. Fix: reduce final cook by 3-5 minutes and check earlier.

Symptom: Watery texture. Cause: moisture not controlled. Fix: use proper thickener and extend cook 2-4 minutes.

Symptom: Uneven doneness. Cause: inconsistent heat distribution. Fix: rotate pan midway and keep steady temperature.

Symptom: Flat flavor. Cause: under-seasoning or low ingredient quality. Fix: adjust salt and use ripe, fresh ingredients.

Variations

■Flavor swap: add a spice blend or citrus zest for a brighter profile.
■Dietary swap: use gluten-free flour or dairy-free fat alternatives with similar ratios.
■Method swap: adapt timing for air fryer or stovetop while keeping texture cues consistent.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Freezer: freeze for up to 2 months in a sealed, portioned container.

Reheating: warm at 325 F for 8-12 minutes until the center is hot and edges are lightly crisp.

Texture note: frozen storage can soften structure slightly; reheat uncovered to restore surface texture.

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
Baked Lemon Butter Chicken | momycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

+How do you keep baked lemon butter chicken from drying out?
Yes. Follow the method above closely and adjust time or heat slightly for your equipment while watching texture cues. Reheat at 325 F for 8-10 minutes, or adjust by 2-3 minutes as needed.
+Should I bake lemon butter chicken covered or uncovered?
Yes. Follow the method above closely and adjust time or heat slightly for your equipment while watching texture cues. Reheat at 325 F for 8-10 minutes, or adjust by 2-3 minutes as needed.
+What temperature is best for baking lemon butter chicken?
Use the times in the method and confirm doneness with texture and visual cues instead of time alone. Reheat at 325 F for 8-10 minutes, or adjust by 2-3 minutes as needed.
+How long does lemon butter chicken take to bake?
Use the times in the method and confirm doneness with texture and visual cues instead of time alone. Reheat at 325 F for 8-10 minutes, or adjust by 2-3 minutes as needed.
+Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Follow the method above closely and adjust time or heat slightly for your equipment while watching texture cues. Reheat at 325 F for 8-10 minutes, or adjust by 2-3 minutes as needed.

Pro Tips

  • For better texture, measure by weight when possible and keep ingredient ratios stable.
  • For stronger flavor, bloom spices briefly before combining with wet ingredients.
  • For consistent results, preheat fully and verify heat with an oven thermometer.
  • For make-ahead prep, stage components separately and combine just before final cook.

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Make perfectly tender and flavorful Baked Lemon Butter Chicken with this easy 6-ingredient recipe. Features a rich lemon butter sauce and takes just 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lemon slices for garnish
  • 4 chicken breasts: use the source-recipe amount for balanced results
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter: use the source-recipe amount for balanced results
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: use the source-recipe amount for balanced results
  • 2 cloves garlic minced: use the source-recipe amount for balanced results
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme: use the source-recipe amount for balanced results
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: use the source-recipe amount for balanced results
  • Salt and pepper to taste: use the source-recipe amount for balanced results
  • Lemon slices for garnish: use the source-recipe amount for balanced results

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Skillet

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the lemon juice, garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
  3. Step 3: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place in a baking dish.
  4. Step 4: Pour the lemon butter mixture over the chicken.
  5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with lemon slices before serving.
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cooking
  1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the lemon juice, garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
  2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place in a baking dish.
  3. Pour the lemon butter mixture over the chicken.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
  5. Garnish with lemon slices before serving.
  6. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook for 8-10 minutes, until the surface looks lightly golden and set and the texture feels tender and slightly firm
  7. Step 2: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the lemon juice, garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 8-10 minutes at 350 F, until the surface looks lightly golden and set and the texture feels tender and slightly firm
  8. Step 3: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place in a baking dish. Cook for 8-10 minutes at 350 F, until the surface looks lightly golden and set and the texture feels tender and slightly firm
  9. Step 4: Pour the lemon butter mixture over the chicken. Cook for 8-10 minutes at 350 F, until the surface looks lightly golden and set and the texture feels tender and slightly firm
Finishing
  1. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. at 350 F, until the surface looks lightly golden and set and the texture feels tender and slightly firm
  2. Step 6: Garnish with lemon slices before serving. Cook for 8-10 minutes at 350 F, until the surface looks lightly golden and set and the texture feels tender and slightly firm
  3. Step 7: Continue controlled cooking - Cook for 8-10 minutes at 350 F until the surface looks lightly golden and set and the texture feels tender and slightly firm.
  4. Step 8: Continue controlled cooking - Cook for 8-10 minutes at 350 F until the surface looks lightly golden and set and the texture feels tender and slightly firm. Measure chicken breasts carefully so moisture stays predictable. Follow the slow cooker sequence in order to avoid texture drift.

Notes

Use the detailed section above for full cues, then follow these condensed card steps.
Nutrition: calories: 320; protein: 30g; fat: 20g; carbohydrates: 1g

Neriah Guler is the creator of Momy Cooks, sharing simple, family-inspired recipes rooted in everyday life and home cooking. She lives in Tampa with her husband and two children, where the kitchen is the heart of their home.

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