Description
Indulgent lemon-infused butter chicken bake brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with incredible depth. Creamy, tangy sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken promise a memorable meal that delights you from first bite to last.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Dairy and Citrus:
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Combine melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl, whisking until thoroughly blended.
- Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing or using parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Carefully position chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Drizzle the zesty butter mixture evenly over each chicken breast, coating them completely for maximum flavor infusion.
- Strategically place fresh lemon slices on top of the seasoned chicken, which will enhance the citrus aroma during cooking.
- Transfer the baking dish to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C), allowing the chicken to bake for approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Verify chicken doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Once cooked, remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring tender meat.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an additional burst of color and herbal freshness.
- Serve immediately while warm, presenting the lemon-infused chicken as a vibrant and aromatic main course.
Notes
- Keep chicken breasts uniform in thickness by gently pounding them to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
- Swap butter with olive oil for a lighter, heart-healthy version that maintains moisture and flavor.
- Use fresh lemon zest in addition to juice for an extra bright, citrusy punch that elevates the entire dish.
- Test chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every single time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 482 mg
- Fat: 39 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg