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- 4 chicken thighs (skin-on, bone-in) - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon slices (for garnish) You can swap unsalted butter for olive oil or coconut oil. If you want less sodium, use a low-sodium salt. For fresh lemon juice, try bottled lemon juice. You will need a baking dish for cooking. A mixing bowl helps to mix the ingredients. Use a basting brush or spoon to coat the chicken well. Gather these items before starting. Having everything ready makes cooking easy and fun. Each ingredient adds flavor and moisture to your chicken, making it juicy and tender. You can find the full recipe above to guide you through the steps. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for even cooking. Next, grab a bowl and mix your melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until it combines well. Take your chicken thighs and place them in a baking dish, skin-side up. Pour the lemon butter mixture over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well coated. Now, it's time for baking. Place the dish in your preheated oven. Set the timer for 35-45 minutes. The goal is to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Halfway through, use a brush or spoon to baste the chicken with the juices in the dish. This adds more flavor to the skin and meat. To check if your chicken is done, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part. Look for a reading of 165°F (74°C). You can also check the skin; it should be golden brown and crispy. If the chicken is firm to the touch, it’s likely done. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep it juicy. Enjoy your meal! For the full recipe, refer to the details mentioned above. To get crispy skin on your chicken, start by patting the skin dry with paper towels. This step helps remove moisture. Then, coat the chicken well with the lemon butter mixture. Basting halfway through cooking adds flavor and helps crisp the skin. You can also try using fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. These herbs brighten the dish and add depth to the flavor. Baked lemon butter chicken pairs well with many sides. I love serving it with roasted vegetables or fluffy rice. A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette also works nicely. For plating, place the chicken on a large plate. Arrange colorful sides around it. Add lemon slices and a sprinkle of parsley for a bright touch. One big mistake is overcooking the chicken. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. Another mistake is forgetting to baste the chicken. Basting keeps the meat moist and flavorful. Make sure to baste every 15 minutes for the best results. {{image_2}} You can easily change the Baked Lemon Butter Chicken recipe to suit your taste. - Adding vegetables: Toss in some chopped carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli. They add color and flavor to the dish. The veggies soak up the lemon butter sauce, making them tasty. - Spicy lemon butter version: If you love spice, add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. This will give your chicken a nice kick. It balances well with the lemony flavor. Baked Lemon Butter Chicken isn’t just for chicken. You can switch up the protein. - Using chicken breasts or drumsticks: Chicken thighs are juicy, but breasts work, too. Drumsticks are fun and easy to eat. Just adjust your cooking time as needed. - Adapting for fish or tofu: You can use salmon or cod for a lighter meal. Tofu is great for a plant-based option. Just be gentle with the cooking time to avoid drying out the fish or tofu. Want to make this dish fit your diet? Here are some ideas. - Making it gluten-free: This recipe is gluten-free as is. Just ensure your butter and seasonings are gluten-free. - Suggestions for a low-calorie version: Swap out the butter for olive oil. You can also use skinless chicken. This helps cut calories without losing flavor. For the full recipe, check out the complete details. Enjoy these variations and make the dish your own! To keep your baked lemon butter chicken fresh, store it in the fridge. First, let the chicken cool down. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the chicken moist and tasty. Make sure to eat the leftovers within three to four days for best results. You can also wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the container. When you reheat chicken, you want to keep it juicy. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. Check the internal temperature; it should be at least 165°F (74°C). If using a microwave, heat in short bursts and cover it to trap steam. Always check that the chicken is hot all the way through. You can freeze baked lemon butter chicken for later use. First, make sure the chicken is completely cool. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap tightly. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, move the chicken to the fridge to thaw overnight. For best results, do not refreeze once thawed. For the full recipe, check the earlier sections. Enjoy your meal! You can pair Baked Lemon Butter Chicken with many tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Best side dishes: - Steamed green beans - Roasted potatoes - Garlic bread - Mixed salad with lemon vinaigrette - Beverage pairings: - Crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc - Iced tea with lemon - Sparkling water with mint These choices will make your meal even more enjoyable! Yes, you can use different cuts of chicken. Here are some tips: - Different cuts and their cooking times: - Chicken breasts: Cook for 25-30 minutes. - Drumsticks: Cook for 35-40 minutes. - Adjustments for boneless vs. bone-in chicken: - Boneless chicken cooks faster. Reduce the time by about 10 minutes. Choose the cut you like best! Baked Lemon Butter Chicken stays fresh for a while. Here’s what you need to know: - Shelf life in the fridge vs. freezer: - In the fridge, it lasts 3-4 days. - In the freezer, it can last up to 3 months. - Signs of spoilage: - Look for a change in color. - If it smells sour or off, it’s best to throw it away. You can find the full recipe details in our recipe section. Just look for Baked Lemon Butter Chicken, and you’ll get all the steps and tips to make this dish at home! This blog post covered how to make a tasty baked lemon butter chicken. We discussed key ingredients, equipment, and steps for perfecting your dish. You learned about tips for cooking and serving, and even how to store leftovers. I hope these ideas inspire you to create a delicious meal. Enjoy your cooking and share it with others. Simple steps and fresh flavors will make your chicken shine. Happy cooking!

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Discover the deliciousness of Zesty Baked Lemon Butter Chicken with this easy recipe that will elevate your dinner game. With juicy chicken thighs coated in a flavor-packed lemon butter sauce, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, it’s a meal you can whip up in just under an hour. Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and enjoy a citrusy delight tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 chicken thighs (skin-on, bone-in)

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Zest of 1 lemon

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    In a bowl, mix together the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.

      Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish, skin-side up, and pour the lemon butter mixture over the chicken, ensuring it's well coated.

        Use a brush or spoon to baste the chicken with the sauce from the bottom of the dish.

          Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy. Baste the chicken halfway through cooking with the sauce for extra flavor.

            Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

              Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving for a pop of color.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 4