Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a simple, flavorful, and keto-friendly dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner. The lemon adds a fresh, tangy zing, while the butter keeps the chicken moist and rich. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme if available)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or fresh rosemary)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: lemon slices for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the marinade:
- In a bowl, mix together the melted butter, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Marinate the chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish. Pour the lemon butter mixture over the chicken, making sure the chicken is well coated. You can let it marinate for 10-15 minutes for more flavor, or skip this step if you’re in a hurry.
- Bake the chicken:
- Transfer the chicken to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you’re using chicken thighs, it may take a little longer, around 35-40 minutes.
- Baste (optional):
- Halfway through baking, you can spoon some of the melted lemon butter from the baking dish over the chicken for extra flavor and moisture.
- Serve:
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices for a burst of color and extra citrus flavor.
- Serve with a side of roasted veggies, cauliflower rice, or a green salad to keep it keto-friendly.
Tips:
- You can also use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs, but they will take a bit longer to cook.
- If you want a crispier texture, you can broil the chicken for the last 3-5 minutes to get a nice golden top.
- You can substitute the rosemary and thyme with other herbs like oregano, basil, or parsley depending on your flavor preference.
This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is light, refreshing, and packed with flavor—perfect for a keto-friendly meal