Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breast
Easy, savory bacon-wrapped stuffed chicken breast â perfect for weeknight dinners or holidays. Step-...
45
total time
4
servings
45 kcal
calories
Introduction
Asili Glam presents a radiant take on a weeknight favorite: Baked Lemon Butter Chicken. This recipe brings together the bright tang of fresh lemon, the silky richness of butter, and the aromatic warmth of garlic and herbs, all simmering in an oven-finished embrace. The goal here is simple: a lean, juicy chicken breast that stays tender inside a lightly crisped edge, plated with a glossy, flavorful sauce that clings to every bite. This dish embodies the essence of comforting home cooking with a refined, contemporary twist that makes it as suitable for a family dinner as for a cozy date night at home. The technique is straightforward: sear for color, baste with a lemony butter bath, and finish in the oven to lock in juices. The result is a dish that delivers bold citrus notes without washing away the chickenâs natural savor, balanced by garlic, herbs, and a subtle, velvety sauce. Asili Glamâs baked lemon butter chicken is designed to be scalableâeasily adjusted for two, four, or a larger gatheringâwhile still feeling elegant enough for special occasions. Whether youâre meal-prepping for the week or serving guests, the steps remain approachable, the flavors universally appealing, and the end result consistently delicious. Letâs walk through the essentials, then dive into the hands-on preparation that transforms simple ingredients into a standout plate.
Gathering Ingredients
The foundation of a great baked lemon butter chicken is a well-chosen lineup of ingredients. Start with 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer a richer bite). Fresh lemons bring brightness and aroma, so choose lemons with vibrant zest and juiciness. Butter, unsalted, is essential for a lush, glossy sauce that clings to the chicken. Extra-virgin olive oil helps with browning, while garlic clovesâthinly sliced or mincedâinject a warm, savory backbone. Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley amplify the dishâs aromatic profile, and a pinch of salt and black pepper seasons every component evenly. Optional additions such as paprika or a touch of white wine can add depth, but the core flavors rely on lemon, butter, and garlic. For sides, think about a bed of fluffy rice, roasted vegetables, or a light salad to balance the richness. If youâre planning ahead, set out all ingredients on the counter or a prep board so you can move fluidly from prep to pan. Freshness matters here: zesty lemons, fragrant garlic, and bright herbs will elevate the final dish far beyond a pantry-cook moment. The goal of gathering ingredients is to ensure every element complements the lemon butter chicken without needing last-minute trips to the store.
Lemon Butter Chicken: Flavor Spotlight
The star of this recipe is the lemon butter sauce, a delicate balance of brightness and richness that coats each piece of chicken without overpowering it. The lemonâs acidity lifts the dish, while butter provides a creamy, indulgent finish. Garlic is the savory anchor, releasing its aroma as soon as it hits a hot pan, but the technique matters as much as the ingredients. Light browning on the chicken introduces a subtle caramelly depth, creating a contrast with the tangy, citrusy notes that follow. Fresh thyme leaves contribute an herbaceous, almost lemony nuance, and a kiss of parsley at the end delivers a fresh, green finish. This flavor profile allows the dish to pair beautifully with a simple starch such as rice or mashed potatoes, or with roasted vegetables that pick up the same citrus and herb tones. The texture should be tender and juicy inside, with a cooperative, slightly crisp exteriorâa result youâll achieve by the right combination of searing and oven finishing. In essence, this lemon butter chicken is all about balance: bright acidity meeting creamy richness, aromatic garlic meeting gentle herb notes, and a sauce that glazes the chicken rather than drowning it. Itâs a versatile, bright centerpiece that shines in any season.
Cooking Process
Once the chicken is prepped, the real magic begins in a well-heated skillet. Pat the chicken dry to ensure proper browning, then season generously with salt and pepper. A quick sear in a hot skillet with a splash of olive oil lays down a golden crust, which not only looks appetizing but also helps seal in juices. After a few minutes per side, remove the pieces and set them aside. In the same pan, reduce the heat slightly and melt a generous pat of butter, letting it mingle with minced garlic and a hint of lemon zest. The sizzling sounds and the aroma are signals that the sauce is taking shape. Return the chicken to the pan, spooning some of the garlicky butter over the top before sliding the skillet into a hot oven for finishing. The oven step is where the magic happens: it gently cooks the chicken through while allowing the sauce to emulsify with the meatâs juices. For a standard 20-25 minute bake, keep an eye on the internal temperature until it reaches 165°F (74°C). If you prefer a slightly crisper finish, a quick broil for 1-2 minutes at the end can add a delicate edge. The result should be juicy chicken slathered in a glossy, lemony glazeâperfect for spooning over rice or vegetables. This section maps out the kitchen choreography from stove to oven, ensuring a cohesive, flavorful outcome.
Baking to Perfection
With the seared chicken back in the pan, the oven becomes the stage for the dishâs final transformation. Preheat the oven to a steady 375-400°F (190-200°C), depending on your equipment and your preferred balance of tenderness and a gentle crust. Place the skillet or a baking dish in the oven, and let the chicken bake for 20-25 minutes. The goal is to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat, ensuring food safety while preserving juiciness. As the chicken rests slightly after baking, the juices redistribute, and the sauce thickens just enough to cling to the pieces without slipping off. If you notice the sauce thinning too much, a quick splash of lemon juice or a dab more butter can rebalance the richness. For a more rustic finish, finish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to emphasize a few extra caramelized edges. This stage is where timing and temperature meet technique; following the guidance helps you achieve consistent results, even when youâre cooking for a crowd. The baked lemon butter chicken becomes a centerpiece that looks as good as it tastes, inviting you to plate with confidence and serve with a near-perfect glaze that gleams in the plateâs light.
Sauce and Finish
The sauce is the glue that brings everything together. Each chicken piece loosens a little its pan juices as it rests, creating a natural, flavorful base that you can amplify with a quick finish. To build the sauce, tilt the pan and spoon some of the buttery lemon liquid over the chicken, allowing the heat to emulsify the components into a silky glaze. If the pan seems a touch thin, whisk in a small knob of cold butter or a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry to achieve a smoother, more cohesive texture. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to sharpen brightness, then scatter chopped parsley and thyme for a vibrant herb garden on the plate. A final tap of salt and pepper seals the balance. This sauce shines best when spooned generously over the chicken and the accompanying starch or vegetables, creating a unified bite that delivers lemon, butter, and garlic in every mouthful. Consider adding capers or a splash of white wine for extra depth if your pantry allows; but the core recipe remains elegantly simple, letting the lemon shine without overpowering the meatâs tenderness. The sauce is the bridge that elevates a straightforward baked chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish at home.
Serving Suggestions
Serving suggestions are where you can tailor the dish to your occasion. For a classic pairing, serve the baked lemon butter chicken with fluffy rice or a light herbed couscous, soaks up the sauceâs velvety texture, and a side of roasted vegetablesâzucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoesâthat pick up the dishâs citrus notes. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich butter and garlic. If youâre entertaining, present the chicken on a warmed platter with lemon slices and fresh herbs for a bright, appealing look. A white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the citrus and butter without overpowering the dish. For meal-prep, portion the cooked chicken with a portion of sauce, and refrigerate in airtight containers. Reheat gently to preserve moisture, then finish with a quick lemon juice squeeze to brighten the flavors before serving. The goal is to keep the dish versatile, allowing you to enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal regardless of the occasion. This section helps you turn a simple recipe into a memorable dining experience, suitable for family dinners, date nights, or casual gatherings alike. â, } , {heading: Final Presentation, content:
Final Thoughts and FAQs
Asili Glamâs Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is designed for reliability and flavor. You can tweak the lemon intensity by adjusting zest and juice levels, or intensify the herb profile with extra thyme or fresh dill if you like. If youâre cooking for kids, you might opt for milder garlic or omit capers for a smoother sauce. This dish also lends itself to make-ahead meals; you can prepare the chicken up to the sear stage and refrigerate, then finish in the oven when youâre ready to serve. For storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently to preserve moisture. If you want to freeze portions, freeze before the final bake and finish thawing before cooking for best texture. These tips help you maintain the dishâs quality while fitting into your schedule. If you have questions about cooking times, alternate cuts, or substitutions, feel free to ask. The baked lemon butter chicken is a celebration of simple ingredients transformed through technique, delivering bright, comforting flavor with every bite. â },],} } }``` } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } }
Asili Glam: Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
Juicy, zesty baked lemon butter chicken with garlic, herbs, and a silky sauce. A quick, weeknight favorite from Asili Glam.
total time
45
servings
4
calories
45 kcal
ingredients
- 4 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs đđ
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter đ§
- 2 cloves garlic, minced đ§
- 1 lemon (zest and juice) đ
- 1 tablespoon olive oil đ«
- 1/2 cup chicken broth đ„Ł
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme đż
- Salt and black pepper đ§đ§
- Fresh parsley for garnish đ±
instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken, skin-side down, until the skin is golden and crisp, about 5â6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add minced garlic, lemon zest, and thyme. Stir for about 1 minute, then add lemon juice and butter; simmer until the butter melts and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the chicken broth, and spoon some sauce over the pieces.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20â25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then spoon more sauce over the chicken and garnish with parsley.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes for a glam weeknight dinner.
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