If you're looking for a recipe that will leave everyone at the dinner table craving more, this Oven Baked Lemon Pepper Butter Chicken is the perfect choice! Juicy, flavorful, and easy to make, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Let's dive into the step-by-step process to create this mouthwatering masterpiece.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 6 chicken thighs (cleaned and trimmed)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 tablespoon chicken-flavored bouillon (Maggi or your preferred brand)
• 1 tablespoon paprika (optional, for color)

For the Lemon Pepper Butter Sauce:

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
• 2 lemons (zested and juiced)
• 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 cup chicken drippings (collected during the baking process)

Instructions

Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Chicken

1. Trim the chicken: Remove excess fat and any unwanted parts from the chicken thighs.
2. Sanitize: Rinse the chicken thoroughly with a mixture of lime, vinegar, and sour orange juice to eliminate any unwanted odors. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

1. Place the chicken in a large mixing bowl.
2. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil to help the seasonings adhere.
3. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with the garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper seasoning, chicken bouillon, and paprika. Massage the seasonings into the chicken to ensure even coverage.

Step 3: Marinate

• For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. If possible, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a lightly greased baking dish.
3. Bake on the middle rack for 45 minutes.
4. Reserve the drippings for the sauce.

Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Pepper Butter Sauce

• In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter.
• Add the lemon zest, lemon juice (strained to remove seeds), and lemon pepper seasoning. Stir well.
• Mix in 1 cup of the reserved chicken drippings and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 6: Finish the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken from the oven and pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken.
2. Sprinkle a little extra paprika for color, if desired.
3. Return the chicken to the oven, this time on the top rack, and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
4. Halfway through, baste the chicken with the sauce to keep it juicy and flavorful.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
2. Garnish with fresh lemon slices or parsley for presentation.
3. Serve with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Pro Tips for Success

• Cleaning: Always clean your chicken thoroughly to ensure the best taste.
• Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the seasonings—well-seasoned chicken makes all the difference.
• Basting: Regularly basting the chicken during the final bake ensures it stays moist and flavorful.
• Customize: Adjust the lemon pepper seasoning to suit your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

This Oven Baked Lemon Pepper Butter Chicken is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it out and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this recipe and subscribe for more delicious ideas!

Keywords: Lemon Pepper Chicken, Oven Baked Chicken, Butter Chicken Recipe, Easy Chicken Dinner, Juicy Chicken Thighs.