First Step: PREPARE THE CHICKEN

1. Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add a light drizzle of olive oil to each piece of chicken to help with searing.
2. Sear the Chicken (Optional): Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per side). This step adds an extra layer of flavor and color to the chicken, but it’s optional—if you prefer to skip it, you can simply bake the chicken directly.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish: Once seared (or unseared), transfer the chicken pieces to a greased baking dish. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.

Second Step: MAKE THE LEMON BUTTER SAUCE

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, reduce the heat to low to prevent the butter from browning.
2. Add Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Stir in the dried thyme and oregano for a warm, herbal flavor.
3. Add Lemon and Honey: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and honey. The honey will help balance the tartness of the lemon and give the sauce a slight sweetness. Continue to stir and cook the mixture for another minute until well combined.
4. Season the Sauce: Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper to your liking. Once everything is well-mixed, remove the saucepan from the heat.

Third Step: BAKE THE CHICKEN

1. Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken: Pour the prepared lemon butter sauce over the chicken breasts or thighs in the baking dish, making sure the chicken is well-coated.
2. Bake the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the chicken for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you’re using boneless thighs, the cooking time may be slightly shorter.
3. Baste the Chicken: Halfway through baking, use a spoon or baster to spoon some of the lemon butter sauce over the chicken. This will help keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
4. Broil for Crispiness (Optional): If you want a crispy golden top, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on the chicken to prevent it from burning.

Final Step: GARNISH AND SERVE

1. Garnish the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. You can also garnish with lemon wedges on the side for extra zest.
2. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Baked Lemon Butter Chicken hot, ensuring that each piece is topped with some of the delicious lemon butter sauce. This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.