Lemon-Butter Broiled Chicken
Lemon-Butter Broiled Chicken features tender chicken quarters brushed with a flavorful lemon and tarragon butter, then broiled to perfection with a golden, crispy skin. This dish offers a bright, savory taste, perfect for a comforting family dinner or special occasion, pairing well with fresh vegetables or a light salad.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle chicken quarters on both sides with seasoned salt and pepper.
- Melt butter in a small saucepan; add lemon juice and crumbled tarragon.
- Brush part of the lemon-butter mixture over the chicken.
- Place chicken, skin side down, on a rack of the broiler.
- Broil 6 inches from heat for 20 minutes, basting frequently with the lemon-butter mixture.
- Turn the chicken and broil an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until nicely browned, brushing with remaining lemon-butter.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or fresh herbs like rosemary to the lemon-butter mixture. If tarragon isn't available, dill or parsley can be great substitutes. Make sure to keep an eye on the chicken while broiling to prevent burning; each broiler operates differently. Remember to baste frequently for a juicy result.
Serving Suggestions
Lemon-Butter Broiled Chicken pairs wonderfully with a side of Rice Medley for a complete meal. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for added color and nutrition. Feel free to drizzle some extra lemon-butter sauce over the chicken and sides for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but be cautious not to overcook and dry it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon-Butter Broiled Chicken contains roughly 227 calories, with 6g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (313% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but adjust the cooking time as they will cook faster than quartered chicken. Broil them for about 10-15 minutes on each side, basting frequently with the lemon-butter mixture.
What can I serve with Lemon-Butter Broiled Chicken?
This dish pairs nicely with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a light salad, roasted potatoes, or a flavorful side like Rice Medley. For a refreshing finish, a slice of lemon or a sprig of fresh tarragon on top adds a nice touch.
Can I prepare the lemon-butter mixture in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the lemon-butter mixture a day ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When ready to use, gently reheat it to bring back the flavors before basting the chicken.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).