Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a stress-free, flavor-packed dish perfect for Sunday dinners or special occasions. Juicy dark meat chicken is seasoned to perfection, baked in a zesty lemon butter sauce, and enhanced with garlic, red onions, and a touch of cream. This comforting and versatile recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of lemon, butter, and garlic creates a sauce that’s both zesty and indulgent.
• Perfectly Juicy Chicken: Baking the dark meat chicken keeps it tender and moist.
• Family-Friendly: A hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that’s simple to prepare.
• Customizable: Adjust the seasonings and spice level to suit your tastes.
• Elegant Yet Easy: Ideal for casual family meals or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken and Seasoning

• 10 pieces dark meat chicken (thighs or drumsticks, bone-in and skin-on)
• 1 tbsp Montreal chicken seasoning blend (or your favorite chicken seasoning)
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Lemon Butter Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• ½ cup red onion, diced
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Garnish

• ½ cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
2. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Rub them with the Montreal chicken seasoning, kosher salt, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces, skin-side down, and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
2. Pour in the chicken stock and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Stir in the heavy whipping cream and half of the Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

1. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F) and the sauce is bubbling.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm with your favorite sides.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Add Veggies: Include baby potatoes, green beans, or mushrooms in the baking dish for a one-pan meal.
• Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Cheese Alternatives: Swap Parmesan for Asiago or Gruyère for a different flavor.
• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Herby Twist: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce for an earthy aroma.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of stock to refresh the sauce.
• Freezing: Freeze baked chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of dark meat?

Yes, but keep an eye on the cooking time as chicken breasts tend to cook faster and can dry out.

2. What’s the best way to prevent the sauce from curdling?

Use room-temperature cream and stir it in gradually to prevent curdling. Avoid boiling the sauce.

3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Substitute the butter with olive oil, the cream with coconut milk, and omit the Parmesan cheese.

4. What’s the best side dish for this recipe?

Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

5. Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, prepare the sauce and sear the chicken ahead of time. Assemble the dish and refrigerate it, then bake just before serving.

6. Can I add wine to the sauce?

Absolutely! Replace ¼ cup of chicken stock with dry white wine for extra depth of flavor.

7. What type of Parmesan works best?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and offers a richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.

8. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, ensure your chicken stock and seasoning blend are gluten-free, and you’re good to go!

9. How do I ensure crispy chicken skin?

Sear the chicken skin well before baking and bake uncovered for the crispiest results.

10. Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?

Yes, use 2 teaspoons of dried parsley as a substitute for ½ cup of fresh parsley.

Conclusion

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. With tender chicken, a rich creamy sauce, and bright citrus notes, this recipe is as satisfying as it is simple. Pair it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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