Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that combines crispy, golden-brown chicken with a luscious, creamy lemon butter sauce. The zesty lemon, garlic, and Parmesan-infused sauce seeps into every bite, making the chicken tender and incredibly delicious. It’s the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and creamy flavors, ideal for impressing your family at dinner.

What makes this dish truly special is its easy set-and-forget baking method. With just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal ready in under two hours. Serve it with fluffy mashed potatoes, buttered rice, or roasted vegetables to soak up every bit of that irresistible sauce. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a comforting Sunday feast, this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is guaranteed to become a household favorite!

Full Recipe:

  • 10 dark meat chicken pieces (drumsticks and thighs, trimmed of excess fat)
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp Montreal chicken seasoning (or any chicken seasoning blend)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup red onion, minced
  • 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced onions and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  3. Stir in chopped parsley, minced garlic, and lemon juice, then add red pepper flakes.
  4. Pour in chicken stock and mix well. Stir in Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, allowing the sauce to simmer for 1 minute. Turn off the heat and let the sauce cool slightly.
  5. Season chicken pieces with kosher salt, smoked paprika, and Montreal chicken seasoning. Toss well to coat.
  6. Place chicken in a baking dish and pour the prepared sauce over it.
  7. Bake uncovered for 1 hour and 45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  8. Broil the chicken on the skin side until golden brown.
  9. Baste with sauce before serving. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour 45 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours

Kcal: 450 kcal per serving | Servings: 5 servings

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken: A Flavorful and Comforting Dish

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a delicious, comforting meal that combines the zesty freshness of lemon, the richness of butter, and the deep, savory flavors of seasoned chicken. It’s a perfect dish for those who love hearty, home-cooked meals with minimal effort. This oven-baked recipe delivers juicy, tender meat with a crispy golden exterior, infused with a buttery, garlicky sauce that enhances every bite.

This dish is not only packed with flavor but also incredibly simple to prepare. It follows a set-it-and-forget-it method, meaning you can marinate, bake, and let the oven do all the work while you focus on other tasks. With a balance of citrusy brightness and creamy indulgence, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight meal or a Sunday family dinner, it’s guaranteed to impress.

The Inspiration Behind This Dish

Lemon butter chicken is a classic recipe that has been enjoyed across different cultures for generations. The combination of citrus and butter is a timeless culinary pairing, often used to enhance the natural flavors of poultry. In this version, the addition of garlic, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese elevates the dish to another level.

The inspiration for this particular recipe comes from the idea of a stress-free but luxurious meal. The goal was to create something that feels gourmet yet is easy enough for anyone to make at home. By using simple, wholesome ingredients and a hands-off cooking method, this dish ensures a satisfying and memorable dining experience with minimal effort.

Why This Recipe Works

One of the standout features of this recipe is how effortlessly flavorful it is. The butter and lemon combination works magic by adding both richness and acidity, balancing out the deep umami notes of the chicken. The baking process locks in moisture, ensuring every bite is succulent and juicy.

Another reason this dish is a winner is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your dietary preferences or available pantry items. Whether you prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts or bone-in, skin-on thighs, the method remains the same, and the results are always satisfying. The oven does most of the work, requiring minimal attention, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.

The Secret to Perfectly Baked Chicken

The key to achieving that crispy, golden skin and juicy interior lies in a few essential techniques:

  • Proper Seasoning: The combination of kosher salt, smoked paprika, and a flavorful seasoning blend infuses the chicken with layers of flavor before it even enters the oven.
  • Even Baking Temperature: Baking the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for an extended time allows it to cook through while developing a crispy exterior.
  • Flipping Midway: Turning the chicken halfway through ensures even browning on all sides.
  • Broiling at the End: A short broil at the end of cooking intensifies the golden, crispy texture of the skin while sealing in the buttery lemon sauce.

Pairing Suggestions: What to Serve with Lemon Butter Chicken

This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes, making it even more adaptable for different occasions. Here are some of the best options to complete your meal:

  • Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes absorbs the rich, flavorful sauce beautifully.
  • Rice: Whether it’s buttery white rice or herbed quinoa, grains help soak up the delicious lemon-butter sauce.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus complement the dish with natural sweetness and a slight crisp.
  • Pasta: A simple garlic butter or Parmesan pasta can make this dish feel even more indulgent.
  • Crusty Bread: A fresh baguette or dinner rolls can be used to scoop up every last bit of sauce.

Customizing This Recipe to Your Taste

One of the best things about Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is how easy it is to modify to suit different preferences. Here are a few variations to try:

  • Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
  • Creamier Texture: Increase the amount of heavy whipping cream for a richer sauce.
  • Herb-Infused: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano can be added for additional depth of flavor.
  • Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle more Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top before broiling for an extra cheesy crust.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Skip the heavy cream and cheese to make the dish lighter while keeping all the essential flavors intact.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftovers, this dish stores and reheats beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container with some of the sauce to retain moisture.
  • Reheating: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. If microwaving, add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying out.

Tips for Making the Best Lemon Butter Chicken

To achieve the best possible results, keep these tips in mind:

  • Let the Chicken Come to Room Temperature: Allowing the chicken to rest outside the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking helps it cook more evenly.
  • Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice doesn’t have the same bright, fresh flavor, so opt for freshly squeezed.
  • Don’t Skip the Basting: Basting the chicken with its sauce ensures every bite is flavorful and moist.
  • Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.

Why You Should Add This Recipe to Your Rotation

There are many reasons why Baked Lemon Butter Chicken should become a staple in your meal planning:

  • It’s Easy: With simple steps and basic ingredients, anyone can make this dish successfully.
  • It’s Delicious: The balance of buttery, citrusy, and savory flavors makes it an absolute crowd-pleaser.
  • It’s Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or special occasions.
  • It’s Comforting: The rich sauce and tender chicken make it the ultimate comfort food.

Conclusion

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The crispy, golden-brown skin, the creamy, tangy sauce, and the tender, juicy meat make every bite a delight. Whether you’re preparing it for your family, friends, or just for yourself, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort.

With its simple preparation, rich flavors, and endless pairing options, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your household. Give it a try, and soon, you’ll find yourself making it again and again! Happy cooking!

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