How to Make the Best Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of garlic and lemon wafting through the kitchen, promising something special. This BAKED LEMON BUTTER CHICKEN is a delightful twist on weeknight dinners, and it’s quickly becoming a favorite. The vibrant zest of lemon, combined with creamy butter, makes every bite bright and satisfying.

Imagine tangy lemon enveloping tender chicken thighs, baked to juicy perfection. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you get a cozy dish that feels indulgent, yet it’s surprisingly light. It’s like your grandmother’s classic, but ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights or spontaneous gatherings.

I started perfecting this comforting recipe during a rainy fall in 2015, looking for something to cheer up my family after a dreary day. The moment my husband exclaimed, “This is a keeper!” as he took his first bite, I knew I was onto something good. The secret? A generous splash of lemon juice before baking intensifies the flavor. Trust me, you’ll find it’s an easy recipe you’ll want in your regular rotation.

Thomas Baker

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken: Irresistibly Easy Dinner

Enjoy a stress-free, flavor-packed dinner with this baked lemon butter chicken recipe. Perfectly seasoned with garlic lemon butter and a creamy lemon sauce, this dish makes an irresistible family meal. Whether you’re craving a creamy lemon chicken bake or a garlic lemon butter chicken, this easy lemon garlic chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken thighs bathed in a rich, flavorful sauce that’s sure to become a favorite.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 10 dark meat chicken pieces I used drumsticks and thighs trimmed of any excess fat
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp Montreal chicken seasoning blend or any chicken seasoning of choice bullion is fine
• 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

Method

 

1. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat until melted.
2. Add minced red onions and cook until aromatic, about 2 minutes.
3. Stir in chopped parsley and garlic, then pour in fresh lemon juice followed by red pepper flakes.
4. Pour in chicken stock, then add Parmesan cheese and stir to combine.
5. Mix in heavy whipping cream and let the sauce simmer gently for 1 minute before removing from heat to cool slightly.
6. Season the chicken pieces with kosher salt, smoked paprika, and chicken seasoning; toss to evenly coat.
7. Place the chicken in a baking dish and spoon the prepared sauce over it.
8. Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 1 hour and 45 minutes, turning the chicken over halfway through cooking.
9. Finish by placing the chicken under the broiler skin-side up until the skin turns golden brown.
10. Baste the chicken with the sauce before serving and enjoy!

Notes

• If you’re short on time, increase the oven temperature to 400°F and roast the chicken for about 1 hour and 10 minutes until the juices run clear and meat is tender. Remember, cooking times vary based on the size of the chicken pieces and your oven type. Letting the chicken rest at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to cooking can help it cook more evenly. Use visual cues like meat pulling away from the bone and a nice brown color to ensure doneness, and a meat thermometer for accuracy. Serve alongside rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Comforting Flavors: The creamy lemon sauce brings nostalgic vibes, reminiscent of cozy family dinners.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves tender chicken coated in this zesty sauce – a hit for any dinner table.
• Versatile: Pair this with rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the savory sauce for your own flavor delight.

Key Ingredients & Tools

Let’s talk about the magic that happens when these ingredients combine:

• Dark Meat Chicken: Drumsticks and thighs give you juicy flavor; they’re perfect for baking.
• Butter & Parmesan: These create that rich, creamy sauce that comforts the soul.
• Lemon Juice: A splash brightens the dish, making it feel light and fresh, perfect for a sunny dinner.
• Seasonings: Smoked paprika and a bit of red pepper flakes add depth and warmth to every bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, add minced onions and sauté until they soften, about 2 minutes.
2. Add chopped parsley, garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes to the onions and stir together.
3. Pour in chicken stock and mix well. Add Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, stirring until everything is combined. Bring to a simmer, then turn off the heat.
4. Meanwhile, season the chicken with salt, smoked paprika, and the seasoning blend. Toss well so every piece is coated.
5. Pour the sauce over the chicken in a baking dish. Bake uncovered at 375°F for 1 hour & 45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
6. For a finishing touch, broil on the skin side until golden brown and deliciously crispy.

Troubleshooting Tips

Cooking chicken can sometimes feel daunting, but here are some handy tips:

• Cooking Time: If your chicken pieces are larger, adjust the cooking time accordingly. Ovens can vary, so always check for doneness by looking for meat pulling away from the bone.
• Temperature Variations: If you’re in a rush, crank the oven up to 400°F and roast for about 1 hour & 10 minutes. Make sure juices run clear before serving!
• Don’t Worry: If you’re overwhelmed, don’t forget: a meat thermometer can be your best buddy! Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.

Serving & Storage Tips

This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is scrumptious enough to be the star of your dinner table, but it’s also easy to store if you have leftovers!

• Best Served With: Pair it with rice or mash to soak up that heavenly sauce – it’s comfort food at its best!
• Storing: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cover tightly or store in an airtight container.
• Reheating: Pop it in the oven at a low temperature for a gentle reheat or in the microwave for a quick fix on those busy nights.

Expert Says

Using fresh lemon juice in baked lemon butter chicken not only brightens the dish but also aids in tenderizing the meat. The acidity in the lemon helps break down proteins, making for a juicier and more flavorful chicken. Pairing with butter enhances richness while balancing the tartness.

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The Delicious Journey to Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Perfecting this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken was quite the adventure, taking several attempts to nail just the right balance of tangy and rich. One batch had me thinking I’d created a citrus soup instead of a sauce! It’s now a family favorite, and the aroma alone brings everyone to the kitchen.

FAQs ( Baked Lemon Butter Chicken )

Conclusion

This BAKED LEMON BUTTER CHICKEN not only fills your kitchen with the most delightful scents but also delivers a comforting meal in no time. You’ll love how juicy and tender it turns out, making busy weeknight dinners feel special.

Feel free to switch things up! Add a sprinkle of capers for a briny burst or toss in some asparagus for a colorful side. And remember, if you have leftovers, this chicken warms up beautifully in the ovenjust like a cozy hug from the past.

I’d love to hear how your batch turns out! Did you grow up with family recipes like this? Don’t forget to share pictures or save this recipe for those you care about. Happy cooking, friends!