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BAKED LEMON BUTTER CHICKEN centered hero view, clean and uncluttered
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
Cook Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
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!