Baked Lemon Butter Chicken – Delicious Comfort in Under 2 Hours
Short introduction
Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that perfectly combines the rich flavors of chicken with a zesty lemony butter sauce. This dish is not only simple to prepare, but it also delivers a satisfying meal that pleases everyone at the dinner table. With its tender chicken and creamy sauce, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a family favorite!
Why you’ll love it
This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is an incredible choice for several reasons. First, it’s simple yet rewarding, requiring minimal effort while delivering fantastic results. The combination of smoky paprika, fresh herbs, and creamy Parmesan creates a beautiful flavor profile that elevates any weeknight dinner. Additionally, the recipe is versatile; you can serve it with various sides to suit your taste. Plus, it’s family-friendly, making it a great choice for gatherings and cozy dinners alike.
Ingredients
- 10 dark meat chicken pieces (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
- 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
Substitutions & key variations
If you don’t have dark meat chicken, you can easily substitute with chicken breasts, although the cooking time may vary. For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. If you prefer a bit more heat, increase the red pepper flakes, and for a smoky flavor, smoked cheese can be added as well. You can also incorporate vegetables like bell peppers or spinach into the sauce for added nutrition.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Prepare the sauce
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. After the butter is melted, add minced onions and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Then add the chopped parsley and garlic, mixing well. Pour in the lemon juice and sprinkle in the red pepper flakes.
Step 2: Combine sauce ingredients
Next, pour in the chicken stock, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until well combined. Add the heavy cream and bring everything to a simmer for one minute. Once simmering, turn off the heat and let the sauce cool slightly.
Step 3: Season chicken and bake
While the sauce cools, season the chicken pieces with kosher salt, smoked paprika, and the chicken seasoning blend. Toss the chicken well to ensure an even coating. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in a baking dish. Bake the chicken uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 1 hour and 45 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Broil and serve
Finally, broil the chicken on the skin side until it turns golden brown. Baste the chicken in the sauce one last time before serving. Enjoy your delicious Baked Lemon Butter Chicken!
Success tips
Make sure to keep an eye on the chicken while it’s baking. If it’s browning too quickly, you can cover it with foil for a portion of the cooking time. For the best texture, use dark meat chicken, as it remains moist during the baking process. Some common mistakes include not flipping the chicken during cooking, which can lead to uneven browning, or using too much butter, which could make the dish greasy.
How to serve
Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional parsley or lemon zest on top just before serving.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the chicken in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short increments. If the sauce thickens while stored, add a splash of chicken stock or water when reheating for a creamy consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of dark meat?
A: Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but keep an eye on the cooking time as they may cook quicker.
Q: What can I do with leftovers?
A: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and used in salads, wraps, or pasta dishes.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: It has a mild heat from the red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This dish offers a balanced combination of protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the butter and cream. If you’re looking to minimize calories, consider replacing heavy cream with Greek yogurt or reducing the amount of cheese used.
Conclusion
Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a delicious option for busy nights when you want something comforting yet impressive. Its straightforward preparation and wonderful flavors make it a must-try recipe. Gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delightful meal that the whole family will love!
Links to related recipes
- Creamy Garlic Chicken
- Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
- Chicken Alfredo Bake
- Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 pieces dark meat chicken pieces (drumsticks and thighs, trimmed of any excess fat) You can substitute with chicken breasts if desired.
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp Montreal chicken seasoning blend or any chicken seasoning of choice
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup red onion (minced)
- ½ cup flat leaf parsley (chopped)
- 1 tbsp garlic (minced)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes Increase for more heat.
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream Can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Once melted, add minced onions and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add chopped parsley and garlic, mixing well.
- Pour in lemon juice and sprinkle in red pepper flakes.
Combine Sauce Ingredients
- Pour in the chicken stock, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until well combined.
- Add heavy cream and bring everything to a simmer for one minute.
- Turn off the heat and let the sauce cool slightly.
Season Chicken and Bake
- Season the chicken pieces with kosher salt, smoked paprika, and the chicken seasoning blend.
- Toss the chicken well for an even coating.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in a baking dish.
- Bake the chicken uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 1 hour and 45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Broil and Serve
- Broil the chicken on the skin side until golden brown.
- Baste the chicken in the sauce one last time before serving.
- Serve and enjoy your delicious Baked Lemon Butter Chicken!