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Baked Lemon Butter Chicken (Slow-Baked, Creamy & Comforting)

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken (Slow-Baked, Creamy & Comforting)
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This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is an easy, comforting dinner made with juicy dark-meat chicken baked slowly in a rich lemon-butter cream sauce. The flavors are bright, savory, and perfectly balanced, making it ideal for Sunday dinners or special family meals. With minimal prep and mostly hands-off cooking, this recipe delivers tender chicken and a creamy, flavorful sauce every time.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 10 dark-meat chicken pieces (drumsticks and thighs), trimmed

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

  • 1 tablespoon Montreal chicken seasoning (or any chicken seasoning)

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • ½ cup red onion, minced

  • ½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced

  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 1 cup chicken stock

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.

  3. Add the minced red onion and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 2 minutes.

  4. Stir in parsley and garlic, then add lemon juice and red pepper flakes.

  5. Pour in the chicken stock, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until combined.

  6. Add the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer for 1 minute.

  7. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly.

  8. Season the chicken with salt, smoked paprika, and chicken seasoning.

  9. Arrange chicken in a baking dish and pour the sauce evenly over the top.

  10. Bake uncovered for 1 hour and 45 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through.

  11. Broil skin-side up for a few minutes until golden and slightly crispy.

  12. Baste with sauce before serving and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use dark meat: Thighs and drumsticks stay juicy during long baking times.

  • Fresh Parmesan works best: Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly.

  • Don’t rush the bake: Slow cooking allows the sauce to thicken naturally and flavor the chicken deeply.

  • Want extra lemon flavor? Add a few thin lemon slices to the baking dish.

  • Serving idea: Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Find it online: https://biteseason.com/baked-lemon-butter-chicken-slow-baked-creamy-comforting/