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The Ultimate Comfort Food: An In-Depth Guide to Irresistible Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

The Ultimate Comfort Food: An In-Depth Guide to Irresistible Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

If you’re looking for a stress-free, flavor-packed dinner that tastes gourmet but feels effortless, this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is your go-to. Tender, juicy chicken pieces are baked in a rich, garlicky, lemon-parmesan cream sauce that’s perfect for soaking up with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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 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

Instructions

  • Prepare Sauce: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

  • Add Flavor: Stir in parsley and garlic, then add lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Mix well.

  • Make Cream Sauce: Pour in chicken stock and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine, then add heavy cream. Simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.

  • Season Chicken: In a bowl, season chicken pieces with salt, smoked paprika, and chicken seasoning. Toss well.

  • Assemble: Place chicken in a baking dish and pour the sauce over the top.

  • Bake: Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 1 hr 45 mins, flipping halfway through.

  • Finish: Broil the skin side for a few minutes until golden brown. Baste with sauce before serving.

Notes

  • Juicy Chicken: Dark meat stays tender during long baking; you can also use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts if preferred.

  • Extra Flavor: Let the chicken marinate in the seasoning for 30 minutes before baking to intensify flavor.

  • Serving Ideas: Serve with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.