Go Back
–+ servings
Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken That's Juicy and Stress-Free

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken delivers a flavor-packed punch, making it a stress-free meal solution for busy nights.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds Dark Meat Chicken Pieces (thighs and drumsticks) Use thighs and drumsticks for maximum flavor and tenderness.
  • 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt Enhances flavor; adjust based on your taste preference.
  • 1 tablespoon Montreal Chicken Seasoning Offers a savory kick; feel free to substitute with your favorite chicken seasoning.
For the Marinade
  • 1/2 cup Butter Adds richness; olive oil can be used for a lighter version.
  • 1 medium Red Onion (minced) Provides sweetness and depth; shallots are a great substitute if you prefer a milder taste.
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced) An aromatic base that elevates the dish's flavor profile.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Adds depth; regular paprika can be swapped for a milder taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Introduces a hint of heat; omit if you prefer a milder dish.
  • 1/4 cup Flat Leaf Parsley (chopped) For freshness and color; swap with cilantro for a different twist.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Chicken Stock Brings moisture and flavor; vegetable stock is a good non-meat alternative.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice Brightens and balances flavors, though bottled works in a pinch.
  • 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Adds creaminess; nutritional yeast can be a dairy-free option.
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream Introduces richness to the sauce; coconut cream is a great non-dairy substitute option.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Baking Dish
  • whisk
  • Aluminum foil
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by trimming any excess fat from the dark meat chicken pieces, focusing on thighs and drumsticks for optimal flavor and tenderness. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to ensure the marinade adheres better.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine kosher salt, smoked paprika, Montreal chicken seasoning, softened butter, minced red onion, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Whisk together until well combined.
  3. Take the prepped chicken pieces and rub the marinade generously over them, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
  4. Place the marinated chicken pieces into a baking dish. Pour chicken stock and fresh lemon juice over the chicken, then cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
  5. After baking, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the chicken. Drizzle heavy whipping cream over the chicken as well.
  6. Once the chicken is perfectly golden and juices run clear, remove it from the oven. Serve hot, ideally alongside rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 34gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, ensure chicken is at room temperature before cooking and consider using a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!