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Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

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4 from 2 reviews

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a delicious, savory dish featuring tender dark meat chicken pieces cooked in a rich lemon butter sauce with Parmesan and fresh herbs. This easy-to-make recipe ensures juicy, flavorful chicken perfect for a stress-free family dinner.

  • Author: Zara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 4-5 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 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 blend (or any chicken seasoning of choice, bullion is fine)

Sauce

  • 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

  1. Melt Butter and Sauté Onions: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until fully melted. Add the minced red onions and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant, softening the onions gently.
  2. Add Herbs and Flavorings: Stir in chopped flat leaf parsley and minced garlic, mixing well. Pour in fresh lemon juice followed by the red pepper flakes, allowing the flavors to meld for a moment.
  3. Make the Sauce: Add the chicken stock to the skillet, then sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for one minute. Then turn off the heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly.
  4. Prepare Chicken: While the sauce cools, season the chicken pieces thoroughly with kosher salt, smoked paprika, and chicken seasoning blend. Toss the chicken well to evenly coat all pieces.
  5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Place the seasoned chicken in a baking dish and pour the cooled lemon butter sauce evenly over the top, ensuring good coverage.
  6. Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 1 hour and 45 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and cooking.
  7. Broil to Finish: After baking, broil the chicken on the skin side until golden brown and crispy. Baste the chicken with the remaining sauce before serving.
  8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the baked lemon butter chicken hot, optionally alongside rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Notes

  • To speed up cooking, increase the oven temperature to 400°F and roast for about 1 hour and 10 minutes or until juices run clear and chicken is tender.
  • Cooking times vary depending on size of chicken pieces and whether chicken is at room temperature. Larger pieces and cold chicken require longer cooking.
  • Use visual cues such as meat pulling away from the bone, fork tenderness, and a golden brown color to check doneness.
  • For certainty, use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Pair this dish with rice or mashed potatoes to enjoy the delicious sauce completely.

Find it online: https://zaracooking.com/baked-lemon-butter-chicken-recipe/