There’s something magical about the scent of baking chicken wafting through the house on a Sunday afternoon. When I first tried my hand at making Baked Lemon Butter Chicken, I wasn’t just looking for a meal—I was craving the comfort of family traditions and cozy gatherings. This recipe has quickly become our go-to for a stress-free Sunday dinner, combining simplicity and rich flavors. You won’t believe how quickly the tender, juicy chicken comes together, infused with delightful notes of lemon, garlic, and buttery goodness. It’s a family-friendly dish that’s sure to turn a typical day into a scrumptious celebration. Are you ready to discover how easy it is to whip up this flavorful favorite? Let’s dive in!
Why is Baked Lemon Butter Chicken a must-try?
Simplicity: This recipe is designed for busy home cooks, requiring minimal prep and just a few straightforward steps.
Rich, Zesty Flavor: The bright notes of lemon combined with rich butter create an irresistible sauce that clings to the tender chicken.
Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, everyone from kids to adults will love this dish.
Versatile Pairings: Serve it with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes to elevate the meal and enhance those buttery flavors.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep this dish in advance by marinating the chicken, freeing up your time for entertaining or relaxing on Sundays.
With its comforting aroma and delicious taste, this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is destined to become a family favorite, just like our Chopped Chicken Bacon or Mexican Chicken Rice. You won’t want to miss it!
Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Ingredients
Discover the essential ingredients that make this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken a standout dish.
For the Chicken
- Dark Meat Chicken Pieces – Perfect for juiciness; drumsticks and thighs yield tender results.
- Kosher Salt (2 tsp) – Enhances flavor and tenderizes the chicken, ensuring it’s deliciously seasoned.
For the Seasoning
- Smoked Paprika (1 tbsp) – Adds depth with a mild smokiness that beautifully complements the lemon.
- Montreal Chicken Seasoning (1 tbsp) – Use this or your favorite chicken seasoning for added complexity.
For the Sauce
- Butter (2 tbsp) – Infuses richness and moisture, making every bite delightful.
- Red Onion, minced (1/2 cup) – Provides a sweet, aromatic base for the sauce.
- Garlic, minced (1 tbsp) – Intensifies flavor, bringing aromatic qualities to the dish.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 tsp) – Introduces a subtle hint of heat to balance the flavors.
- Chicken Stock (1 cup) – Keeps the chicken moist and enhances the overall savoriness.
- Fresh Lemon Juice (1 tbsp) – Brightens up the dish with a zesty punch of acidity.
For the Finish
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 cup) – Adds a creamy texture that enhances the richness.
- Heavy Whipping Cream (1/3 cup) – Provides a luscious finish; non-dairy alternatives work too if desired.
Gather these ingredients and get ready for a mouthwatering experience that will have your family asking for seconds!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine dark meat chicken pieces with kosher salt, smoked paprika, and Montreal seasoning. Massage the spices into the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, which enhances the flavor and tenderness of the Baked Lemon Butter Chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the baking dish. In a large baking dish, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave. Once melted, stir in minced red onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, chicken stock, lemon juice, and half of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This buttery mixture will serve as the flavorful base for the chicken.
Step 3: Arrange the Chicken
Now, take the marinated chicken pieces and arrange them on top of the prepared sauce in the baking dish. Ensure the chicken is evenly spaced for uniform cooking and that the flavorful sauce is peeking around the edges. This setup will allow the Baked Lemon Butter Chicken to absorb all those delicious juices while baking.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. This slow bake ensures the chicken becomes tender and fully infused with the buttery lemon sauce, filling your kitchen with enticing aromas.
Step 5: Uncover and Add Cream
After 1 hour and 30 minutes, remove the foil from the baking dish. Drizzle the chicken evenly with 1/3 cup of heavy cream, and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
Using a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should read 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. The chicken should also appear tender and the sauce should be bubbling. This step is crucial to ensure your Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is perfectly cooked and ready to be served.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once the chicken is done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute within the chicken, keeping it moist. Serve your Baked Lemon Butter Chicken hot, spooning the rich sauce over each piece, and enjoy the delightful flavors with your favorite sides!
What to Serve with Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
Elevate your Sunday dinner with delightful accompaniments that perfectly balance the vibrant flavors of baked chicken.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These buttery, soft potatoes will soak up the luscious lemon sauce, creating a comforting combination.
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Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Crisp-tender asparagus adds a fresh crunch, perfectly complementing the richness of the chicken.
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Herbed Rice Pilaf: Light and fluffy, this fragrant rice pilaf brings in a hint of herbs and nutty flavor, enhancing the dish.
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Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The caramelized edges and earthy flavors contrast beautifully with the zesty chicken, offering a satisfying bite.
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Caesar Salad: A classic salad with creamy dressing and crunchy croutons rounds off the meal, providing bright acidity and crunch.
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Fresh Lemonade: Quenching and refreshing, a glass of lemonade mirrors the chicken’s citrus notes while enhancing the overall dining experience.
How to Store and Freeze Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
Fridge: Leftover Baked Lemon Butter Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, preserving its flavor and moisture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
Airtight Storage: Always ensure that the dish is well-wrapped or in a sealed container to avoid freezer burn and maintain the delicious flavors of your Baked Lemon Butter Chicken.
Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Variations
Feel free to take this classic recipe and make it your own with these fun and flavorful variations!
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Breast Swap: Use chicken breasts instead of dark meat for a lighter dish; simply adjust cooking time to avoid dryness.
Substituting breasts gives a different texture, while still allowing the buttery lemon sauce to shine beautifully. -
Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fragrant twist; simply sprinkle them over the chicken before baking.
This addition creates an aromatic experience that elevates the dish and fills your kitchen with delightful scents. -
Spice It Up: Increase red pepper flakes for a spicier kick, or even add a splash of hot sauce to the marinade.
A little heat can transform this comforting dish into a lively feast that ignites the senses with every bite. -
Dairy-Free Delight: Swap out butter and heavy cream for olive oil and a non-dairy cream option if needed.
Enjoy a lighter, dairy-free version of this tasty chicken that doesn’t skimp on the richness or flavor. -
Zesty Additions: Include thinly sliced lemons around the chicken for extra tanginess, enhancing the overall brightness of the dish.
These slices not only add flavor but also create a lovely presentation that will have everyone drooling before the meal begins. -
Veggie Boost: Toss in vegetable medleys like bell peppers or zucchini to the baking dish for added nutrition and flavor.
These delightful veggies will absorb the sauce flavors, making every bite a surprise bursting with lush textures. -
Citrus Varieties: Experiment with other citrus juices like lime or orange for unique flavor profiles.
Each variant will lend a refreshing twist while keeping the bright, zesty essence of the original recipe intact.
These variations bring endless possibilities to your Baked Lemon Butter Chicken. Whether you’re craving a different texture or a kick of heat, let your creativity shine! Also, if you’re interested in more easy and delicious chicken recipes, check out the flavorful Vegan Orange Chicken or the comforting Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice. Happy cooking!
Make Ahead Options
These Baked Lemon Butter Chicken options are perfect for busy home cooks looking to simplify their meal prep! You can marinate the chicken with kosher salt, smoked paprika, and Montreal seasoning up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor. Simply cover and refrigerate the marinated chicken in an airtight container. When it’s time to cook, prepare the buttery sauce as instructed and arrange the chicken on top. Bake it as directed, and don’t forget to add the cream and Parmesan cheese at the end for that irresistible finish. This make-ahead strategy ensures that your delicious Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is just as flavorful and juicy, allowing you to enjoy stress-free weeknight dinners!
Expert Tips for Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
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Room Temperature Chicken: Ensure your chicken is at room temperature before marinating to promote even cooking and optimal flavor infusion.
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Use a Thermometer: A meat thermometer is essential for checking doneness; aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee the chicken is perfectly cooked.
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Avoid Overcooking: Monitor chicken closely at the end of baking, as larger pieces will need more time while smaller ones may finish faster; this helps prevent dryness.
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Be Generous with Marinade: For deeper flavor, let your chicken marinate for a few hours or overnight—this enhances the taste of the Baked Lemon Butter Chicken tremendously.
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Serve with Sides: Complement your meal with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables to soak up the savory sauce and round out the dining experience.
Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken is best for Baked Lemon Butter Chicken?
Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using dark meat chicken pieces such as drumsticks and thighs. They’re more tender and juicy than white meat, which ensures that your Baked Lemon Butter Chicken stays moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process.
How should I store leftover Baked Lemon Butter Chicken?
Leftover Baked Lemon Butter Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing, as this helps to preserve its flavors and texture. Simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes to enjoy it all over again!
Can I freeze Baked Lemon Butter Chicken?
Absolutely! To freeze, let your chicken cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. For best results, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This gentle thawing helps maintain the chicken’s moisture and flavor.
What should I do if my chicken isn’t cooking evenly?
If you notice that your chicken isn’t cooking properly, first check to make sure all pieces are of similar size for even cooking. Investing in a meat thermometer is a great idea; aim for a temperature of 165°F. If some pieces are done before others, simply remove them and let the remaining pieces cook for an additional few minutes.
Can I use other types of seasoning for variety?
Yes! One of the great things about this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is its versatility. Feel free to substitute Montreal Chicken Seasoning with your favorite blend or experiment with fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary. This allows you to customize the flavor profile to suit your family’s preferences!
Is this dish suitable for my allergies or dietary needs?
Great question! While the Baked Lemon Butter Chicken contains dairy (butter and parmesan), you can easily swap these for non-dairy alternatives. Just ensure you check the labels for any allergens. Additionally, if anyone in your family has a chicken allergy, feel free to substitute with your favorite protein, keeping in mind that cooking times may vary.
Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Your New Sunday Dinner Favorite
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Marinate the chicken with kosher salt, smoked paprika, and Montreal seasoning. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt butter, then mix in red onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, chicken stock, lemon juice, and half of the Parmesan cheese in a baking dish.
- Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the sauce in the baking dish, ensuring even spacing.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, drizzle with heavy cream, and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until golden.
- Check the chicken's internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C), then let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, spooning the rich sauce over the chicken. Enjoy with your favorite sides!