Irresistible Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe for Tonight

Tender chicken breasts sing with zesty brightness in this mouthwatering baked lemon butter chicken recipe that promises restaurant-quality flavor at home.

The golden-brown exterior locks in succulent juices, creating a dish that’s both elegant and comforting.

Simple ingredients collaborate to craft an extraordinary meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

butter and fresh lemon mingle beautifully, infusing each bite with tangy richness.

Herbs add depth and complexity to this straightforward yet impressive dinner.

You’ll love how quickly this comes together with minimal prep work.

This recipe transforms an ordinary weeknight into a culinary celebration worth savoring.

Storing Baked Lemon Chicken

• – Refrigerate Leftover chicken stays fresh in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Keep sauce separate to maintain chicken's crispy texture.
• – Freeze Store chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• – Reheat Warm gently in oven at 325F to prevent drying out. Cover with foil and add splash of chicken stock to retain moisture.
• – Prevent Staleness Pat chicken dry before storing to reduce extra moisture that can make meat soggy. Always cool completely before sealing containers.

FAQs

• What are the key flavor components in this chicken dish?

The key flavors come from the combination of lemon, butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, creating a rich and tangy sauce that infuses the chicken with a delicious Mediterranean-inspired taste.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of other cuts?

Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly for this recipe. Just ensure they are similar in size for even cooking and adjust cooking time slightly to prevent drying out.

• Is this recipe considered healthy?

While delicious, the dish is moderately rich due to butter, cream, and Parmesan. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, offering protein and some nutrients from the ingredients.

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken: Batch Highlights

• Elevate Weeknight Dining: Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal cooking skills required, making gourmet cooking accessible for everyone.
• Burst with Flavor Explosion: Zesty lemon, creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly seasoned chicken create a mouthwatering combination that tingles taste buds and leaves everyone craving more.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Satisfaction: One-pan recipe reduces kitchen cleanup, allowing more time to enjoy delicious meal with family or friends without spending hours cooking.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or entertaining guests, this dish impresses with its rich flavors and elegant presentation without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Lemon Butter Chicken

• Chicken: A lean and versatile protein that serves as the main component of this flavorful dish.

• Butter, Onions, Stock: A rich and savory foundation that creates depth of flavor for the chicken.
• Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Provide a creamy and luxurious texture to the sauce.

• Salt, Paprika, Chicken Seasoning: Add layers of traditional and complementary spices to elevate the chicken's taste.
• Parsley, Garlic, Lemon Juice, Pepper Flakes: Bring brightness, zest, and a subtle heat to the overall flavor profile.

Simple Steps for Baking Lemon Chicken

Step 1: Craft Zesty Sauce Base

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.

Gently sauté chopped onions until they turn translucent and soft.

Sprinkle in fresh herbs and minced garlic, creating a fragrant foundation.

Splash in tangy lemon juice and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Pour in rich chicken stock, grated Parmesan cheese, and smooth heavy cream.

Let the mixture simmer gently, allowing flavors to blend and develop a luxurious consistency.

Step 2: Prepare Flavorful Chicken

Generously coat chicken pieces with a blend of kosher salt, smoky paprika, and your favorite poultry seasoning.

Ensure each piece is evenly and thoroughly covered with the aromatic spice mixture.

Step 3: Create Delicious Layers

Transfer the seasoned chicken into a spacious baking dish.

Carefully pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is generously coated and nestled in the flavorful liquid.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 375°F.

Roast uncovered for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Midway through cooking, gently flip the chicken to ensure even browning.

During the final moments, switch to broil to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

Just before serving, lovingly baste the chicken with the remaining sauce.

This final touch ensures maximum flavor and a beautifully glossy presentation.

Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy your culinary creation.

Tips for Tender, Buttery Lemon Chicken

• Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce for a fragrant herb boost that complements the lemon's brightness.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy skin and better browning during baking.
• Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories without losing richness.
• Cover chicken with foil during first hour of baking to lock in moisture, then uncover to achieve golden color.
• Refrigerate leftovers in sauce to keep chicken tender and prevent it from drying out when reheating.

New Lemon Chicken Variations to Try

• Dairy-Free Dream: Replace cream with coconut milk and omit Parmesan for a lactose-free version. Use olive oil instead of butter to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Herb Garden Fusion: Swap parsley with fresh thyme, rosemary, and basil. Add extra garlic and use white wine instead of stock for a Mediterranean-inspired profile.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Substitute chicken seasoning with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Replace lemon juice with lime and add diced green chilies to the sauce for a zesty kick.
• Low-Carb Keto Approach: Skip onions, use extra butter, and add heavy cream for richness. Reduce cooking time to 45 minutes and increase oven temperature to 400F for crispy chicken skin.

Serving Lemon Butter Chicken for Dinner

• Zesty Dinner Centerpiece: Plate this succulent chicken over fluffy white rice to soak up the rich, creamy sauce.
• Fresh Garden Partner: Serve alongside roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad for a balanced, colorful meal that adds vibrant vegetables to your plate.
• Bread Lovers' Delight: Include warm crusty bread or garlic toast to mop up the delicious lemon butter sauce, ensuring not a single drop goes to waste.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the dish with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or light Chardonnay that enhances the lemony brightness of the chicken.

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon butter chicken brings Mediterranean sunshine to dinner tables with minimal effort. Rich herbal notes and zesty citrus create a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Chicken:

• 10 chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon Montreal chicken seasoning

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup minced red onion
• 1/2 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty sauce by gently sweating aromatic onions in melted butter until translucent and fragrant.
2. Incorporate finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, tangy lemon juice, and a hint of red pepper flakes into the sautéed base.
3. Pour in rich chicken stock, sprinkle grated Parmesan, and blend with creamy heavy cream, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop complex flavors.
4. Generously season chicken pieces with kosher salt, smoky paprika, and a robust chicken seasoning blend.
5. Transfer seasoned chicken to a spacious baking dish, cascading the luxurious sauce evenly across the surface.
6. Roast uncovered in a preheated 375°F oven for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, carefully rotating the chicken midway to ensure uniform cooking.
7. During the final moments, activate the broiler to achieve a golden, crisp exterior with caramelized edges.
8. Before serving, lovingly drizzle additional warm sauce over the chicken, enhancing its moisture and intensifying the dish’s aromatic profile.

Notes

• Swap dairy alternatives easily by using coconut cream or almond milk instead of traditional cream for a lighter, lactose-free version.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken stock and reducing added salt for heart-friendly modifications.
• Toast chicken seasoning blend quickly in a dry pan to intensify flavors and create deeper, more complex taste profile before applying to chicken.
• Prevent dry chicken by monitoring internal temperature with meat thermometer, aiming for 165°F without overcooking during extended baking time.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg