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Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 109 reviews

This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring dark meat chicken pieces seasoned with smoked paprika and chicken seasoning, then baked in a rich, creamy sauce made with butter, garlic, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. The chicken is baked uncovered until tender and finished under the broiler for a golden, crispy skin.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 10 dark meat chicken pieces (drumsticks and thighs, trimmed of any excess fat)
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp Montreal chicken seasoning blend or any chicken seasoning of choice

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. Prepare the sauce: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced red onion and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  2. Add herbs and spices: Stir in chopped flat leaf parsley and minced garlic. Mix well to combine, then add fresh lemon juice followed by red pepper flakes.
  3. Incorporate liquids and cheese: Pour in the chicken stock, then add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine and finally add the heavy whipping cream.
  4. Simmer the sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for about one minute, then turn off the heat and let the sauce cool slightly to meld flavors.
  5. Season the chicken: While the sauce cools, season the chicken pieces with kosher salt, smoked paprika, and your choice of chicken seasoning. Toss the chicken well to ensure even coating.
  6. Combine chicken and sauce: Place the seasoned chicken in a baking dish and pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken pieces.
  7. Bake the chicken: Bake the chicken uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 1 hour and 45 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
  8. Broil for crisp skin: After baking, broil the chicken on the skin side until golden brown and crispy, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
  9. Finish and serve: Baste the chicken with the sauce from the pan to keep it moist and flavorful. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious baked lemon butter chicken.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, pat the chicken dry before seasoning.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
  • The sauce can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before baking.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
  • Baking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces; ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Keywords: baked lemon butter chicken, creamy chicken recipe, baked chicken thighs, parmesan chicken bake, lemon garlic chicken, comforting chicken dinner

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