Easy Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe That Wows Every Time

Succulent baked lemon butter chicken brings bright Mediterranean flavors right to your dinner table.

Zesty citrus notes dance alongside rich, creamy butter for an irresistible combination.

Crispy skin and tender meat promise a delightful meal that feels both elegant and comforting.

Simple ingredients create magic in your kitchen with minimal effort.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore this straightforward recipe that delivers maximum flavor.

Unexpected touches of herbs and garlic add depth to every juicy bite.

You’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing dish for your next weeknight meal.

What Makes Baked Lemon Butter Chicken a Must-Try

• Burst with Flavor: Tangy lemon, creamy sauce, and perfectly seasoned chicken create an explosion of mouthwatering tastes that will delight your taste buds.
• Master One-Pan Magic: Minimal dishes and simple preparation make this recipe a dream for home cooks who want delicious meals without complicated cleanup.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Tender chicken bathed in a rich, creamy sauce appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
• Impress Without Stress: Minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps allow even novice cooks to produce a restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes sophisticated.

What Goes Into Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

• Chicken Pieces: Tender meat that serves as the main protein for this delicious baked dish.

• Kosher Salt, Smoked Paprika, Chicken Seasoning Blend: Spices that add depth and complexity to the chicken's taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a subtle heat and spicy kick to the overall dish.

• Butter: Creates a rich and smooth base for the sauce.
• Red Onion: Adds a subtle sweet and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic: Introduces a pungent and savory element to the sauce.
• Parsley: Brings a fresh and herbaceous note to the dish.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and acidity to balance the rich sauce.
• Chicken Stock: Provides depth and additional flavor to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a salty and nutty taste to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce a luxurious and creamy texture.

How to Bake Lemon Butter Chicken Just Right

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F. This temperature will help create a perfectly golden and juicy chicken dish.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Heat a skillet over medium flame. Melt butter and toss in red onion, letting it sizzle and release its aromatic goodness until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Build Sauce Layers

• Chopped parsley
• Minced garlic

Stir in lemon juice and sprinkle red pepper flakes for a hint of warmth. Mix everything until well combined.

Step 4: Develop Creamy Sauce

• Chicken stock
• Parmesan cheese

Stir until smooth. Gently blend in heavy cream and let the mixture simmer for a minute.

Remove from heat and allow sauce to cool slightly.

Step 5: Season Chicken

• Kosher salt
• Smoked paprika
• Chicken seasoning blend

Toss to ensure even coverage of spices.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Transfer seasoned chicken to a baking dish. Pour the cooled, luxurious sauce evenly over the chicken.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Flip chicken midway through cooking. For an extra crispy finish, broil the skin side until it turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Give the chicken a final baste with its own sauce. Plate up and enjoy this mouthwatering meal that combines tangy, creamy, and savory flavors!

Best Tips for Juicy Lemon Butter Chicken

• Select bone-in chicken thighs or legs for maximum flavor and juiciness in this recipe.
• Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help create a crispy, golden-brown exterior during baking.
• Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for brighter, more vibrant citrus flavor in the sauce.
• Allow sauce to cool slightly before pouring over chicken to prevent sauce from breaking and ensure smooth consistency.

Baked Lemon Chicken with a Flavorful Twist

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace parsley with a blend of oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a classic Mediterranean flavor profile. Use olive oil instead of butter to enhance the regional taste.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken: Swap smoked paprika with Cajun seasoning and add cayenne pepper for extra heat. Include diced bell peppers and celery to create a Louisiana-style sauce.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken: Increase Parmesan cheese quantity and add roasted garlic cloves. Incorporate cream cheese for a richer, more decadent sauce texture.
• Herb and White Wine Chicken: Substitute chicken stock with dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. Add fresh basil and tarragon for a sophisticated French-inspired dish.

Great Sides for Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

• Elevate Citrus Zest with Chardonnay: Crisp, buttery Chardonnay complements the lemon's brightness and rich butter sauce, creating a harmonious flavor profile that enhances the chicken's delicate texture.
• Pair with Herbed Roasted Potatoes: Rosemary and thyme-infused roasted potatoes provide an earthy counterpoint to the tangy chicken, absorbing the luxurious sauce while adding textural contrast.
• Serve Alongside Crisp Green Salad: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette mirrors the dish's citrus notes, cutting through the richness and providing a refreshing palate cleanser.

Smart Storage for Lemon Butter Chicken Leftovers

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer cooled chicken to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the sauce separate to maintain chicken's texture.
• Freezer Storage: Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken stock to prevent drying, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Your Top Questions About Lemon Butter Chicken

• Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken works perfectly. Just adjust cooking time to prevent drying out, typically 30-45 minutes depending on chicken piece size.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes provide a mild heat. You can reduce or omit them for a milder flavor, or increase for more kick.

• What type of chicken seasoning blend works best?

A basic herb and garlic blend or an all-purpose poultry seasoning will complement the lemon butter sauce nicely. Italian or Mediterranean blends also work well.

• Do I need a special type of skillet?

A standard non-stick or cast iron skillet will work great for preparing the sauce. The key is having a pan that can transfer from stovetop to oven if needed.

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Baked Lemon Butter Chicken delivers Mediterranean sunshine on a plate, melding zesty citrus with rich, tender poultry. Crisp herb-infused skin and silky sauce invite you to savor each luxurious, flavor-packed bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 10 dark meat chicken pieces (drumsticks and thighs, trimmed of any excess fat)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon chicken seasoning blend (Montreal or bouillon)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Additional Ingredients:

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

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing a welcoming environment for the chicken’s transformation.
2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing red onion until it releases a fragrant aroma, approximately 2 minutes.
3. Introduce chopped parsley and minced garlic into the skillet, stirring to create a harmonious blend. Incorporate lemon juice and red pepper flakes for a zesty kick.
4. Pour chicken stock into the mixture, then fold in Parmesan cheese. Integrate heavy cream and allow the sauce to simmer briefly before removing from heat to cool slightly.
5. Massage chicken pieces with kosher salt, smoked paprika, and seasoning blend, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly coated with flavor.
6. Transfer seasoned chicken to a baking dish, generously draping the cooled sauce over the top.
7. Roast uncovered for 1 hour and 45 minutes at 375°F, rotating midway through cooking. For a golden finish, activate the broiler to crisp the skin during the final moments.
8. Lavish the chicken with its own savory sauce before presenting, creating a tantalizing final touch to this culinary masterpiece.

Notes

• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that maintains the sauce’s creamy richness.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown skin that locks in maximum flavor.
• Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra juiciness and deeper taste compared to boneless cuts.
• Reduce cooking time by 15-20 minutes if using smaller chicken pieces to prevent overcooking and drying out the meat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg