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Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken That Will Brighten Your Dinner

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a comforting dinner option that features juicy dark meat chicken in a rich lemon-butter cream sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 8 pieces Dark Meat Chicken Pieces Juicy drumsticks and thighs, avoid breasts
  • 1 tbsp Kosher Salt Enhances flavor and tenderizes
  • 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika For warmth and smoky flavor
  • 1 tbsp Montreal Chicken Seasoning Or any preferred chicken seasoning
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 4 tbsp Butter Unsalted for sodium control
  • 1 medium Red Onion Finely chopped
  • 1 cup Flat-Leaf Parsley Chopped, can swap for thyme
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Optional, adjust for spice preference
  • 1 cup Chicken Stock Moisture base for sauce
  • 3 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice Brightens the sauce
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Not pre-shredded
  • 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream For a velvety texture

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Baking Dish
  • oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking.
  2. Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté chopped red onion for about 2 minutes until soft.
  3. Add chopped parsley and minced garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in fresh lemon juice and optional red pepper flakes, then add chicken stock and Parmesan cheese, simmering for 1 minute.
  5. Season dark meat chicken pieces with kosher salt, smoked paprika, and Montreal chicken seasoning, and arrange in a baking dish.
  6. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Bake uncovered for 1 hour and 45 minutes, flipping halfway.
  7. Broil for final minutes until golden and slightly crispy, basting with sauce before serving.
  8. Allow to rest for about 5 minutes before serving with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 28gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 460mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, choose dark chicken meat and use fresh ingredients for flavor. Slow cooking is essential for optimal taste.

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