Easy Baked Lemon Butter Chicken for Quick Dinners

There’s something magical about the scent of lemon and butter melding in the oven. When I make Baked Lemon Butter Chicken, it fills my home with a warm, zesty aroma that beckons everyone to the table. This dish is a comforting twist that’s been making waves latelyeveryone is turning to cozy meals with a fresh spark.

This recipe is as simple as it gets, featuring juicy chicken breasts, creamy butter, and vibrant lemon juice. Like your grandma’s favorite, but prepped in a snap! With just a handful of pantry staples and no fuss, you’ll have a delightful dinner ready in no time. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaserperfect for busy weeknights or those cozy Sunday dinners.

I started whipping up this dish last summer, and my husband couldn’t stop talking about it. The first bite had him exclaiming how the flavors danced together. I learned to marinate the chicken in that luscious lemon butter for a few hoursit makes all the difference! After 10 years of sharing recipes, I can promise this one will become a family favorite.

Olivia Farnsworth

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken: Irresistibly Easy Dinner

Enjoy a stress-free, flavor-packed dinner with this baked lemon butter chicken recipe. Perfectly seasoned with garlic lemon butter and a creamy lemon sauce, this dish makes an irresistible family meal. Whether you’re craving a creamy lemon chicken bake or a garlic lemon butter chicken, this easy lemon garlic chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken thighs bathed in a rich, flavorful sauce that’s sure to become a favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 10 dark meat chicken pieces I used 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 bullion is fine
• 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

Method

 

1. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat until melted.
2. Add minced red onions and cook until aromatic, about 2 minutes.
3. Stir in chopped parsley and garlic, then pour in fresh lemon juice followed by red pepper flakes.
4. Pour in chicken stock, then add Parmesan cheese and stir to combine.
5. Mix in heavy whipping cream and let the sauce simmer gently for 1 minute before removing from heat to cool slightly.
6. Season the chicken pieces with kosher salt, smoked paprika, and chicken seasoning; toss to evenly coat.
7. Place the chicken in a baking dish and spoon the prepared sauce over it.
8. Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 1 hour and 45 minutes, turning the chicken over halfway through cooking.
9. Finish by placing the chicken under the broiler skin-side up until the skin turns golden brown.
10. Baste the chicken with the sauce before serving and enjoy!

Notes

• If you’re short on time, increase the oven temperature to 400°F and roast the chicken for about 1 hour and 10 minutes until the juices run clear and meat is tender. Remember, cooking times vary based on the size of the chicken pieces and your oven type. Letting the chicken rest at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to cooking can help it cook more evenly. Use visual cues like meat pulling away from the bone and a nice brown color to ensure doneness, and a meat thermometer for accuracy. Serve alongside rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s incredibly simple, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• The combination of lemon and rich butter creates a flavor that feels both cozy and sophisticated.
• This dish is family-approved; it’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone at the table.
• Perfect for meal prepping; the leftovers are just as delicious!

Key Ingredients

Let’s shine a light on the star players in our Baked Lemon Butter Chicken:

• Dark Meat Chicken: Juicy drumsticks and thighs are ideal for that tender, fall-off-the-bone texture.
• Red Onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic base to the sauce.
• Parsley and Garlic: Freshness and warmth come together to lift the flavors.
• Parmesan Cheese: Rich and creamy, it binds the sauce beautifully.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: This makes our sauce luscious and satisfying.

How It Works: Step-by-Step

This recipe consists of just a few simple steps that deliver big on flavor:

1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced onion and sauté until fragrant.
2. Add parsley, garlic, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Stir everything until combined.
3. Pour in chicken stock and add grated Parmesan and heavy cream. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
4. While your sauce cools, season your chicken with salt, smoked paprika, and any other chicken seasoning you love.
5. Pour the sauce over the chicken in a baking dish and bake uncovered for 1 hour and 45 minutes at 375°F, flipping halfway through.
6. Once cooked, broil the chicken skin side up for a crispy finish!

Troubleshooting Your Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

• Chicken Isn’t Cooking Evenly: Ensure your chicken is at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.
• Too Much Sauce: If you find there’s a lot of sauce left, simply save it for drizzling over rice or mashed potatoes!
• Need it Faster? Increase your oven temperature to 400°F, and cook for about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

This baked lemon butter chicken brings a cozy dinner to the table, but how can you make it extra special?

• Serve it with a side of fluffy mashed potatoes or warm rice to soak up that fabulous sauce.
• Dress it up with a simple green salad for a touch of freshness.

Storage Tip: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Timing Chart

Expert Says

Adding a zesty touch to your baked lemon butter chicken not only enhances flavor but also boosts its nutritional profile. The citric acid in lemons acts as a natural tenderizer, breaking down proteins for a juicier texture, while the healthy fats from the butter help absorb fat-soluble vitamins.

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!

The Journey to My Perfect Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

After several attempts, I finally mastered this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken recipe. My first try ended up being too dry, but with each roast, I learned the magic of balancing flavors and moisture. Now, it’s tender and zesty, just like those cozy family dinners I cherish. This dish has truly become a comforting staple in my kitchen.

FAQs ( Baked Lemon Butter Chicken )

Conclusion

You’ll love how this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken brings comfort and joy to your dinner table with its enticing aroma and tender chicken. It’s easy, rewarding, and perfect for a cozy evening spent with loved ones.

For a twist, try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the flavor. Leftovers? Just store them in the fridge for up to three daysthey reheat beautifully! A little tip I picked up from my aunt’s kitchen: drizzle extra sauce over veggies or pasta for a delightful surprise.

I’d love to see your versions of this recipe! Did you grow up eating something similar? Share your thoughts or photos in the comments. Remember to save this delightful recipe for when you need a taste of home-cooked warmthit’s a dish your family will cherish!