Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Name: Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 105 min
Total time: 120 min
Ingredients: 10 pieces dark meat chicken pieces (drumsticks and thighs); 2 tsp kosher salt; 1 tbsp smoked paprika; 1 tbsp Montreal chicken seasoning blend; 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

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the zesty flavors of lemon with the rich, comforting taste of butter and chicken. It’s a perfect meal for family dinners or gatherings, adding a touch of gourmet dining to your table without too much effort. The bright flavors of lemon and the savory use of herbs in this recipe create a mouthwatering combination that will soon become a favorite in your home. As the chicken bakes, it takes on the essence of the sauce, resulting in a succulent main course that pairs perfectly with rice, pasta, or a fresh garden salad.

Why make this recipe? The first reason is taste. The delightful combination of lemon, garlic, and butter offers a beautiful balance of flavors that elevates the chicken to a new level. It’s not just about the taste; it’s also about how easy it is to prepare. With minimal prep time and straightforward cooking steps, you can whip up this dish with ease. Additionally, this recipe provides an excellent way to incorporate healthy proteins into your meals, satisfying both taste buds and nutritional needs. The use of dark meat chicken provides tenderness and flavor, making every bite delicious and satisfying.

How to make Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Making Baked Lemon Butter Chicken involves simple steps that lead to impressive results. You begin by creating a flavorful sauce that infuses the chicken with rich and zesty notes. The key is to ensure the chicken is properly seasoned and well-coated in the sauce, which allows for maximum flavor. Once baked, you’ll enjoy a dish that appears to have been made by a professional chef but is simple enough for a home cook. With a little patience and following the steps, you’ll achieve a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients:

To create this appetizing Baked Lemon Butter Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

10 dark meat chicken pieces (drumsticks and thighs)
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp Montreal chicken seasoning blend
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

Directions:

To prepare Baked Lemon Butter Chicken, follow these step-by-step directions:

In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has fully melted, add the minced onions and sauté them for about two minutes until fragrant. Next, incorporate the chopped parsley and minced garlic into the mixture, stirring well. After this, pour in the fresh lemon juice along with the red pepper flakes for an added kick. Following that, add the chicken stock, mix in the Parmesan cheese, and combine everything until smooth. Finally, add the heavy cream, carefully bringing the mixture to a simmer for about a minute. After simmering, turn off the heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly.

Now, it’s time to prepare the chicken. Season the chicken pieces with kosher salt, smoked paprika, and Montreal chicken seasoning blend. Then, pour the creamy sauce over the seasoned chicken in a baking dish. It’s crucial to make sure every piece is well coated. Bake the chicken uncovered at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour and 45 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. For a beautiful finish, broil the chicken on the skin side until it turns a golden brown color, and baste the chicken with the sauce to add extra flavor.

Time Breakdown

When making Baked Lemon Butter Chicken, timing is essential to ensure perfect results. The preparation time generally takes around 15 minutes, allowing for the initial steps of melting the butter, sautéing the ingredients, and seasoning the chicken. Cooking time will be approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes of baking, followed by a few minutes of broiling for that final golden touch. All totaled, set aside around two hours to prepare and cook this delightful dish.

How to serve Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Serving Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a straightforward and enjoyable affair. Once your chicken is done baking and has reached that appealing golden color, you can plate the dish with its luscious sauce drizzled over each piece. It pairs beautifully with sides such as fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or whole-grain pasta. Garnishing with extra fresh parsley can add brightness and make the dish even more visually appealing. Don’t forget to serve some lemon wedges on the side for those who like a little extra zing with their meal!

How to store Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Should you have any leftovers, storing Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is simple. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Properly stored in the refrigerator, it will last for about three to four days. If you wish to save it for a longer time, consider freezing the chicken. Make sure to wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen Baked Lemon Butter Chicken can be stored for up to three months.

Tips to make Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

To elevate your Baked Lemon Butter Chicken, consider these helpful tips. First, if you enjoy a bit of crunch, using chicken with skin will provide that satisfying texture. If you prefer a healthier alternative, skinless chicken can still yield delicious results with the creamy sauce. Also, feel free to adapt the seasonings to your taste; adding herbs like thyme or rosemary can bring additional flavors to the dish. Finally, make sure not to rush the baking and broiling process; allowing the chicken ample time to cook fully will guarantee moist, tender meat every time.

Variation

This recipe offers plenty of room for variation. One great alternative is to replace the lemon with lime for a different citrusy twist. For those who love heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or an extra pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You could also add some vegetables, like sliced bell peppers or asparagus, to the baking dish to create a one-pan meal. Each variation allows for personalization, ensuring that everyone in the family can enjoy their plate to the fullest.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Per serving of Baked Lemon Butter Chicken, the nutritional breakdown is approximately as follows:

Calories: 480
Total Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 150mg
Sodium: 600mg
Total Carbohydrates: 5g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 36g

This information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes, so consider it a general guide.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of dark meat?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts. However, they may not be as moist as dark meat, so be sure to monitor cooking time closely to avoid drying them out.

2. Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just reheat before pouring it over the chicken for baking.

3. Is it necessary to broil the chicken at the end?
While broiling gives the chicken a nice crispy top, it is not strictly necessary. You can skip this step if you prefer and simply serve it directly after baking.

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is not only a treat for the taste buds but also an enjoyable cooking experience. Give it a try, and you may find yourself repeating this recipe time and time again!