A Dish That Feels Like Home

Imagine coming home to the mouthwatering aroma of Baked Lemon Butter Chicken—tender, juicy dark meat chicken infused with buttery garlic, tangy lemon, and savory herbs. The golden-baked chicken pieces sit in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce that perfectly complements every bite.

This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s easy to make and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special family meal. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting started, this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken recipe is foolproof and packed with flavor.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this irresistible meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Rich and Creamy – A decadent, buttery sauce infused with garlic and Parmesan.
✔️ Bursting with Flavor – A perfect balance of zesty lemon, smoky paprika, and fresh herbs.
✔️ Simple and Easy – No complicated steps; just mix, bake, and enjoy!
✔️ Family-Friendly – Loved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make Baked Lemon Butter Chicken:

Ingredient	Quantity
Dark meat chicken (drumsticks & thighs)	10 pieces
Kosher salt	2 teaspoons
Smoked paprika	1 tablespoon
Chicken seasoning blend (or bouillon)	1 tablespoon
Butter	2 tablespoons
Red onion (minced)	½ cup
Flat-leaf parsley (chopped)	½ cup
Garlic (minced)	1 tablespoon
Red pepper flakes	½ teaspoon
Chicken stock	1 cup
Fresh lemon juice	1 tablespoon
Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)	1 cup
Heavy whipping cream	⅓ cup

Kitchen Tools for Preparation

To prepare this dish, you’ll need:

Baking dish – To bake the chicken evenly.
Mixing bowls – For seasoning and sauce preparation.
Sharp knife – To trim excess fat from the chicken.
Wooden spoon – For stirring the sauce.
Tongs – To handle the chicken easily.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) for even baking.

2. Season the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine kosher salt, smoked paprika, and chicken seasoning blend.
Rub this seasoning mix all over the chicken drumsticks and thighs.

3. Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.

4. Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.
Sauté the red onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
Pour in the chicken stock and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the lemon juice, parsley, and heavy whipping cream.

5. Bake the Chicken

Pour the sauce over the seared chicken in the baking dish.
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake for 35-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F (75°C)).

6. Serve and Enjoy

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with extra parsley and serve with your favorite sides.

Pro Tips for Perfectly Baked Chicken

✔️ Use dark meat for extra juiciness.
✔️ Sear the chicken before baking for maximum flavor.
✔️ Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded.
✔️ Let the chicken rest before serving for juicier meat.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Want to tweak the recipe? Try these:

Ingredient	Substitutes
Dark meat chicken	Boneless chicken thighs or breasts
Smoked paprika	Regular paprika or cayenne pepper
Heavy cream	Half-and-half or coconut milk
Parmesan cheese	Pecorino Romano or mozzarella

Health Benefits of This Dish

✔️ High in protein – Builds muscle and keeps you full.
✔️ Rich in vitamins – Lemon juice and parsley provide antioxidants.
✔️ Low-carb & keto-friendly – Perfect for those avoiding carbs.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Pair your meal with these tasty sides:

🍚 Garlic Butter Rice – A simple and flavorful pairing.
🥦 Steamed Vegetables – A healthy, nutrient-packed side.
🥖 Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

Nutritional Information Breakdown

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	~420
Protein	38g
Carbohydrates	6g
Fat	28g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes! Boneless thighs work well but may cook faster.

2. How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer—it should read 165°F (75°C).

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the chicken and sauce, then bake when ready.

4. What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half or Greek yogurt can work as substitutes.

5. Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes! Try adding mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Now that you know how to make Baked Lemon Butter Chicken, it’s time to get cooking! This dish is rich, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.