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Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken for a Stress-Free Family Dinner

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a stress-free dish that combines the richness of dark chicken meat with zesty lemon, perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds dark meat chicken pieces (drumsticks and thighs) Ideal for rich flavor and tenderness.
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt Adjust to taste based on your preference.
For the Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika Feel free to substitute with regular paprika.
  • 1 tablespoon Montreal chicken seasoning Any chicken seasoning is a good substitute.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter Using unsalted butter helps control seasoning.
  • 1/2 cup red onion, minced Shallots can be used as an alternative.
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced Fresh garlic is best.
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust based on your spice preference.
  • 1 cup chicken stock Low-sodium stock is recommended.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Juice from half a lemon typically suffices.
  • 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream Non-dairy or reduced-fat options can be used.
For the Finish
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Always go for fresh for the best results.
  • 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped Optional but makes for a lovely garnish.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather all your ingredients.
    Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
  2. Trim excess fat from chicken pieces and season with kosher salt, smoked paprika, and Montreal chicken seasoning.
    Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
  3. Combine minced garlic, red onion, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, chicken stock, lemon juice, and cream in a mixing bowl.
    Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
  4. Arrange seasoned chicken in a baking dish and pour sauce mixture over the top.
    Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
  5. Dot with butter and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
    Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
  6. Bake for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
    Baked Lemon Butter Chicken
  7. Let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.
    Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 45gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow chicken to come to room temperature before cooking for even results. Use a meat thermometer for checking doneness. Don’t skip the resting period for juicy chicken.

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