Are you ready to make your Sunday dinner something special? After teasing my Baked Lemon Butter Chicken recipe on Instagram, I was blown away by the response – over 500 comments asking for the full recipe! If you’re craving a dish that delivers fall-off-the-bone tenderness with mouthwatering flavors, then this one’s for you. Let me share how you can turn a simple Sunday into a celebration with this easy-to-make recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The magic of my Baked Lemon Butter Chicken lies in its simplicity. By combining fresh, wholesome ingredients like zesty lemon, rich butter, and fragrant garlic, you get a dish bursting with flavor without needing any complicated pantry items. This recipe offers a perfect balance of tangy and savory, making it an instant favorite at the dinner table.
Set-and-Forget Oven Method
Sundays are for relaxation, not slaving over a stove. That’s why this recipe features a “set-and-forget” oven method. After marinating your chicken, you simply pop it into the oven and let it work its magic. There’s no need to hover over the stove, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy the day with your loved ones. Easy, stress-free cooking at its best!
A Family-Friendly Sunday Feast
Imagine the comforting aroma filling your home as this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken slowly roasts in the oven. This dish doesn’t just taste incredible; it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for a family meal. The rich dark meat – with its tender, fall-off-the-bone texture – ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy Sunday dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.
Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious, stress-free meal to enjoy with your family, this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken will become your new go-to. Ready in just a few simple steps, it’s the perfect recipe for a flavorful, easy Sunday dinner.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 4-5
Ingredients:
- 10 dark meat chicken pieces (drumsticks and thighs, trimmed of excess fat)
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp Montreal chicken seasoning (or any chicken seasoning of choice)
- 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
Instructions:
- Sauté the Base: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the parsley, garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken stock, then add Parmesan cheese and mix well. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the sauce is cooling, season the chicken with salt, smoked paprika, and chicken seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.
- Bake the Chicken: Pour the sauce over the seasoned chicken in a baking dish. Bake uncovered at 375°F for 1 hour and 45 minutes, flipping halfway through. Broil on the skin side until golden brown.
- Final Touch: Once cooked, baste the chicken with sauce and serve hot.
Notes:
- If you’re in a hurry, increase the oven temperature to 400°F and bake for about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Just ensure the juices run clear and the chicken is tender.
- Chicken size can affect cook time, so use your eyes to check for doneness. When the meat pulls away from the bone and the chicken looks golden and fork-tender, it’s ready!
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a salad to soak up all that delicious gravy!
The Perfect Sunday Dinner
This Baked Lemon Butter Chicken isn’t just a recipe; it’s a tradition in the making. It’s the kind of dish that will have your family gathered around the table, enjoying every bite and savoring the flavors. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist, this chicken will quickly become a family favorite.
Happy cooking, and I hope you enjoy the perfect Sunday dinner filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable flavors!