If you’re ready to level up your Sunday dinner routine, this Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is the recipe that’ll do it. When I teased it on Instagram, the response was incredible—over 500 comments asking for the full recipe! And today, I’m sharing the magic behind this rich, cozy, fall-off-the-bone chicken dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple ingredients, bold flavor.
This dish proves that you don’t need a long grocery list to make something truly crave-worthy. The combination of fresh lemon juice, rich butter, savory garlic, and a touch of Parmesan creates a flavor-packed sauce that soaks beautifully into the chicken as it bakes.
Set-it-and-forget-it ease.
Sundays are for relaxing, not standing over the stove. Once you’ve whipped up the quick lemon butter sauce and seasoned your chicken, the oven takes care of the rest. No babysitting required—just tender, juicy chicken and irresistible aromas filling your kitchen.
Family-friendly comfort food.
Whether you’re feeding four or hosting Sunday dinner, this baked chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s rich and flavorful enough to feel special but simple enough to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients
- 10 dark meat chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work best), trimmed of excess fat
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp chicken seasoning blend (Montreal or bouillon-based works well)
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup red onion, finely minced
- ½ cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics:
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the red onions and cook for about 2 minutes, or until fragrant and slightly softened. - Build the sauce:
Stir in the garlic and parsley. Add lemon juice and red pepper flakes, followed by the chicken stock. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cream. Simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly. - Season the chicken:
While the sauce cools, place chicken in a large baking dish and season with salt, paprika, and chicken seasoning. Toss to coat evenly. - Bake:
Pour the cooled sauce over the chicken. Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 1 hour and 45 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. - Finish under the broiler:
Broil for a few minutes to crisp the skin until golden brown. Baste the chicken with the sauce before serving.
Tips & Serving Suggestions
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for maximum flavor and that golden, crispy finish.
- Serve with buttery mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce.
- Add steamed green beans or a simple side salad to round out the meal.
Why It Works
This recipe works so well because it layers flavor at every step—seasoned chicken, a savory lemon-butter sauce, and a slow oven bake that locks in moisture and richness. It’s a low-effort, high-reward kind of dinner that’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned home cooks.
Make this once, and you’ll see why everyone was asking for the recipe! Let it become your new Sunday staple or a special weeknight treat when comfort food is calling.