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Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

Zesty Baked Lemon Butter Chicken That Melts in Your Mouth

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines juicy dark meat with a buttery sauce, perfect for a stress-free dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 540
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds Dark Meat Chicken Pieces drumsticks and thighs provide the best flavor
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt sea salt can be used as a substitute
  • 1 tablespoon Montreal Chicken Seasoning any chicken seasoning can work here
For the Marinade
  • 1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika regular paprika can substitute
  • 2 tablespoons Butter unsalted butter allows for better salt control
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion, minced shallots are a great substitute
  • 1/2 cup Flat Leaf Parsley, chopped fresh thyme or rosemary can be swapped
  • 1 tablespoon Garlic, minced garlic powder can be used in a pinch
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes omit if milder flavor is preferred
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Chicken Stock vegetable stock serves as a lighter alternative
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice bottled lemon juice can be used
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Pecorino Romano is a good substitute
  • 1/3 cup Heavy Whipping Cream non-dairy cream or coconut milk can work

Equipment

  • Oven
  • baking dish
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinade ingredients: kosher salt, smoked paprika, Montreal chicken seasoning, softened unsalted butter, minced red onion, chopped parsley, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, chicken stock, fresh lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, and heavy whipping cream.
  3. Coat the chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring each piece is generously covered.
  4. Place the coated chicken in a baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until juices run clear.
  6. Optionally, after an hour, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake for an additional 45 minutes or until desired doneness is reached.
  7. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 34gFat: 43gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 148mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 470mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Let chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking for even cooking. Always check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).

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