Baked Lemon Butter Chicken (Print-Friendly Version)
Dark meat chicken bakes in a buttery lemon sauce finished with Parmesan and cream for maximum flavor and tenderness.
# What You’ll Need to Make This:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
10 pieces dark meat chicken (drumsticks and thighs), trimmed of excess fat
02 -
2 teaspoons kosher salt
03 -
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
04 -
1 tablespoon Montreal chicken seasoning blend or other chicken seasoning
→ Sauce
05 -
2 tablespoons butter
06 -
120 grams red onion, minced
07 -
15 grams flat leaf parsley, chopped
08 -
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
09 -
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
10 -
240 millilitres chicken stock
11 -
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
12 -
80 grams freshly grated Parmesan cheese
13 -
80 millilitres heavy whipping cream
# How to Prepare:
01 -
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced red onion and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
02 -
Stir in chopped parsley and minced garlic, blending well. Pour in lemon juice and add the red pepper flakes.
03 -
Add chicken stock, then incorporate freshly grated Parmesan, stirring to combine. Mix in heavy cream and bring to a simmer for one minute before removing from heat to allow the sauce to cool slightly.
04 -
Pat the chicken dry, then season evenly with kosher salt, smoked paprika, and chicken seasoning. Toss well to ensure uniform coverage.
05 -
Arrange the seasoned chicken in a baking dish and pour the slightly cooled sauce over the top.
06 -
Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 190°C for 1 hour and 45 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through for even browning.
07 -
Broil briefly on the skin side until golden. Baste the chicken in the sauce to finish before serving.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
For faster preparation, increase oven temperature to 200°C and roast for approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until the meat juices run clear and chicken is fork tender.
02 -
Cooking time varies depending on the size of the chicken pieces and whether they are at room temperature before baking. Larger, cold chicken takes longer; smaller, room temperature chicken cooks more quickly.
03 -
Visually check that the meat is pulling away from the bone and use a thermometer to ensure doneness.
04 -
Pair with rice or mashed potatoes to enjoy the sauce.