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Merry

One-Pan Baked Lemon Butter Chicken – Perfect for Busy Nights!

This Savory Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet is a rich, flavor-packed dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken simmered in a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce. With hints of smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and fresh lemon juice, this dish delivers the perfect balance of comfort and elegance. Made in just one pan, it's perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. Serve it with mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a meal that’s sure to impress!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 -6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 10 dark meat chicken pieces drumsticks and thighs, trimmed of excess fat
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Montreal chicken seasoning blend or any chicken seasoning of choice
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup red onion minced
  • ½ cup flat-leaf parsley chopped
  • 1 tablespoon garlic minced
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream

Method
 

  1. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, coat the chicken pieces with kosher salt, smoked paprika, and Montreal chicken seasoning. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt the butter and sear the chicken pieces for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced red onion and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic, red pepper flakes, and half of the parsley, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Simmer in Flavor: Pour in the chicken stock and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Return the chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer over low heat for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
  5. Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy whipping cream and Parmesan cheese, letting the sauce thicken for about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with the remaining parsley, then serve hot with your favorite side dish like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

  • Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for extra flavor and crispiness.
  • For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne.
  • To make it keto-friendly, serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days and reheated on low heat to preserve the creamy sauce

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