Lemon Bbq Chicken
Juicy lemon BBQ chicken with a smoky paprika kick, coated in flavorful spices, then baked in lemon butter sauce—perfect for casual dinners or outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Combine flour, 2 1/2 teaspoons salt, paprika, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Coat chicken pieces with the flour mixture.
- Melt butter in a shallow baking pan in the oven.
- Remove the pan from the oven and place floured chicken skin side up in the melted butter.
- Turn the chicken skin side down to coat with butter.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Turn the chicken and pour lemon juice over each piece.
- Sprinkle minced onion and thyme over the chicken.
- Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier skin, let the coated chicken sit for about 15 minutes before baking. If you don’t have paprika, smoked paprika or chili powder can be used for a different flavor profile. You can also substitute olive oil for salad oil for a healthier option. To enhance the lemon flavor, add lemon zest to the marinade.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lemon BBQ chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Princess Potatoes for a delightful combination. Consider a light lemon vinaigrette drizzled over your greens to complement the chicken's flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lemon BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps retain the chicken's moisture and crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Bbq Chicken contains roughly 1120 calories, with 34g protein, 205g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (280% of the Daily Value), iron (174% of the Daily Value), and calcium (102% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 79g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skinless chicken, but keep in mind that it may not retain moisture as well as skin-on chicken. Consider marinating the chicken longer to enhance flavor and moisture. Adjust the baking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can check this using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken. Additionally, the juices should run clear when the chicken is pierced.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and coat it with the flour mixture a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply follow the baking instructions. This allows the flavors to meld and can save time on busy days.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).