Indulge in Our Delicious Roast Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce.
Discover the ultimate comfort food with our roast chicken recipe, featuring a luscious creamy lemon sauce that perfectly complements tender, flavorful chicken.
This easy chicken dinner is a fantastic addition to your meal repertoire, offering a delightful combination of sautéed onions, browned chicken, and a rich, tangy sauce made from light cream, yogurt, and fresh lemon juice.
Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, this creamy chicken dish is not only simple to prepare but also irresistibly delicious.
As it roasts to perfection, the chicken becomes wonderfully tender, absorbing the aromatic flavors of the sauce and seasonings.
Serve this mouthwatering dish with mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, and crusty bread to soak up every drop of the delectable sauce.
Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends, our roast chicken with creamy lemon sauce is a recipe you'll return to again and again. Elevate your dinner game and delight your loved ones with this savory, satisfying meal
⦁ 1 medium onion, sliced
⦁ 6 tablespoons butter
⦁ 2 ½ - 3 lb chicken, cut into 8 pieces
⦁ Pinch of salt
⦁ Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
⦁ 1 ½ cups chicken stock
⦁ 6 tablespoons light cream
⦁ 5 tablespoons plain yogurt
⦁ Juice of 1 to 2 lemons
1. Sauté Onions: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the onions until soft and translucent.
2. Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and brown them on all sides, about 10 minutes.
3. Simmer with Seasonings: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then add the chicken stock. Simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, turning occasionally.
4. Preheat the Oven: While the chicken simmers, preheat the oven to 375°F.
5. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the light cream, plain yogurt, and lemon juice to taste.
6. Transfer to Casserole: Grease a casserole dish, transfer the chicken and onions to it, and pour the creamy sauce over the top.
7. Roast the Chicken: Roast in the oven for about 1 1/2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the juices run clear when pierced with a knife.
8. Monitor and Adjust: Turn the chicken occasionally during roasting and add more lemon juice mixed with water if the sauce evaporates too much.
9. Serve: Serve the roasted chicken with mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, and bread to mop up the rich, flavorful sauce.
10. Notes: Watch the chicken carefully while roasting to prevent over-browning, turning it as needed.
🛒 Choosing Ingredients
✔ Chicken – Bone-in thighs, drumsticks, or breast; poached or lightly simmered for tenderness
✔ Plain Yogurt (Madzoon) – Use full-fat or homemade Armenian-style yogurt for the creamiest result
✔ Egg Yolk – Traditionally used to stabilize the yogurt and prevent curdling
✔ Flour or Cornstarch – Optional thickener to keep the sauce smooth
✔ Garlic – Freshly minced or gently cooked; adds depth to the yogurt sauce
✔ Rice or Bulgur – Served underneath or mixed into the dish for a hearty base
✔ Butter or Oil – For drizzling on top or sautéing garlic
✔ Fresh Herbs – Parsley, dill, or mint to finish
✔ Salt & Pepper – To season both the chicken and sauce
👩🍳 Preparation
✔ Cook Chicken First – Simmer in salted water or broth until fully cooked and tender
✔ Temper the Yogurt – Whisk yogurt with egg yolk and a little flour; warm slowly before adding to the pot
✔ Stir Constantly – Once yogurt is added, stir gently over low heat to prevent curdling
✔ Add Garlic Near the End – For the best flavor without overpowering the dish
✔ Simmer Gently – Avoid boiling once yogurt is in; low and slow is key
🔥 Cooking Techniques
✔ Yogurt Must Not Boil – Boiling causes separation; always cook gently
✔ Whisk Sauce Continuously – For a silky, lump-free texture
✔ Use Chicken Broth – Add to yogurt mixture for extra richness
✔ Toast Rice or Bulgur First – Adds flavor before simmering with the sauce (optional)
🍳 Balancing Flavors
✔ Tangy + Creamy – Yogurt brings brightness, egg and starch give body
✔ Garlic + Herbs – Add earthiness and fragrance
✔ Optional Heat – A touch of Aleppo pepper or chili oil can be drizzled on top
✔ Don’t Overseason – Let the yogurt and chicken shine with subtle seasoning
📦 Storage
✔ Fridge – Keeps 2–3 days in an airtight container
✔ Not Ideal for Freezing – Yogurt sauce may split; best enjoyed fresh
✔ Reheat Gently – Over low heat, stirring constantly; don’t microwave at full power
✔ Meal Prep Friendly – Cook the chicken and rice ahead; finish sauce just before serving
🍽 Serving
✔ Serve Over Rice or Bulgur – As a complete, satisfying meal
✔ Garnish With – Fresh dill, parsley, or a drizzle of butter or chili oil
✔ Accompany With – Pickled vegetables, lavash, or a cucumber-yogurt salad
✔ Perfect For – Comforting weeknight dinners, family meals, or a light yet filling lunch