Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a bright, flavorful dish that’s surprisingly simple yet impressive, then this Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this recipe combines tender chicken with a rich, buttery lemon sauce that just sings with freshness. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, you’ll find that this dish is a total crowd-pleaser that’s easier to make than you think!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best flavor and texture. I always recommend using fresh lemon juice and good quality butter for that luscious sauce — it really makes a difference.

• Chicken breasts: Using boneless and skinless keeps things easy and lets the lemon butter sauce shine.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning is all you need to enhance natural flavors.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Helps achieve a beautifully crisp crust on the chicken.
• All-purpose flour: Lightly coating the chicken helps form that golden sear and thickens the sauce slightly.
• Unsalted butter: Gives the sauce a rich, creamy texture without being overly salty.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic adds a lovely savory depth.
• Lemon (sliced and juice): The star ingredient — fresh lemon balances the richness perfectly.
• Chopped fresh parsley: A pop of color and fresh herbaceous note when serving.

Variations

I’ve played around with this Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe a bit and found it super flexible. Feel free to tweak it based on what you have or your dietary preferences — that’s the beauty of simple recipes like this.

• Make it spicy: I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic for a gentle, warming kick.
• Swap chicken cuts: Thighs work great too if you want juicier meat, just adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Dairy-free option: Use olive oil instead of butter and add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
• Herb boost: Tried fresh thyme or rosemary alongside parsley for an earthy twist that my family loved.

How to Make Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

First things first: evenly pounding the chicken breasts is a game changer. When I started doing this, I realized the chicken cooks uniformly, which means no dry or undercooked bits. After pounding, I season generously with kosher salt and black pepper on both sides. A well-seasoned base really lets the lemon butter flavor pop later.

Step 2: Dredge and Sear the Chicken

Next, dredge each breast in flour — don’t skimp here! Shake off any excess so the flour doesn’t clump. Heat your skillet with olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken in batches. This part is key to getting a golden, slightly crispy crust without crowding the pan. About 3-4 minutes per side usually does the trick. Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish and keep going until all pieces are done.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low and add butter to the same skillet — don’t clean it out, the browned bits add flavor. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the lemon slices and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Cook for a few minutes, flipping the lemon slices so they don’t burn. This simple sauce is where the magic happens!

Step 4: Bake and Finish

Pour that luscious lemon butter sauce over your chicken in the baking dish and pop it in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F — I always recommend using a meat thermometer for perfect results. Once done, sprinkle with fresh parsley and get ready to serve.

How to Serve Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this chicken with freshly chopped parsley. It adds just the right pop of green and a fresh, herbal crunch that balances the rich lemon butter sauce. Sometimes I add a few lemon zest shavings for extra zing — feel free to play with whatever fresh herbs you have!

Side Dishes

This lemon butter chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a light quinoa salad. When I want something quick, steamed asparagus or green beans work well because their crispness contrasts the buttery sauce nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For more special occasions, I like to serve the chicken on a bed of creamy risotto poured with the lemon butter sauce and topped with edible flowers or microgreens. It instantly transforms this simple dinner into a restaurant-worthy presentation that impresses guests every time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days. I find the sauce actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have mingled.

Freezing

If I want to save some for later, I freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in individual portions. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture. Freezing works surprisingly well with this recipe!

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the chicken in a covered pan over low heat, spooning some of the lemon butter sauce back on top to keep it moist. This method keeps the chicken tender and the sauce silky — microwave reheating tends to dry it out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could create something so delicious and comforting. It feels like a little celebration on your plate every time. I hope you’ll give it a try — trust me, once you taste that tangy, buttery sauce with juicy chicken, it might just become a staple in your kitchen too. Happy cooking!

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