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Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

4.8 from 120 reviews
  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Lemon Butter Chicken is a flavorful and tender chicken dish featuring boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked with a zesty lemon butter sauce. The chicken is first dredged in flour and pan-seared to a golden crust, then baked in the oven with a garlic-lemon butter mixture to infuse it with bright citrus and savory flavors, finished with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch. Perfect for an elegant weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

Lemon Butter Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

Garnish

  • Chopped fresh parsley, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to prepare for baking the chicken after searing.
  2. Pound and Season the Chicken: Using a meat tenderizer, pound the chicken breasts until they are evenly thick to ensure even cooking. Season both sides generously with 1 teaspoon each of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  3. Flour the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Dredge each chicken breast thoroughly in the all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to avoid clumping in the pan.
  4. Pan-Sear the Chicken: Place the floured chicken breasts in the skillet in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side for 3 more minutes. Add more olive oil to the pan as needed between batches. Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a baking dish.
  5. Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce: Keep the skillet on medium-low heat after removing the chicken. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the thinly sliced lemon and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, gently flipping the lemon slices to caramelize slightly. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  6. Bake the Chicken: Pour the lemon butter sauce over the chicken in the baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for color and added freshness. Serve immediately to enjoy the tender, flavorful lemon butter chicken at its best.

Notes

  • Recipe adapted from Everyday Dinners by Jessica Merchant.
  • Make sure to pound chicken breasts evenly for uniform cooking.
  • Dredging the chicken in flour helps create a crisp exterior when searing.
  • Cooking the lemon slices in the butter adds bright citrus flavor and a slight caramelized note.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe 165°F internal temperature.
  • Serve with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Find it online: https://cookesrecipes.com/lemon-butter-chicken-recipe/