Irresistible Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe You’ll Love

Lemon butter chicken is like that charming friend who can brighten up any dull day. Imagine succulent chicken drenched in a heavenly lemon-butter sauce, bursting with flavors that dance on your palate. The aroma wafting through your kitchen could lure just about anyone from the depths of their couch.

Cooking this delightful dish feels like a culinary hug that wraps you up in comfort and joy. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a fancy gathering, lemon butter chicken steals the show and leaves everyone asking for seconds.

The first time I made lemon butter chicken, my friends’ reactions were priceless—everyone was convinced I had secretly hired a gourmet chef to cook for them.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Using about 3-4 chicken breasts works well; adjust based on your crowd size.

• Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm garlic cloves; they pack more flavor into your sauce.

• Fresh Lemon Juice: Always go with fresh lemons; bottled juice lacks that zesty kick we crave.

• Unsalted Butter: Use unsalted for better control over the seasoning in your dish.

• Chicken Broth: A low-sodium option keeps the saltiness just right.

• Fresh Herbs (like parsley or thyme): Garnish with fresh herbs to enhance both flavor and presentation.

• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings but essential for elevating all the flavors in this dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Chicken: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry using paper towels; this helps achieve a nice sear. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

Sauté the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes per side.

Add Garlic and Lemon Juice: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet. In the remaining drippings, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds—and then deglaze with freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Create Your Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth while scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes before whisking in unsalted butter until melted and creamy.

Return Chicken to Skillet: Place the beautifully browned chicken back into the skillet, allowing it to soak up all that tangy goodness for an additional 5 minutes over low heat.

Finish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped herbs over your lemon butter chicken for a pop of color and added freshness that will make your dish shine even brighter!

This recipe is sure to impress anyone at your table while being simple enough for a weeknight meal. Enjoy every bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve perfectly cooked lemon butter chicken, start by searing the chicken until golden brown. Then, remove it from the pan and prepare the sauce while the chicken rests for optimal juiciness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your lemon butter chicken by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or swap in veggies such as asparagus or spinach for added nutrition and color.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover lemon butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use low heat on the stovetop to maintain its creamy texture without drying it out.

To this day, I remember serving lemon butter chicken at a family gathering, and everyone raved about how delicious it was—definitely a confidence booster for my cooking skills!

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for lemon butter chicken?

Yes, but thaw it completely before cooking for even results.

What sides pair well with lemon butter chicken?

Consider serving it with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables to complete your meal.

How can I make it spicier?

Adding red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne will bring some heat to the dish.

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Lemon Butter Chicken

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Lemon butter chicken is a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with a zesty lemon-butter sauce, creating a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The rich flavors and bright citrus notes make it a crowd-pleaser, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. This recipe is easy to follow and can be customized with your favorite herbs, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet, then add minced garlic to the drippings, sautéing for about 30 seconds.
4. Deglaze the pan with fresh lemon juice and add chicken broth; simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Whisk in unsalted butter until melted and creamy.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and let it soak in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes over low heat.
7. Finish by garnishing with fresh herbs before serving.

• Author: DANIEL LAWSON
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (170g)
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 120mg