If you are craving a dish that feels like sunshine on a plate, the Lemon Butter Chicken is here to brighten your meal times with its vibrant, tangy flavor and irresistibly rich butter sauce. This recipe pairs juicy, tender chicken breasts with a luscious blend of freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic, and butter that creates a perfect harmony of zest and creaminess. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, Lemon Butter Chicken delivers a delightful balance of simplicity and elegance that always leaves everyone asking for seconds.

Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Lemon Butter Chicken recipe calls for straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating that irresistible burst of flavor and the perfect texture. The balance of fresh lemon juice and zesty butter keeps the chicken tender and juicy, while garlic and fresh parsley amplify the aroma and finish.

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose breasts of even thickness for uniform cooking and tenderness.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and depth to the seasoning.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for getting a beautiful golden sear on the chicken without overpowering flavors.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Provides the rich, silky base for the luscious sauce.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with fragrant warmth and savory notes.
1/2 cup chicken broth: A mild, savory liquid that helps to deglaze the pan and create the sauce.
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: The star ingredient that delivers bright, tangy freshness.
1 teaspoon lemon zest: Adds an intense lemon aroma and flavor without extra acidity.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Used as a garnish for a burst of color and herbal brightness.

How to Make Lemon Butter Chicken

Step 1: Season Your Chicken

Start by generously seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides. This simple step is key to building layers of flavor that will shine through in the finished dish.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until they develop a stunning golden crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This caramelized exterior seals in the juices, ensuring the chicken stays moist and tender.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic in Butter

Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Let it melt fully, then add the minced garlic, sautéing it for about a minute until it becomes fragrant and slightly soft but not browned. This step infuses the butter with garlic’s rich flavor, forming the sauce base for the dish.

Step 4: Create the Tangy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice, stirring well to combine all those buttery garlic bits stuck to the pan. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to reduce slightly, concentrating that bright, zesty flavor that makes this dish truly unforgettable.

Step 5: Add Lemon Zest and Return Chicken

Stir in the lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus aroma, then nestle the chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, letting everything simmer together for 2 to 3 more minutes. This final stage marries the flavors and ensures each bite is saturated with that delightful lemon butter goodness.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh herbal notes. Your Lemon Butter Chicken is ready to serve—a dish that looks as fantastic as it tastes.

How to Serve Lemon Butter Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley is the classic garnish that gives this dish a vibrant green color and a refreshing note, balancing the richness of the butter sauce. For an extra touch, you might also sprinkle some lemon zest or thin lemon slices on top to highlight the citrusy essence.

Side Dishes

To make this meal complete, serve the Lemon Butter Chicken alongside fluffy mashed potatoes or fragrant jasmine rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. Steamed or roasted vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, or broccoli also work beautifully, adding a crisp texture and deep, earthy flavors to contrast the bright sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, you can slice the chicken breasts thinly and arrange them fan-like on a serving platter, drizzled generously with sauce and garnished with parsley. Alternatively, serve the chicken on a bed of creamy polenta or tucked beside a fresh spinach salad for a lighter, yet equally elegant presentation that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate leftover Lemon Butter Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce and chicken together helps maintain moisture and flavor, so be sure to spoon some sauce over before sealing.

Freezing

You can freeze Lemon Butter Chicken for up to 2 months. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe dish or container, leaving some space for expansion. When ready to enjoy later, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, covered, to prevent the chicken from drying out. Adding a splash of water or broth helps loosen the sauce back to its creamy, luscious texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, to keep the flavors and texture at their best.

FAQs

Can I use lemon juice concentrate instead of fresh lemons?

While fresh lemon juice is ideal for its bright and natural flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice concentrate in a pinch. Just be cautious with the quantity as concentrate can be more potent and sometimes slightly bitter compared to fresh juice.

What can I substitute for chicken breasts?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe, offering extra juiciness and a richer flavor. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure thighs are cooked through and tender.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Lemon Butter Chicken is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities. Just double-check your chicken broth to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine or oil, but keep in mind the butter adds richness and depth to the sauce. Nutritional yeast or a splash of coconut cream can add some creaminess if you want to experiment.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Cooking the chicken over medium-high heat until just done and then simmering it briefly in the sauce helps retain moisture. Also, choose even-thickness breasts or pound them slightly to ensure even cooking. Resting the chicken a few minutes before serving allows juices to redistribute.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about the comforting warmth and lively zest of Lemon Butter Chicken that makes it a cherished staple in any home kitchen. With its simple ingredients and straightforward technique, this dish proves that incredible flavor doesn’t require fuss. So grab those lemons and butter, and give this delightful recipe a try—you’re going to love how it brightens your table and pleases every palate!

Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 19 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A simple and flavorful Lemon Butter Chicken recipe featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked in a rich lemon butter sauce infused with garlic and fresh parsley. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal, this dish balances bright citrus notes with buttery richness for a comforting and satisfying experience.

Instructions

Season the chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Prepare the sauce base: Lower the heat to medium and add unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring continuously until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it reduce slightly, cooking for 3-4 minutes until it thickens and intensifies in flavor.
Finish cooking: Stir in the lemon zest and return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and cook an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the chicken to soak up the flavors and heat through.
Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately for a fresh, vibrant finish to your meal.

Notes

Use fresh lemons for the best flavor and zest to maximize citrus aroma.
Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safe consumption.
For a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream after adding the lemon juice and broth.
This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: American