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.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: lemon butter chicken, quick chicken recipe, garlic lemon chicken, easy dinner, sautéed chicken breasts
