If there’s one thing that always seems to brighten up the dinner table, it’s the combination of zesty lemon and rich butter. This Zesty Lemon Butter Chicken recipe is a simple yet indulgent meal that brings a delightful balance of flavors—tangy lemon and savory butter—in each bite. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, then bathed in a silky-smooth, lemon-infused butter sauce that coats every inch. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish that’s sure to impress at your next dinner gathering, this recipe is the perfect choice.
The marriage of lemon and butter in this dish isn’t just about taste—it’s a nostalgic pairing that has been featured in many classic recipes throughout culinary history. It’s the kind of dish that speaks to the seasons of early spring when the first lemons of the season start to shine, bringing freshness and brightness to every meal. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity, yet it has that “wow factor” that makes it feel like a special occasion.
For me, there’s something about the way the lemon butter sauce bubbles and glistens in the pan that makes me feel like I’ve unlocked a little bit of kitchen magic. It’s the kind of dish that draws people into the kitchen, fills the room with mouthwatering aromas, and, when served, has everyone asking for seconds. It’s a recipe that’s become a regular in our home because, aside from being easy to make, it feels like a warm embrace with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish that requires minimal effort but tastes like a true labor of love.
- Flavorful and Bright: The zesty lemon perfectly complements the richness of the butter and garlic, creating a tangy sauce that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- Versatile: This dish can be served over pasta, rice, or alongside steamed veggies—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it!
- Tender Chicken: The technique of searing the chicken ensures it’s golden on the outside, but still juicy and tender on the inside.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
HOW TO MAKE ZESTY LEMON BUTTER CHICKEN:
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by tenderizing the chicken breasts. Place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper, and gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This ensures they cook uniformly and stay juicy.
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, making sure to shake off any excess. This light coating will help create a golden crust when the chicken is seared.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear them for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm. Set it aside while you prepare the lemon butter sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt and start to bubble, then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Next, pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. This is where all the flavor resides! Stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest, and let the sauce come to a gentle simmer. The citrus will begin to infuse into the butter, creating a rich and zesty sauce.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes so it can soak up all those vibrant flavors.
Once done, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices for a burst of color and a little extra citrus punch.
Serve your lemon butter chicken hot over a bed of pasta, rice, or alongside your favorite steamed vegetables.
HELPFUL TIPS:
- For a creamier sauce: After adding the lemon juice and zest, you can stir in about ¼ cup of heavy cream to give the sauce a velvety texture. This will make the sauce a bit richer and more luxurious.
- Lemon Lovers Tip: For an extra layer of lemon flavor, add thin slices of lemon to the skillet during the final simmer, letting them caramelize slightly in the sauce.
- Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider slicing them in half horizontally to ensure they cook through faster and more evenly.
DETAILS:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
- Diet: Gluten-free (if using gluten-free flour)
NOTES:
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, be sure to do so gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to keep the chicken moist.
- Freezing: You can freeze the chicken breasts before cooking if you need to prep ahead. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before following the cooking steps.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (Per Serving):
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can! Chicken thighs will bring a slightly richer flavor and remain very juicy. Just be sure to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While the chicken is best when freshly cooked, you can prepare the lemon butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat the sauce and then sear your chicken when ready to serve.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat the chicken in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
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CONCLUSION:
This Zesty Lemon Butter Chicken is a dish that brings joy to the table—it’s bright, flavorful, and easy to make. The creamy lemon sauce, perfectly seared chicken, and fresh parsley garnish make every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight win or something a little fancier for a dinner party, this recipe has you covered. Give it a try and see why this bright and buttery chicken has become a favorite in so many homes!
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Zesty Lemon Butter Chicken: A Cozy, Citrus-Infused Delight
Description
If there’s one thing that always seems to brighten up the dinner table, it’s the combination of zesty lemon and rich butter. This Zesty Lemon Butter Chicken recipe is a simple yet indulgent meal that brings a delightful balance of flavors—tangy lemon and savory butter—in each bite. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, then bathed in a silky-smooth, lemon-infused butter sauce that coats every inch. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish that’s sure to impress at your next dinner gathering, this recipe is the perfect choice.
The marriage of lemon and butter in this dish isn’t just about taste—it’s a nostalgic pairing that has been featured in many classic recipes throughout culinary history. It’s the kind of dish that speaks to the seasons of early spring when the first lemons of the season start to shine, bringing freshness and brightness to every meal. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity, yet it has that “wow factor” that makes it feel like a special occasion.
For me, there’s something about the way the lemon butter sauce bubbles and glistens in the pan that makes me feel like I’ve unlocked a little bit of kitchen magic. It’s the kind of dish that draws people into the kitchen, fills the room with mouthwatering aromas, and, when served, has everyone asking for seconds. It’s a recipe that’s become a regular in our home because, aside from being easy to make, it feels like a warm embrace with every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by tenderizing the chicken breasts. Place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper, and gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This ensures they cook uniformly and stay juicy.
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, making sure to shake off any excess. This light coating will help create a golden crust when the chicken is seared.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear them for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm. Set it aside while you prepare the lemon butter sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt and start to bubble, then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Next, pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. This is where all the flavor resides! Stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest, and let the sauce come to a gentle simmer. The citrus will begin to infuse into the butter, creating a rich and zesty sauce.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes so it can soak up all those vibrant flavors.
Once done, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices for a burst of color and a little extra citrus punch.
Serve your lemon butter chicken hot over a bed of pasta, rice, or alongside your favorite steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, be sure to do so gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to keep the chicken moist.
- Freezing: You can freeze the chicken breasts before cooking if you need to prep ahead. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before following the cooking steps.
