Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
If you’re searching for a bright, zesty dish that feels both comforting and gourmet, look no further than this Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe. Tender chicken breasts bathed in a silky, tangy sauce bursting with the fresh zest of lemon and the richness of butter will make your taste buds sing. It’s the kind of meal that’s impressively simple but delivers layers of flavor with every bite—perfect for a weekday dinner or when you want to wow guests without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward, fresh ingredients is all it takes to create this unforgettable dish. Each item plays a crucial role, from the juicy brightness of fresh lemon juice to the aromatic punch of garlic and thyme that elevate the sauce’s complexity.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The canvas for the luscious lemon butter sauce, ensuring juicy, tender meat.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every natural flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For a golden sear that locks in moisture and adds a subtle fruity aroma.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates that rich, silky base in the sauce without overpowering the lemon.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant, savory depth that harmoniously balances the bright citrus.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Brings body to the sauce and a gentle savory background.
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: The star ingredient that delivers vibrant, refreshing tang.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor with aromatic oils from the peel.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional): Offers herbaceous notes that complement the citrus beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness at the very end.
How to Make Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step is crucial as it enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and ensures every bite is savory and satisfying.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden crust and are cooked through. This process seals in juices so the chicken remains moist. Remove the chicken and set it aside—don’t worry, the magic happens next!
Step 3: Build the Lemon Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden. This garlic-infused butter creates a sumptuous start for the sauce, carrying rich, mellow flavors.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Zest
Pour in the chicken broth and the freshly squeezed lemon juice along with the lemon zest. Use a spatula to scrape any flavorful browned bits left from the chicken off the bottom of the pan—this is where the sauce gets its deep, savory notes. Let the mixture come to a simmer.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
Allow the sauce to reduce gently for about 3 to 4 minutes, letting it thicken slightly and the flavors meld. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. If you like, stir in fresh thyme here for an herbal lift that complements the lemon beautifully.
Step 6: Return Chicken to the Pan
Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the luscious sauce over them to coat thoroughly. Let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes. This not only warms the chicken back up but allows it to soak in the zesty, buttery sauce.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley. This final touch adds a burst of color and fresh flavor, making your Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe as visually inviting as it is delicious.
How to Serve Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic garnish for this dish, adding vibrant green color and a mild herbal aroma. You can also add lemon slices or a few sprigs of thyme on top to emphasize the citrus and herb notes while making the presentation extra charming.
Side Dishes
This lemon butter chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of the sauce. For a lighter option, serve it alongside steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp mixed salad to balance richness with fresh, crunchy textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the chicken on a large platter surrounded by lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a bright, rustic look. You can also slice the chicken and plate it atop garlic butter noodles or a bed of sautéed spinach for an elegant twist that amps up the comfort factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the lemon chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce and chicken together helps maintain that delightful moistness and flavor.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. Place cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace for expansion. It will keep for up to 2 months. When thawed properly overnight in the fridge, it tastes nearly as fresh as on day one.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the butter from separating. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help loosen the sauce and keep the chicken moist. Avoid the microwave if possible, or heat in short bursts and stir in between.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful with this recipe’s sauce. Just adjust the cooking time since thighs can take a little longer to cook through compared to breasts.
What if I don’t have fresh lemons?
Fresh lemon juice and zest are key for that bright, fresh flavor, but in a pinch, bottled lemon juice can work. Skip the zest if you don’t have fresh lemons and consider adding a little lemon extract or more herbs to enhance the taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in this Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice if you’re avoiding gluten.
Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
To make the sauce dairy-free, substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or a plant-based margarine. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and rich.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked properly?
Cook chicken breasts until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius). They should be firm to the touch and no longer pink inside when sliced.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe, it’s bound to become one of your go-to meals when you want something quick, flavorful, and memorable. It’s the kind of dish that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Give it a whirl—you’ll love the bright, buttery flavors and the way it brings everyone to the table with a smile.
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Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection and smothered in a tangy, buttery lemon sauce. Enhanced with garlic, fresh thyme, and parsley, this quick and flavorful dish is ideal for a light yet satisfying meal, ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Lemon Butter Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season chicken breasts evenly on both sides with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor before cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and add the lemon zest to the skillet. Use a spatula to scrape up and incorporate the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan into the sauce.
- Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the lemon butter sauce over them, and let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and reheat the chicken.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh thyme (if using) and chopped parsley over the chicken before serving for a burst of color and fresh herbal notes.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled.
- If fresh thyme is unavailable, you can substitute with dried thyme or omit it.
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness to cook uniformly.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in a skillet.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
