Lemon Chicken Recipe (with Lemon Butter Sauce)

This Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce is a total flavor explosion that’s ready in no time. Juicy, tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and then bathed in a rich, velvety lemon butter sauce that’s tangy, buttery, and downright irresistible. It’s the kind of simple, elegant dinner that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to pull together — perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want something really satisfying without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Weeknight Win: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, but tastes like something you’d order at a nice restaurant.
• Bright and Bold Flavors: The lemon butter sauce is zesty, silky, and full of depth. It makes every bite pop.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Taste: You only need a handful of ingredients to create something truly delicious.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family dinners, date nights, or entertaining. Everyone loves lemon chicken!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down the simple ingredients that bring this dish to life:

• Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking and a tender bite. Pound them slightly for even thickness.
• All-purpose flour: Lightly coats the chicken to help create that golden crust when seared. It also helps thicken the sauce.
• Garlic: Adds depth and a savory punch to the sauce.
• Lemon juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor — it’s the star of the show here.
• Chicken broth: Forms the base of the sauce and balances the lemon’s acidity.
• Unsalted butter: Gives the sauce its rich, velvety texture. Add it in stages to create that silky finish.
• Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to a beautiful golden-brown.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing the sauce.
• Fresh parsley: Optional, but adds a lovely freshness and a pop of color when sprinkled on top.

Variations

• Creamy Lemon Chicken: Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce for a richer, creamier version.
• Add Veggies: Sauté some spinach, asparagus, or mushrooms in the pan before adding the sauce for a one-skillet meal.
• Spicy Twist: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle heat that complements the lemon beautifully.
• Herb Swap: Try fresh thyme or rosemary in place of parsley for an earthy, aromatic finish.

How to Make Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Lightly pound them for even thickness, then season with salt and pepper. Dredge both sides in a bit of flour — just a light coat.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Lower the heat and add a small knob of butter. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up the flavorful bits stuck to the pan.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce

Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly. Then, whisk in the remaining butter, a little at a time, until the sauce is smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for 2 minutes to soak up that flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Pound the Chicken Evenly: This helps it cook quickly and evenly, avoiding dry spots.
• Use Fresh Lemons: Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t compare — fresh makes all the difference.
• Don’t Rush the Sauce: Letting it reduce and then slowly whisking in butter gives you a restaurant-style finish.
• Deglaze Like a Pro: Scraping the browned bits from the skillet adds tons of flavor to your sauce.

How to Serve

This Lemon Chicken is super versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

Classic Combo

Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that luscious lemon butter sauce.

Lighter Option

Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans.

Pasta Pairing

Spoon the chicken and sauce over angel hair or fettuccine for an easy yet elegant pasta dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible.

Freezing

Freeze cooked chicken and sauce in separate containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce as it warms.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work great and tend to stay extra juicy. Just adjust the cook time slightly since they may take a bit longer.

What if my sauce is too tart?
No worries — just whisk in a touch more butter or a small spoonful of honey to mellow it out.

Can I double the sauce?
Yes, and honestly, you might want to. This sauce is that good, especially if you’re serving it over pasta or rice.

How do I make it gluten-free?
Swap the flour for a gluten-free blend or simply skip it and let the sauce reduce a bit longer for a thinner, but still delicious, finish.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce is the kind of dish you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s fast, flavorful, and comforting in the best way — like a cozy hug in every bite. Don’t wait for a special occasion to make it. Treat yourself to a restaurant-worthy dinner any night of the week!

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