Get ready to fall in love with Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce—a dish that always turns an ordinary evening into something special. Perfectly golden chicken breasts are blanketed in a silky, tangy, and aromatic sauce that bursts with fresh lemon, creamy butter, and irresistible garlic. This recipe brings together incredible flavors in one beautiful skillet, creating a meal that’s as impressive for company as it is comforting for a cozy weeknight. If you’re craving brightness and richness in every bite, Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce is about to become your next go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce lies in its short ingredient list—every item here brings something unique to the table, from bold zest to creamy body. There’s no need for complicated steps or fancy gadgets; just a handful of everyday ingredients, working together to make weeknight magic.
- Chicken Breasts: Pounding them to an even thickness ensures quick, juicy, and uniform cooking.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives the chicken a gorgeous golden crust and helps the sauce cling beautifully.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out the best savory notes in every bite.
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth that balances the brightness of lemon.
- Olive Oil: Helps create that irresistible seared crust on the chicken.
- Unsalted Butter: Divided for building depth in both the chicken and the luscious sauce.
- Garlic: Three cloves add that classic aroma and flavor that make the sauce irresistible.
- Chicken Broth: Brings savory richness and ensures the sauce has beautiful body.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: The star element—don’t skimp on it for the freshest zing!
- Lemon Zest: Packs a concentrated pop of lemony aroma; it’s what makes the dish sing.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a dreamy, rich sauce that ties everything together.
- Fresh Parsley: Bright, herbal, and perfect for a finishing flourish.
- Lemon Slices: For garnish—these make the finished dish look as good as it tastes.
How to Make Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce
Step 1: Prep and Dredge the Chicken
Lay your chicken breasts between pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness; this helps ensure each piece cooks evenly and stays tender. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mix, making sure they’re completely coated but shaking off any excess—this is the secret to that perfect, crisp golden crust.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, gently add the floured chicken breasts. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, flipping only once to get that deep color. The chicken is ready when it’s golden and cooked through. Transfer the pieces to a plate and cover loosely with foil while you make the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Lemon Butter Sauce
In the same skillet—don’t clean it; those flavorful browned bits are gold—add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Once it’s melted, toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest; then let everything simmer for a couple of minutes. This allows those zippy flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Return the Chicken
Pour in the heavy cream and continue simmering for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce should thicken just a touch and look glossy—taste for seasoning and adjust as needed. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce generously over each piece. Let it all mingle over the heat for another 2 minutes so the chicken absorbs that zesty goodness.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and scatter the chopped fresh parsley on top. Add a few lemon slices as garnish to make the entire dish pop visually and aromatically. Serve immediately, spooning extra sauce over each portion for maximum wow factor.
How to Serve Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce
Garnishes
The finishing touches truly elevate Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce. Sprinkle a generous handful of chopped parsley for color and a hint of freshness. Thin lemon slices not only look gorgeous but add an extra layer of citrus aroma—let a couple rest right on top of the chicken or around the sides for that restaurant-worthy effect. If you love a bit of crunch, an extra grating of lemon zest or a quick sprinkle of toasted pine nuts works like magic.
Side Dishes
This is such a versatile centerpiece, you’ll have fun choosing the perfect accompaniments. For the ultimate comfort combo, try serving it alongside buttery mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up every drop of that lemon butter sauce. Pasta—something like fettuccine or angel hair—makes it feel extra lush and satisfying. If you prefer to keep things light, go with simply steamed green beans and crisp roasted asparagus.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not get playful? For a dinner party, slice the chicken, fan it out on a platter, and drizzle the sauce over the top for effortless elegance. Try serving Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce tucked into a toasted ciabatta roll with baby arugula for a decadent sandwich. Or, mound the chicken over lemony couscous, topped with extra parsley, for a vibrant, colorful meal that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store both the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container to lock in all that flavor and moisture. When stacking, pop a piece of parchment or wax paper between the pieces to prevent sticking.
Freezing
This dish actually freezes surprisingly well! Once the chicken and sauce have cooled completely, transfer them into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible and freeze for up to 2 months. Remember to label your containers so you can easily spot your Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce on those busy days.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding a splash of broth or a drizzle of cream to loosen the sauce as needed. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Always heat just until warmed through—overcooking can make the chicken less tender.
FAQs
Can I make Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and even make the sauce up to a day in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator, and when you’re ready to eat, gently reheat and combine to keep everything fresh and moist.
Is there a dairy-free version for the lemon butter sauce?
Yes—you can swap the butter with a plant-based alternative and use full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream in place of heavy cream. The sauce will be a bit richer and take on a subtle coconut note, but the bright lemon flavor still shines.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully here. They’re extra juicy and flavorful, and the cooking time may be a minute or two longer to ensure they’re fully cooked through.
How do I know the chicken is cooked through?
Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken; it should read 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, just make sure the juices run clear and the interior is no longer pink.
What can I do if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
If your sauce ends up too thick, simply whisk in a splash of chicken broth or milk until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for another minute or two, stirring frequently until it thickens up.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something magical about gathering around the table to enjoy Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce—a dish that’s as bright and welcoming as it is easy to pull together. I encourage you to give it a try; chances are, it’ll become a star in your dinner rotation (and earn you a few recipe requests, too!).
Print
Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce recipe is a delightful combination of savory and tangy flavors. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a flavorful flour mixture, pan-seared to perfection, and then smothered in a luscious lemon butter sauce. A touch of cream adds richness to the sauce, making it a luxurious dish that’s perfect for a special dinner or a family meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- lemon slices for garnish
For the Chicken:
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, mix flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge chicken breasts in the flour mixture, coating both sides and shaking off excess.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for another 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Finish the Dish: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for 2 more minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices.
Notes
- Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed veggies.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of cream.
- This dish also works well with chicken thighs.
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