Description
A bright and flavorful Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce recipe featuring tender seared chicken breasts simmered in a tangy lemon garlic butter sauce, enhanced with fresh herbs for a simple yet elegant dish perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
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)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance their natural flavor before cooking.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Make Sauce: Pour in chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan; these add depth and flavor to the sauce.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly, concentrating the flavors. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if necessary.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts back to the skillet. Spoon the lemon butter sauce over them and allow everything to simmer together for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the chicken is warmed and well coated with sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh thyme if using, and chopped parsley over the chicken before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, let the sauce reduce longer or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water.
- Fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best bright and vibrant flavor.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless thighs if preferred; cooking time may vary slightly.
- Thyme is optional but adds a lovely herbal note that pairs well with lemon.