EASY LEMON BUTTER CHICKEN RECIPE

Imagine the bright, tangy flavor of lemon dancing with rich, creamy butter, all coating tender, perfectly cooked chicken. That’s exactly what you get with this Lemon Butter Chicken recipe, a dish that’s both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy to make. This recipe is weeknight-friendly and guaranteed to become a new favorite – I promise you’ll love it!

Gather Your Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Lemon Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Essential Tools & Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Lemon juicer (optional, but helpful)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Meat thermometer (highly recommended)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Pound the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps it cook evenly and quickly.
2. Season Generously: In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Make sure every part of the chicken gets a good coating of seasoning!

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Heat the Skillet: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The skillet should be hot enough so that when a drop of water is flicked into the pan, it sizzles vigorously.
2. Sear the Chicken: Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy!
3. Set Aside: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate, tented with foil to keep warm. This is important – we don’t want cold chicken!

Making the Lemon Butter Sauce:

1. Melt the Butter: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make the sauce bitter.
3. Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits are called “fond” and they add a ton of flavor!
4. Reduce the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes, or until it has slightly thickened.
5. Stir in Extras: Stir in the lemon zest and heavy cream (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bringing it All Together:

1. Return Chicken to Pan: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and coat them in the lemon butter sauce.
2. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Secrets to Perfect Lemon Butter Chicken

Pounding for Perfection

Pounding the chicken isn’t just about making it cook faster. It also tenderizes the meat, ensuring each bite is juicy and delicious. If you don’t have a meat mallet, a rolling pin or even the bottom of a heavy pan will work in a pinch. Just be gentle!

Fresh vs. Bottled Lemon Juice

While bottled lemon juice is convenient, fresh lemon juice makes a HUGE difference in this recipe. The flavor is brighter, more vibrant, and less artificial. Plus, you get to use the zest, which adds another layer of lemon flavor. Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort!

Don’t Overcook the Chicken!

The biggest mistake people make when cooking chicken is overcooking it. Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked to 165°F (74°C). Remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches that temperature.

Adjusting the Sauce

The lemon butter sauce is very versatile. If you prefer a tangier sauce, add a bit more lemon juice. For a richer sauce, use more butter or heavy cream. If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Taste as you go and adjust to your liking!

Serving Suggestions

• Pasta: Lemon Butter Chicken is fantastic served over pasta, like linguine or fettuccine. The sauce clings to the noodles beautifully. For an even more decadent dish, try serving it over Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta.
• Rice: Serve it with fluffy white rice or brown rice for a lighter option.
• Vegetables: Pair it with steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a complete and healthy meal.
• Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette is a great accompaniment to the richness of the chicken and sauce.

Variations and Creative Twists

Lemon Herb Chicken

Add other fresh herbs to the sauce, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano. This will add another layer of flavor and complexity. A little bit of fresh dill is also a wonderful addition.

Spicy Lemon Butter Chicken

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try a drizzle of hot sauce at the end. Think of this in the same vein as Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken!

Lemon Butter Chicken with Capers

Add a tablespoon or two of capers to the sauce for a briny, salty kick. The capers complement the lemon beautifully.

Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken with Spinach

Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach at the end, allowing it to wilt in the warm sauce. This adds nutrients and a pop of color.

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

For a hands-off approach, you can bake the chicken in the oven. Simply place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish, pour the lemon butter sauce over them, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Consider the delicious results of Baked Cream Cheese Chicken for inspiration!

Make-Ahead Tips & Storage

Prepare Ahead

You can prepare the lemon butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to use, simply reheat it in a skillet and add the cooked chicken.

Storage

Leftover Lemon Butter Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Freezing

While the texture of the sauce may change slightly, you can freeze Lemon Butter Chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating. Be aware that the creamy element of the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but it will still taste great.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe

This Lemon Butter Chicken recipe is a winner because it’s quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served with a variety of sides, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. The bright, tangy lemon butter sauce is simply irresistible, and the tender, juicy chicken is cooked to perfection every time. What’s not to love?

Related Recipes to Explore

If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other delicious chicken dishes. You might also enjoy Coconut Lemon Chicken Alfredo for a twist on the classic dish, or Oven-baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken for a crispy and flavorful baked option.