Lemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

There's nothing quite like the refreshing, zesty aroma of Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce wafting through your kitchen. This dish brings together juicy, golden-seared chicken with a luxurious, velvety lemon butter sauce that's both tangy and creamy. It's a perfect balance of flavors that brightens up any weeknight meal.

I first discovered this recipe while searching for a way to jazz up plain chicken breasts, and it’s quickly become a favorite in our house. The best part? It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but elegant enough to impress guests.

Why You'll Love This Lemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce

Get ready to fall in love with this elegant yet approachable dish. With its vibrant citrus flavor and rich sauce, there are so many reasons this recipe will become a staple in your meal rotation.

First, the flavor is out of this world. The combination of fresh lemon juice and creamy butter makes for a sauce that’s perfectly balanced. It’s tangy, savory, and just a little bit decadent, enhancing the chicken beautifully.

Not only is it delicious, but it's also incredibly easy to make. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip this up in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for those nights when you need dinner fast but don’t want to sacrifice flavor.

Your family will appreciate the versatility of this dish, too. Pair it with simple sides like rice, roasted potatoes, or sautéed veggies, and you’ve got a meal that feels restaurant-quality but is effortless to pull together.

Finally, the cleanup is minimal. The entire dish comes together in one pan, so you’re not left with a mountain of dishes to wash afterward. That's always a bonus in my book!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce lies in the fresh, simple ingredients that pack a ton of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one is crucial.

Chicken breasts are the star of the dish. I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy. If you prefer, you can substitute chicken thighs, but the cooking time may vary slightly.

Fresh lemons are a must for this recipe. You’ll use both the zest and the juice, which infuse the chicken and sauce with a bright, citrusy flavor. Bottled lemon juice won’t give you the same freshness or complexity.

Unsalted butter forms the base of our luxurious sauce. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the seasoning better. When melted with the lemon juice, it creates a smooth and creamy sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.

Garlic adds a warm, aromatic element to the dish. Mince it finely or use a garlic press for convenience. It cooks quickly in the butter and adds depth to the sauce without overpowering the lemon flavor.

Chicken broth or stock is used to thin out the sauce slightly and add savory richness. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can substitute white wine for a more complex flavor profile.

You'll need a large skillet for searing the chicken and creating the sauce. A sturdy non-stick or stainless-steel pan works best to ensure the chicken gets a nice, golden crust without sticking.

How To Make This Lemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce

Creating this mouthwatering Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce is simpler than you might think. Let me walk you through the process step by step.

Start by prepping your chicken. If your chicken breasts are thick, use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness, about 1 inch. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil and let it get nice and hot. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers. Place the chicken breasts in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd. Sear for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Be careful – garlic can burn quickly!

Add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This deglazing step adds a ton of flavor to the sauce. Then, add the zest and juice of one lemon. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly.

Finally, return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for 1-2 more minutes so the chicken absorbs some of the sauce's flavor. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a few lemon slices for an extra pop of color.

The total time from start to finish is around 25-30 minutes, and you’ll be rewarded with juicy chicken and a sauce so good, you’ll want to lick your plate clean.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine you will!), Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce stores beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh.

Refrigerate any leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it chills, but you can easily loosen it up when reheating by adding a splash of chicken broth or water.

For freezing, place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

When reheating, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat. This will help keep it juicy. You can also microwave it, but be sure to do so in short intervals to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this dish is how adaptable it is. Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Swap the protein: This recipe works beautifully with shrimp or thinly sliced pork chops. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Make it dairy-free: Use a dairy-free butter substitute or olive oil in place of the butter. The sauce won’t be as rich, but it will still be deliciously tangy.
• Add some heat: If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a kick.
• Try different herbs: While parsley is classic, fresh basil or thyme add a lovely, aromatic twist.
• Go gluten-free: Serve this chicken over gluten-free pasta or a bed of cauliflower rice for a lower-carb, gluten-free option.

Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. With a dish this versatile, the possibilities are endless! Enjoy cooking and savor every tangy, buttery bite.

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