Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s bright, buttery, and irresistibly comforting, you’re going to love this Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe. I absolutely love how the tangy lemon pairs perfectly with the rich butter to make a mouthwatering sauce that coats juicy chicken breasts. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a family favorite—and I can’t wait to share all my tips so you can nail it every time!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe works in harmony to create that perfect balance of flavors. I like to use fresh lemons and good-quality butter because they really make a difference in taste. Here’s a quick overview to help you shop smart!

• Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless for even cooking and easy slicing; pounding them thin ensures tenderness.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Season well to enhance the natural chicken flavor.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: I use this for searing—it adds subtle fruity notes.
• All-purpose flour: This gives a light, crispy coating and helps the sauce thicken a bit.
• Unsalted butter: Important for controlling salt levels and getting that rich, creamy lemon butter sauce.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic wakes up the sauce with bright, aromatic flavor.
• Lemon: Both juice and thinly sliced rounds bring that signature citrus zing.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness as a finishing touch.

Variations

I love keeping recipes flexible, and this Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe is no exception! Feel free to tweak it based on what you have or what your family prefers—you really can’t go wrong.

• Add fresh herbs: I sometimes toss in thyme or rosemary with the butter and lemon for extra depth.
• Swap chicken breast for thighs: Using boneless skinless thighs keeps the chicken juicy and adds a little more flavor.
• Make it spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the butter sauce wakes up the dish beautifully.
• Use gluten-free flour: Works perfectly here if you want a gluten-free version without losing that light coating.

How to Make Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season Your Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts in half lengthwise so they cook evenly and quickly. I like to pound them gently with a meat tenderizer to about the same thickness—this tip came from my old culinary school days and makes a huge difference. Once even, season both sides with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This foundation is so important—you want every bite perfectly seasoned.

Step 2: Dredge and Sear the Chicken

Next, coat each piece thoroughly in all-purpose flour and shake off any excess. This light dredging will give you a subtle crust after searing. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil. Sear the chicken in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan!) for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Transfer them to a baking dish. This step locks in moisture and flavor.

Step 3: Whip Up That Heavenly Lemon Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low and drop in the butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and let it sauté for just 30 seconds to avoid bitterness. Now add the thin lemon slices and pour in fresh lemon juice. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, flipping the lemon slices gently to release all that bright citrus essence. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. This sauce is literally the heart of the recipe and so worth your attention.

Step 4: Bake for Perfect Juiciness

Pour the luscious lemon butter sauce over the chicken in the baking dish. Pop it into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature hits 165°F. I like to use a meat thermometer here to avoid overcooking—nothing dries out a chicken quite like that! Once done, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top and serve immediately.

How to Serve Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over this Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe just before serving—it adds a burst of color and freshness that brightens each bite. Sometimes, I’ll add a few extra lemon slices on the plate for a pretty presentation and a little more zing for guests who want it.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes or buttery rice to soak up all that luscious lemon butter sauce. Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans add a crisp contrast and fresh flavor—a combo I always come back to!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate this chicken over a bed of creamy polenta or alongside a vibrant spring salad with edible flowers. Another favorite trick is serving the chicken stacked with grilled lemon rounds on top—makes it look fancy but is super simple to do!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Whenever I have leftovers, I transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It stays delicious for up to 3 days, making it a perfect recipe for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

I’ve also frozen this Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe successfully—just cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat or pop it in the oven at 300°F, covered, until warmed through. This keeps the chicken moist and preserves the buttery sauce’s flavor nicely—microwaving can dry it out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it hits all the right notes—bright, buttery, savory, and so satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to invite friends over just so you can share how good it is! Give it a try next time you want a quick dinner that’s fancy enough for guests but simple enough for any night. I’m confident that once you make it, it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation, just like it did for me.

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