Lemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

There's nothing quite like the bright, zesty aroma of Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce filling the kitchen. The citrusy scent mingles with a rich, buttery undertone, creating a mouthwatering experience before you've even taken your first bite. This dish, with its crisp, golden chicken and luscious sauce, is a favorite in our household.

I first discovered this recipe when I wanted a simple but elegant meal for a family gathering. It was a hit from the start, and now, it’s a staple on our weeknight dinner rotation and a reliable crowd-pleaser for special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce

Get ready to fall head over heels for this flavorful, easy-to-make recipe. Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce is a true gem, and it’s about to become a regular in your home cooking lineup.

First, let’s talk about the unbeatable combination of tangy lemon and velvety butter. The sauce has just the right balance of acidity and richness, making each bite feel luxurious without being heavy. It coats the crispy, pan-seared chicken perfectly and adds a burst of freshness.

This recipe also wins points for its simplicity. With only a few basic ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. It comes together in under 30 minutes, which makes it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests.

Versatility is another major plus. You can serve this lemon chicken with a side of fluffy rice, roasted vegetables, or even over pasta. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of white wine, making any meal feel extra special.

Best of all, this dish is a wonderful way to brighten up your menu all year round. The citrus flavor is light and refreshing in the summer but equally uplifting in the colder months when you crave a little sunshine on your plate.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce lies in the quality and freshness of the ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to make this dish shine.

Chicken Breasts: You’ll want boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. To ensure they cook evenly, pound them to an even thickness. This not only helps them cook faster but also creates a juicy, tender result. You can also substitute with chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor.

Fresh Lemons: The star of the show! You’ll use both the zest and juice to capture the full lemon experience. Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a big difference, so avoid the bottled kind if you can. The zest adds an extra layer of aromatic flavor that elevates the sauce.

Unsalted Butter: The buttery richness is crucial to the sauce’s luxurious texture. I recommend using unsalted butter so you have better control over the seasoning. If all you have is salted butter, just adjust the added salt accordingly.

Garlic: Minced garlic adds a savory depth to the sauce, complementing the lemon’s brightness. Feel free to add extra if you’re a garlic lover, but don’t let it overpower the lemon.

Chicken Broth: This ingredient adds body to the sauce and helps deglaze the pan after searing the chicken. Low-sodium chicken broth is ideal to keep the flavors balanced. If you prefer a creamier sauce, a splash of heavy cream can be added at the end.

For equipment, you’ll need a sturdy skillet for searing the chicken and a microplane or fine grater for zesting the lemons. A good citrus juicer also makes extracting the juice easier.

How To Make This Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce

Creating this dish is as simple as it is impressive. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful, flavorful meal ready in no time.

Start by prepping the chicken. Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover them with plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them until they are an even thickness. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a few tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken breasts in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes, or until they develop a beautiful golden crust. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. This step adds incredible flavor to the sauce. Add the lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it reduces slightly.

Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors. If you’d like a richer sauce, you can swirl in an extra tablespoon of butter at the end.

Serve your Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. The total cooking time is around 25 minutes, making this dish perfect for both busy weeknights and more leisurely weekend meals.

Storage Options

This dish stores well, making it a great option for meal prep. If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate the chicken and sauce for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the sauce from thickening too much as it warms. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring the sauce occasionally to distribute the heat evenly.

For longer storage, freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating as described above.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce is how adaptable it is. Here are some ideas to customize it to your liking.

For a lighter dish, try swapping out the butter for olive oil. The sauce will be less rich but still flavorful and perfect for drizzling over vegetables or a bed of greens.

Want to add a touch of sweetness? Stir in a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the sauce. The hint of sweetness beautifully balances the lemon’s acidity and gives the sauce a lovely depth.

If you’re craving some heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce adds a nice kick. This variation pairs especially well with a side of garlic bread or a crisp, green salad.

You can also make this recipe dairy-free by using a plant-based butter alternative and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The result is still deliciously bright and satisfying, perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions.

Feel free to experiment! This dish is a fantastic base for whatever flavors and ingredients inspire you. Whether you keep it classic or get creative, you’re sure to love every bite.

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