Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Bright, zesty, and oh-so comforting, Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce is the ultimate weeknight winner. This dish brings together tender golden chicken breast smothered with a luscious, tangy butter sauce, laced with garlic, Italian herbs, and fresh lemon. Whether you’re craving something elegant yet unfussy or aiming to impress family with minimum effort, this recipe truly delivers. Each bite balances sunny citrus with savory warmth, promising to become a classic in your kitchen lineup.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce so special? It all starts with everyday staples, each playing a key role in building the flavors and textures that make this dish unforgettable. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.

• Chicken Breasts: Four boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the foundation – pounding them ensures even cooking and juicy, tender bites.
• Salt and Black Pepper: A simple sprinkle on the chicken seasons every layer and brings all the flavors together.
• All-Purpose Flour: Dredge each piece lightly for a delicate crust that soaks up the luscious sauce.
• Olive Oil: Helps create that beautiful golden sear and adds richness to every bite.
• Unsalted Butter: Split between sautéing and finishing the sauce, giving it a silky, decadent finish.
• Garlic: Three fresh cloves, minced, release irresistible aroma and depth in just seconds.
• Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the sauce, enhancing both body and savory punch.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: The star of the show—adds tang, lifts the flavors, and brightens up the entire dish.
• Lemon Zest: Don’t skip it! Zest infuses the sauce with an extra lemony boost and fragrant oils.
• Italian Seasoning: A gentle blend of dried herbs that subtly rounds out the sauce.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): Finishes the plate with herby freshness and a vibrant pop of color.
• Lemon Slices (optional): For garnish—visually stunning and extra zingy if you want to squeeze them over top.

How to Make Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Lay your chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness—about half an inch does the trick. This step is key for quick, uniform cooking! Next, sprinkle both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Give each piece a light coat in flour, shaking off the excess; coating them helps create that signature thin crust that readily welcomes the sauce.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add two tablespoons of olive oil and two tablespoons of unsalted butter; let them sizzle together until foamy but not browned. Carefully lay the chicken breasts in the pan. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, just until golden and cooked through. Don’t crowd the pan; give the chicken some space to develop color. Set the chicken aside to rest while you work magic on the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Lemon Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—don’t let it brown! Pour in the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, zest, and Italian seasoning, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those tasty brown bits from the bottom. Let it simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, reducing ever so slightly and concentrating the flavors.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Return Chicken

Lower the heat, and swirl in the remaining two tablespoons of unsalted butter until melted and the sauce turns silky and glossy. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the bright lemon butter sauce over the top. Let them mingle in the sauce for another 2 to 3 minutes so every bite is infused with flavor.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish by showering everything with chopped fresh parsley and nestling a few lemon slices around the chicken. Serve immediately while it’s at its most aromatic and inviting. The magical sauce begs to be drizzled over each piece and sopped up with your favorite sides!

How to Serve Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce

Garnishes

Sprinkle generous handfuls of chopped fresh parsley over the finished Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce for that hit of herby freshness—it’s a simple touch that brings out the vivid lemon and butter notes. Lemon slices, either fanned on the side or perched atop each breast, add visual flair and a pop of acidity if you squeeze them over the dish right before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish sings when paired with a bed of fluffy rice, al dente pasta, or creamy mashed potatoes—anything starchy that can catch and absorb the velvety butter sauce. For a lighter touch, try serving it alongside sautéed greens or roasted asparagus. A warm, crusty bread is also perfect for mopping up every last drop!

Creative Ways to Present

You don’t have to stay traditional. For a dramatic dinner, slice the chicken, fan it out over a mound of herbed orzo, and spoon sauce across the top. For a family-style meal, pile everything onto a big platter, sprinkle generously with parsley, and scatter lemon slices everywhere. You can even tuck extra slices between the chicken for a burst of sunshine on the plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the chicken cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container with any remaining lemon butter sauce spooned over top—this helps keep everything moist and flavorful. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce freezes surprisingly well! I recommend slicing the chicken before freezing so it’s easier to reheat evenly. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Gently rewarm the chicken and sauce together, either in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave at 50 percent power. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water as it warms. Stir frequently to keep the butter sauce from separating, and always heat until just warmed through to keep the chicken tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce. Just adjust cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through, but the result will be even juicier and just as flavorful.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes—simply swap the traditional all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend for dredging. Everything else in this recipe remains naturally gluten-free, making it an easy choice for everyone at the table.

What if I don’t have fresh lemons?

While fresh lemon juice and zest really deliver unbeatable brightness, you can substitute bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Skip the zest if you don’t have a fresh lemon, but consider adding a tiny pinch of extra Italian seasoning or a splash of white wine to enhance the flavor profile.

Can I add other ingredients to the sauce?

Certainly! This dish plays well with a spoonful of capers for brininess or a splash of dry white wine for depth. You could also stir in a handful of spinach at the end until just wilted for extra color and nutrients—feel free to make it your own.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Thinning the chicken breasts ensures quick, even cooking, which helps them stay juicy. Avoid overcooking; as soon as the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and turns golden, it’s done. Letting it rest in the warm lemon butter sauce just before serving locks in that moisture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that feels both effortless and luxurious, you simply can’t go wrong with Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce. Give it a try and let it become your new go-to for quick weeknight dinners or relaxed entertaining. Once you taste that tangy, buttery sauce coating tender golden chicken, you may find yourself making it on repeat. Happy cooking!

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