If you are hunting for a vibrant, mouthwatering dish that brings sunshine right to your dinner table, this Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. Tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, tangy lemon butter sauce create a harmonious blend of flavors that’s bright, comforting, and utterly irresistible. It’s a recipe that balances simplicity with sophistication, perfect for both a busy weeknight and a special occasion. Let me take you through everything you need to know to make this dish your go-to crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key, and the beauty of this recipe lies in how straightforward yet impactful each one is. Every element, from the zesty lemon juice to the fresh thyme, plays a role in creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor, perfect texture, and dazzling color.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that soaks up all the luscious sauce perfectly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning; it brings out the chicken’s natural flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For that golden, crisp sear on the chicken’s surface.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: This adds richness and depth to the lemon butter sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic lends a savory punch that complements the lemon beautifully.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and a subtle savory base to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: The secret to that refreshing, bright punch of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Brings concentrated lemon aroma and an extra pop of citrus.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional): Adds an herbal nuance that pairs wonderfully with lemon and garlic.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish): For a burst of fresh color and light herbal notes.
How to Make Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
First things first, pat your chicken breasts dry, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This simple step is crucial for flavor and helps build a nice crust when searing. Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side until the exterior turns golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Set the cooked chicken aside—don’t worry, the sauce magic is coming next.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Melt Butter
Using the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until it just starts to become fragrant but hasn’t browned yet. This gentle cooking draws out the garlic’s sweetness without bitterness, setting an aromatic foundation for the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Lemon Butter Sauce
Now pour in your chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest. Use a spatula to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the pan—that’s pure flavor gold. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes so it reduces slightly and thickens. Taste it along the way and adjust with a pinch more salt or pepper if you feel it needs a little boost.
Step 4: Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Sauce
Return your seared chicken breasts back to the skillet, nestling them into that fragrant lemon butter sauce. Spoon some of the sauce on top and let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up all those irresistible citrusy, buttery flavors.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle fresh thyme and a handful of chopped parsley over the top to add a burst of color and complementary herbal notes. Those little touches lift the dish visually and flavor-wise, making it look as wonderful as it tastes.
How to Serve Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley are classic garnishes for this recipe, providing a pop of green that brightens the plate and enhances the fresh lemony aroma. A few thin lemon slices on the side can also look stunning and add to the citrus vibe.
Side Dishes
This lemon chicken pairs perfectly with simple sides that won’t compete with its zesty sauce. Try serving it alongside fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or even roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans for a balanced, colorful plate that’s both comforting and elegant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a bit of fun, plate the chicken over a bed of angel hair pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic, allowing the sauce to mingle with the noodles. Alternatively, you can serve the chicken sliced, fanned out on the plate, and spoon the sauce artistically over each portion for that restaurant-quality feel at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover chicken and lemon butter sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or a hassle-free dinner next time.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for longer, freezing is possible though the texture of the sauce may slightly change. Place the chicken breasts and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken or breaking the sauce. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor, especially if you like dark meat. Just adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
Is fresh lemon juice necessary or can I use bottled?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is highly recommended for the brightest and most vibrant flavor. Bottled lemon juice tends to have a duller taste and sometimes contains preservatives that can alter the sauce’s freshness.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it stands, but always double-check your chicken broth brand to ensure there are no gluten-containing additives.
What if I don’t have fresh thyme?
If you don’t have thyme on hand, you can skip it or substitute with a pinch of dried thyme or other herbs like oregano or rosemary. The flavor won’t be exactly the same but still delicious.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it for a couple of extra minutes to reduce it further, or stir in a small slurry of cornstarch and water while cooking, then let it thicken gently.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites because it’s delightfully simple, yet packed with fresh, bold flavors that never disappoint. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself, it’s a dish that’s guaranteed to bring a little sunshine to your table. Give it a try—you might just find your new signature meal!
Print
Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce recipe features tender, juicy boneless chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful lemon butter sauce infused with fresh garlic, lemon zest, and herbs. It’s a quick, easy stovetop meal perfect for a bright, refreshing dinner in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add the chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate extra flavor into the sauce.
- Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes so it reduces slightly and the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Return Chicken to Sauce: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Allow them to simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh thyme and chopped parsley over the chicken for a fresh, herbaceous finish before serving.
Notes
- For a zestier sauce, add extra lemon zest or a splash more lemon juice to taste.
- If fresh thyme is unavailable, dried thyme can be used but add less as it is more potent.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level.
- Serve the chicken with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
