I cannot wait to share this Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe with you! This dish is a perfect harmony of bright, zesty lemon flavor and rich, velvety butter that clings to tender, perfectly seared chicken breasts. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but comes together with effortless ease, making it an ideal go-to for weeknight dinners or casual weekend gatherings. Every bite bursts with freshness from the lemon, balanced by savory garlic and a luscious buttery sauce that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple but each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so unforgettable. From the aromatic garlic to the punchy lemon zest, each element shines beautifully.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pounded to even thickness for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: For a light coating that crisps up golden and seals in juices.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle warmth and savory background note.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the acidity.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Offers a hint of mild heat and earthiness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For a perfect sear with a fruity, smooth base.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided): Infuses richness and silkiness into the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Adds fresh pungency and depth in the sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Creates the savory liquid foundation in the pan sauce.
- â…“ cup fresh lemon juice: Brings brightness and vibrant tang to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Intensifies citrus aroma and adds little bursts of flavor.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional): A simple thickener for the sauce if you like it a bit more luscious.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of fresh green color and mild herbaceousness.
- Lemon slices for garnish: Decorative and doubles up on fresh lemon appeal.
How to Make Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Dredge the Chicken
Begin by pounding the chicken breasts so they are all of even thickness—this ensures they cook uniformly and remain juicy. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in this seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. This coating creates a wonderfully crisp crust that locks in moisture while adding flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are cooked through. This step forms the beautifully caramelized exterior that contrasts so well with the tender interior. Remove the chicken and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Lemon Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium, then add the remaining two tablespoons of butter along with the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, taking care not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and stir in the lemon zest. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan bottom to infuse even more flavor into the sauce. Let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to marry all those bright and savory notes.
Step 4: Thicken and Finish the Sauce
If you like a thicker, more velvety sauce, add the cornstarch slurry and cook until it slightly thickens. Then nestle the chicken back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over each breast. Let the chicken simmer for another 2 minutes so it soaks up those luscious lemon butter flavors. This final simmer ensures every bite is bursting with saucy goodness.
How to Serve Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
When plating this Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe, I love to finish it off with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a few vibrant lemon slices. The parsley adds that fresh, herbal note and a touch of green brightness, while the lemon slices visually reinforce the citrus theme and invite you to squeeze more fresh lemon if you want an extra zing.
Side Dishes
This dish is magic when served over fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or a bed of tender pasta that can soak up every last drop of the sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli provide a lovely crisp contrast and vibrant color to round out the plate beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try serving the chicken on a large platter with sauce spooned generously over and garnished with lemon zest curls and fresh herbs. Or for a lighter meal, slice the chicken and serve it atop a fresh green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to echo the flavors. It pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken will absorb even more of that citrusy butter flavor overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe freezes well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to leave out any fresh garnishes and add those fresh after reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring periodically, until heated through. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water helps prevent drying out and revives the delicious sauce consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful cut. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs can be a bit thicker and need a little more time to cook through.
Is the sauce gluten-free?
The sauce is naturally gluten-free if you use a gluten-free flour alternative or skip the flour dredge entirely. The cornstarch used for thickening is also gluten-free, making the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets with minor tweaks.
What if I don’t have fresh lemons?
Fresh lemon juice and zest really brighten and freshen the dish in the best way. Bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant, and you’ll miss the lovely texture and aroma of the zest. Try to keep fresh lemons on hand for this recipe!
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a good quality olive oil or dairy-free margarine. While the texture will be slightly different, you’ll still get plenty of buttery richness from the olive oil paired with the tart lemon flavor.
How can I make the sauce thicker without cornstarch?
You can simply simmer the sauce a bit longer to reduce it down, concentrating the flavors and naturally thickening it. Alternatively, mixing in a small spoonful of heavy cream adds richness and body, though it changes the character of the sauce slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe is one of those delightful dishes you’ll want to make again and again. It’s fresh, flavorful, and luxurious without being complicated—perfect for sharing with family, friends, or just treating yourself to a special meal. Give it a go, and get ready to fall in love with how a few simple ingredients can create such a standout dish!
Print
Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and tangy Lemon Chicken with a rich Lemon Butter Sauce, cooked to golden perfection on the stovetop. This easy and flavorful recipe features tender chicken breasts sautéed in olive oil and butter, finished with a zesty lemon sauce made from fresh lemon juice, garlic, and chicken broth. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the vibrant sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- â…“ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will be used to coat the chicken breasts evenly for a flavorful crust.
- Dredge the Chicken: Coat each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess to avoid clumps. Ensure each piece is evenly coated for thorough cooking and texture.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Make the Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add Liquids and Lemon: Stir in the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate their flavor into the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If a thicker sauce is desired, mix the cornstarch with water and stir it into the skillet. Continue cooking until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Finish the Dish: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the lemon butter sauce over the top, and simmer for an additional 2 minutes to heat through and let the flavors combine.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and garnish with lemon slices. Serve warm, ideally over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to enjoy every bit of the sauce.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful lemon butter sauce.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier alternative; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to taste for a more or less tangy flavor depending on your preference.
