Lemon Butter Chicken
This Lemon Butter Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked in a tangy and rich lemon butter sauce, making it a delightful dish perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 People
Calories 400 kcal
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts About 1.5 lbs total.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice About 2 lemons.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Allow it to melt, then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add the lemon zest to the sauce and return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Serve this dish with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
For a more intense lemon flavor, you can add more lemon juice or zest according to your preference.
Make sure to adjust the cooking time if using chicken thighs or other cuts of chicken.