Description
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
Bright, zesty, and buttery—this easy skillet chicken is packed with flavor and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
Juice of 1 large lemon
1 tbsp lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon slices for garnish
Directions
Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides (about 5–6 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the lemon: Stir in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and garnish with lemon slices. Serve hot with rice, pasta, or veggies.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 280 kcal per serving
Perfect for a light, refreshing meal!
Pair it with roasted veggies or mashed potatoes.
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for perfect Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken every time. Begin by patting your chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels; this is crucial for a good sear. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the thicker ends of the breasts to an even 1-inch thickness for uniform cooking. Season generously. When searing, do not move the chicken for the first 4-5 minutes to allow a golden crust to form. After removing the chicken, deglaze the pan with the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits (the fond) from the bottom. This is the secret to a deeply flavorful sauce. Simmer the sauce to reduce it slightly before adding the chicken back in, ensuring it coats the chicken beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a light meal, serve it over a bed of steamed asparagus, green beans, or a fresh arugula salad. To make it more hearty, pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Always spoon extra sauce from the pan over the plated chicken and side.
How-to Summary
Quickly prepare restaurant-quality Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken in 30 minutes. Pound chicken to even thickness, season, and sear until golden. Set aside. In the same pan, make a simple sauce with butter, garlic, chicken broth, and fresh lemon juice/zest. Simmer, return chicken to the pan, and cook through. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great, flavorful alternative. Adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest method is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast; it should read 165°F (74°C). The juices should also run clear.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
You can mince the garlic, zest, and juice the lemon ahead of time, but the sauce is best made fresh as it comes together quickly in the pan.
My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?
After removing the cooked chicken, let the sauce simmer for an extra 2-3 minutes to reduce. For a richer, thicker sauce, you can stir in an additional tablespoon of cold butter at the end until melted.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to refresh the sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not drying the chicken: Moist chicken steams instead of sears, preventing a golden crust.
- Overcrowding the pan: Cook in batches if necessary. Crowding lowers the pan temperature and causes the chicken to release liquid.
- Burning the garlic: Garlic burns quickly. Sauté it only for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant before adding liquid.
- Using bottled lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice and zest are essential for the bright, vibrant flavor this dish is known for.
- Cutting into the chicken to check doneness: This releases precious juices. Always use a meat thermometer.
Conclusion
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken recipe proves that a spectacular, flavor-packed dinner doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. With a few simple techniques—proper searing, deglazing, and using fresh citrus—you can create a meal that feels both elegant and comforting. It’s a reliable, versatile recipe that you’ll return to again and again for its perfect balance of zesty, savory, and rich flavors. Enjoy your delicious creation!