Lemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

There's nothing quite as satisfying as a perfectly cooked plate of Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce. With tender, juicy chicken breasts drenched in a velvety, tangy, and rich sauce, this dish strikes the perfect balance of fresh citrus flavor and creamy indulgence.

this Recipe

I first discovered this recipe when I was craving something light yet hearty for a Sunday lunch. It quickly became a household staple, loved for both its simplicity and the way it makes our kitchen smell like a bright Mediterranean afternoon. This recipe is guaranteed to bring a little sunshine to your dinner table.

Why You'll Love This Lemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce

Get ready to fall head over heels for this dish! Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce is the perfect dinner option for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend gatherings.

First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, yet it looks and tastes gourmet. You only need 30 minutes to whip this up from start to finish, making it an ideal choice when you want a fancy dinner without the fuss.

The flavors are irresistible. The zesty lemon juice cuts through the richness of the butter, giving the sauce a balanced, refreshing taste that pairs beautifully with the tender, golden-brown chicken. Each bite is a burst of tangy, buttery perfection.

Not to mention, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, hosting guests, or simply treating yourself, this recipe always hits the mark. The vibrant, zesty flavor is something everyone can enjoy, and you can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences.

Best of all, it’s a versatile recipe. You can serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside a simple salad. It also holds up well to substitutions if you need to work with what you have in your pantry.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce lies in the quality of its ingredients. Each one plays a role in creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. For the juiciest, most flavorful chicken, try to use organic, free-range if possible. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness for quicker, more even cooking.

Next, you’ll need fresh lemons. The lemon juice and zest give the sauce its bright, citrusy kick. Freshly squeezed juice is essential; bottled juice just doesn’t compare. Don’t skip the zest either – it adds an extra layer of aromatic intensity.

For the richness, we rely on unsalted butter. This lets you control the saltiness of the dish while adding a luxurious texture to the sauce. You’ll be making a simple but decadent lemon butter sauce that coats every bite of chicken beautifully.

A small but important addition is chicken broth. It not only helps to thin out the sauce but also brings depth to the flavor profile. Low-sodium chicken broth works best to avoid an overly salty sauce.

Finally, you’ll want garlic cloves for an aromatic base and all-purpose flour for dredging the chicken. The flour gives the chicken a light, crispy crust when seared, which is key to locking in moisture.

No special equipment is needed for this recipe – just a large skillet and a lemon zester. Simple tools, incredible results.

How To Make This Lemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce

Creating this mouthwatering dish is easier than you think. Let’s walk through the process step by step.

Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dredge them lightly in all-purpose flour. This thin coating creates a beautiful golden crust when the chicken is seared and also helps thicken the sauce later.

Next, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Let them cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant – be careful not to burn it! Then, pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These little bits pack a punch of flavor.

Once the broth has reduced slightly, add in the fresh lemon juice and zest. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes. Finally, whisk in the unsalted butter, one piece at a time, until the sauce is smooth and glossy.

Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece. Let it simmer for another minute or two to warm the chicken through and meld the flavors together. From start to finish, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes!

Storage Options

Leftovers of this Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce can be just as delightful as the original meal. Here’s how to store and enjoy it again later.

To refrigerate, place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the sauce from separating.

You can also freeze the chicken, though the texture may change slightly. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm up in a skillet, adding extra liquid if needed.

Avoid microwaving the chicken if possible, as it can become rubbery and the sauce may split. Gentle reheating on the stovetop will yield the best results.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! Here are some variations to try:

If you prefer, you can substitute the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They’re juicier and more forgiving, making them perfect for this lemony sauce. Just extend the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked.

For a dairy-free version, swap out the butter with a plant-based alternative or use extra olive oil. The sauce will still be deliciously rich but without the dairy.

Want to add more veggies? Consider tossing in sautéed spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes when you make the sauce. The added color and nutrients will make the dish even more vibrant.

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to dredge the chicken. You can also serve it over gluten-free pasta or rice for a hearty, allergy-friendly meal.

Feel free to experiment with additional herbs like fresh thyme or basil. A sprinkle of chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese just before serving can also elevate the dish to new heights.

Don’t be afraid to get creative. This Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce is a fantastic base recipe that you can tailor to your tastes and dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting and finding your perfect version!

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