Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe: A Zesty Family Favorite

Crispy, golden chicken meets zesty lemon butter in a culinary dance that awakens every taste bud.

Succulent pieces sizzle with a golden-edged perfection that promises pure comfort.

Mediterranean herbs weave through each bite, creating layers of bright, tangy flavor.

Home cooks adore this simple yet sophisticated dish that comes together faster than you can set the table.

The combination of tender poultry, rich butter, and vibrant citrus creates a meal that feels both elegant and approachable.

Fragrant and irresistible, this recipe turns an ordinary dinner into a moment of pure pleasure.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this mouthwatering masterpiece.

Why Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe Is Bright, Creamy, And Fast

• Whip Up Quickly: This lemon butter chicken recipe takes just 20-25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Elevate Everyday Meals: The simple yet sophisticated combination of lemon, butter, and herbs transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality dish that will impress family and guests with minimal cooking skills required.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable to different side dishes like pasta, potatoes, or vegetables, this recipe suits various dietary preferences and can be customized to match any mealtime mood or occasion.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimizing cleanup with a single skillet cooking method, this recipe saves time on both preparation and post-meal kitchen maintenance, making it an efficient and stress-free cooking experience.

Ingredients Needed For Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the main star of the dish, best when fresh and boneless.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Classic spice combination that adds depth and warmth to the chicken's flavor profile.

• Butter, Chicken Broth: Rich base that creates a silky and savory sauce, providing moisture and depth.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright, citrusy element that adds zinginess and freshness to the dish.

• Minced Garlic: Provides a sharp and fragrant undertone to enhance the overall flavor.
• Fresh Thyme: Herbaceous note that complements the lemon and adds complexity.

• Fresh Parsley, Lemon Slices: Bright garnish that adds visual appeal and extra fresh citrus notes.

• Olive Oil: High-quality oil for searing that helps develop a golden-brown exterior on the chicken.

How To Cook Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe In One Pan

Step 1: Prepare Chicken for Cooking

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Massage the spices into the chicken, ensuring every inch gets some love.

Step 2: Sizzle and Golden Brown

Heat a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the sizzling pan. Cook each side until it transforms into a gorgeous golden-brown color, roughly 4-5 minutes. The chicken should reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F/74°C. Once perfectly cooked, transfer the chicken to a warm plate.

Step 3: Craft Zesty Butter Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Fragrant thyme

Gently scrape those delicious browned bits from the pan’s bottom. Let the sauce simmer and reduce for 3-4 minutes, concentrating its incredible flavors.

Step 4: Reunite Chicken and Sauce

Carefully return the chicken to the skillet. Lovingly spoon the luscious sauce over the chicken, ensuring every piece gets a generous coating. Allow everything to warm together for 2-3 minutes, creating a harmonious flavor marriage.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Twirly pasta
• Steamed seasonal vegetables

Enjoy your restaurant-quality meal straight from your own kitchen!

Tips For Juicy Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe Every Time

• Dry Chicken Perfectly: Pat the chicken thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy, golden-brown sear that locks in delicious flavors.
• Control Heat for Optimal Searing: Use medium-high heat to create a beautiful golden crust without burning the chicken, maintaining both texture and moisture.
• Maximize Flavor with Pan Drippings: Scrape up those browned bits when making the sauce – they're packed with intense, caramelized flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap butter with olive oil or ghee for lactose-free options, and use gluten-free chicken broth to accommodate different dietary restrictions.
• Quick Meal Prep Hack: Marinate chicken in the seasoning mixture for 30 minutes before cooking to intensify the flavor and create a more tender result.

Best Way To Store Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

• Wrap leftover lemon butter chicken tightly in an airtight container before refrigerating.
• Properly stored chicken stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep the sauce separate from the chicken to maintain its crispy texture.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.
• Always ensure the chicken reaches 165F/74C when reheating to guarantee food safety.
• Avoid freezing this dish, as the delicate lemon butter sauce may separate and lose its creamy consistency when thawed.

Perfect Sides For Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio perfectly complement the bright lemon flavors, cutting through the rich butter sauce and enhancing the chicken's delicate profile.
• Create Herbal Side Salad: Fresh mixed greens with a light lemon vinaigrette will mirror the recipe's citrusy notes, providing a refreshing contrast to the creamy, buttery chicken.
• Match Roasted Garlic Bread: Crusty artisan bread rubbed with roasted garlic works wonderfully to soak up the decadent lemon butter sauce, adding extra texture and flavor dimension to the meal.
• Select Citrus-Infused Sparkling Water: A clean, light beverage with lemon or orange essence can cleanse the palate between bites, highlighting the dish's vibrant Mediterranean-inspired taste profile.

Creative Twists On Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Chicken: Replace thyme with a blend of oregano, rosemary, and basil for a vibrant Mediterranean flavor profile. Add crumbled feta cheese on top for an extra tangy finish.
• Spicy Cajun Lemon Chicken: Swap paprika with Cajun seasoning and add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Incorporate sliced bell peppers and green onions into the sauce for a zesty Creole-inspired dish.
• Coconut Lime Tropical Chicken: Substitute lemon juice with fresh lime juice and add a splash of coconut milk to the sauce. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes as a garnish for a tropical twist.
• Creamy Garlic Chicken Variation: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or cream cheese into the sauce after reducing. Blend in roasted garlic instead of minced for a richer, more mellow garlic essence.

Quick FAQs About Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

• What makes this lemon butter chicken special?

This recipe combines classic seasoning with a bright, tangy lemon butter sauce that creates a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. The combination of herbs, garlic, and fresh lemon gives the chicken incredible depth of flavor that’s both comforting and exciting.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! The recipe works perfectly with chicken breasts. Just ensure you adjust cooking time slightly, as breasts tend to cook faster than thighs. The key is to reach the correct internal temperature of 165F/74C to ensure safe and juicy chicken.

• How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. When it reaches 165F/74C, your chicken is perfectly cooked. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken – the meat should be white throughout with no pink areas.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your chicken broth and seasonings don’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients. For extra caution, use certified gluten-free products if you have severe sensitivities.

Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon butter chicken elevates weeknight dinners with Mediterranean elegance. Zesty citrus and rich butter create a perfect harmony that promises restaurant-quality flavor on your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)

Liquid and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon slices

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly dry the chicken with paper towels, ensuring a moisture-free surface for optimal seasoning. Generously coat both sides with a harmonious blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, creating a flavorful exterior.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers with potential. Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the pan, allowing it to develop a golden, crispy crust for 4-5 minutes on each side. Verify doneness by checking the internal temperature reaches 165F/74C. Transfer the perfectly seared chicken to a waiting plate.
3. Reduce the skillet’s temperature to medium and introduce butter, letting it melt and create a rich foundation. Quickly incorporate minced garlic, stirring for half a minute to release its aromatic essence. Pour in chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to liberate the caramelized remnants clinging to the pan’s surface.
4. Infuse the sauce with bright lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, and delicate thyme. Allow the mixture to simmer and concentrate, developing a harmonious blend of flavors for 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens.
5. Gently reintroduce the chicken to the lemon-infused sauce, carefully coating each piece. Let the chicken warm through for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring it absorbs the vibrant sauce.
6. Present the dish with an elegant flourish by scattering fresh parsley and arranging delicate lemon slices. Complement the chicken with your preferred accompaniments such as al dente pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or crisp steamed vegetables.

Notes

• Choose chicken breasts of equal thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear with crispy exterior.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to bottled alternatives.
• Avoid overcrowding the skillet during searing to maintain high heat and develop beautiful caramelization.
• Substitute butter with olive oil or ghee for dairy-free diets, maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Quickly thicken sauce by whisking in a small amount of cornstarch if desired more creamy consistency.
• Check internal chicken temperature with meat thermometer to guarantee food safety without overcooking.
• Transform recipe into a low-carb meal by serving over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg