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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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