Lemon Butter Chicken
Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe – A Zesty and Creamy Delight
Looking for a quick and flavorful dinner? Lemon Butter Chicken is the perfect recipe for you! With a rich, creamy butter sauce and a burst of fresh lemon, this dish combines savory flavors with a hint of citrus that brightens up the chicken. It’s simple to prepare, yet tastes like something you’d get at a fine restaurant. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal the whole family will love!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Butter Chicken
Creamy and Zesty: The creamy butter sauce is perfectly balanced by the fresh lemon juice and zest, creating a dish that’s both rich and refreshing.
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
Versatile: It pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad—perfect for customizing to your taste.
Perfectly Tender Chicken: The chicken breasts are pan-seared to golden perfection, locking in juices and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if available)
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
½ cup chicken broth
1/4 cup heavy cream
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6–7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 75°C or 165°F). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Make the lemon butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the thyme, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Add the liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a simmer, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Return the chicken to the pan: Add the chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 more minutes until the chicken is coated with the sauce and heated through.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This Lemon Butter Chicken is delicious on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with:
Mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the creamy sauce
Roasted vegetables (such as asparagus, broccoli, or carrots)
A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette
Pasta (like angel hair or fettuccine) for a more substantial meal
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Butter Chicken
Don’t overcook the chicken: To keep the chicken tender and juicy, be sure to cook it just until golden brown and cooked through.
Add more lemon: If you love a tangy flavor, feel free to increase the amount of lemon zest and juice.
Make it spicier: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter sauce.
Use fresh thyme: Fresh thyme gives the sauce a more vibrant flavor, but dried thyme works perfectly fine if fresh isn’t available.
Health Considerations
This Lemon Butter Chicken is creamy and rich, so it’s a bit indulgent. If you want to lighten it up, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or swap the butter for a healthier fat, like olive oil. You could also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a low-carb option like cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb meal.
Conclusion
Lemon Butter Chicken is an elegant yet simple dish that’s bursting with flavor. The creamy butter sauce with fresh lemon zest and juice creates a perfect balance of richness and brightness. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to be a hit at the table!