If you have been searching for a dish that combines simplicity, vibrant flavors, and a little touch of elegance, then this Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Juicy chicken seared to perfection is bathed in a luscious lemon and butter sauce that is both tangy and rich, with a hint of garlic that rounds out every bite. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe brings a delightful harmony of zesty brightness and creamy indulgence that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in elevating the dish’s flavor and texture. These pantry staples come together effortlessly to create a balance of savory, citrusy, and buttery goodness.
- 1.5 pounds chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for more juiciness or breasts for a leaner option; both soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat that complements the lemony sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a nice sear that locks in moisture and adds a hint of richness.
- 3 tablespoons butter: The star ingredient that lends a silky texture and rich flavor to the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with gentle aromatic warmth.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Brings an intense, bright citrus note to the dish.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: Adds tangy freshness that wakes up every bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Introduces a subtle kick to contrast the buttery sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Helps build a flavorful, slightly reduced sauce.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley: For a pop of color and herbaceous finish.
How to Make Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by evenly seasoning both sides of your chicken thighs or breasts with salt and black pepper. This simple step is crucial to enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and sear it for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side, allowing it to develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. This not only locks in moisture but also builds the base flavor that makes this Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe so irresistible. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat slightly and add the butter to the same skillet. As it melts, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this will fill your kitchen with an enticing aroma that hints at the delicious meal ahead.
Step 4: Add Lemon and Spice
Stir in the bright lemon zest and fresh lemon juice, along with the crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Let this mixture simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the lemon to infuse the butter and garlic with its signature tang.
Step 5: Build the Sauce with Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the skillet’s bottom. These little caramelized morsels add so much depth to your sauce. Let the sauce reduce for 3 to 4 minutes until it slightly thickens, creating a luscious coating for your chicken.
Step 6: Return Chicken to the Pan
Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning the glossy sauce over the top. Let it simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the chicken absorbs that vibrant lemon butter flavor and stays juicy.
Step 7: Finish with Fresh Parsley
Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the skillet just before serving. This not only adds a fresh burst of color but also lifts the herbaceous notes in the sauce, completing your Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe with a touch of brightness.
How to Serve Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches make all the difference. Besides fresh parsley, a few extra lemon zest strips on top can amplify the citrus flavor. If you like an extra pop, a light drizzle of good quality olive oil or a pinch more crushed red pepper flakes adds visual appeal and flavor depth.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles work great to soak up the sauce, while a crisp side salad or steamed green beans offer a refreshing contrast. For a low-carb twist, cauliflower rice soaks up that buttery lemon sauce just as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the chicken on a bed of risotto or wild rice for an elegant presentation. Arrange slices of the chicken neatly over a platter, drizzling extra sauce and garnishing generously with parsley and lemon wedges. It’s a simple upgrade that makes this humble dish feel special enough for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lemon Butter Chicken stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce and chicken together helps maintain moisture, but be sure to cool it completely before sealing to preserve freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Lemon Butter Chicken for up to 2 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container with the sauce to guard against drying out. When ready to enjoy again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat so it warms through without drying out. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, the microwave works fine—just heat in short intervals to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a leaner choice and will work nicely. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster than thighs. Searing and simmering in the sauce helps maintain juiciness.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth. Always check labels to be sure, especially if you’re using store-bought broth or other pre-made ingredients.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with a good quality olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still deliciously rich and tangy.
How spicy is this recipe with the red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth that complements the lemon and butter without overpowering them. You can always reduce or omit them if you prefer a milder taste.
What’s the best way to get a crispy skin on the chicken?
If using chicken thighs with skin, make sure to pat them dry before seasoning and use medium-high heat when searing. This helps render the fat and create a wonderfully crisp crust.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about this Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe — it’s foolproof, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion where you want a satisfying meal without fuss. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself making it again and again, savoring that perfect balance of zesty lemon and buttery richness that feels like a celebration in every bite.
Print
Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lemon Butter Chicken recipe features tender chicken thighs or breasts seared to golden perfection and coated in a luscious lemon butter sauce with garlic, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of red pepper flakes. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a bright and flavorful dinner option that’s perfect for weeknights or when entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and black pepper to ensure the meat is well-flavored before cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Lemon and Spices: Stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Let the mixture simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift any caramelized bits. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to reduce slightly and thicken.
- Finish Cooking Chicken: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to warm the chicken and allow it to absorb the sauce flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes such as rice, vegetables, or potatoes.
Notes
- Chicken breasts or thighs can be used depending on preference; thighs tend to be juicier.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to taste or omit for a mild flavor.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking that internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For a richer sauce, you can add an extra tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking.
