Print

Lemon Chicken with Butter Sauce

Lemon Chicken with Butter Sauce
Print Recipe

A quick and easy Lemon Chicken with Butter Sauce recipe featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a bright, creamy lemon and butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines fresh lemon zest and juice with garlic, chicken broth, and buttery richness, finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a flavorful, comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Butter Sauce

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or gluten-free substitute)
  • Juice of 1 fresh lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
  • Zest of 1 fresh lemon
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside. You will finish cooking it in the sauce shortly.
  2. Create the Butter Sauce Base: Lower the heat to medium in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to add flavor.
  3. Add Butter and Lemon Zest: Reduce the liquid slightly, then whisk in cold butter pieces one at a time off the heat, creating a creamy, smooth sauce. Stir in fresh lemon zest for an extra citrus aroma and flavor.
  4. Finish Cooking the Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some sauce over them, and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. The sauce will thicken slightly and coat the chicken.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and sauce before serving to add vibrant color and a fresh herbal note.

Notes

  • Let chicken rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even cooking.
  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
  • Add cold butter gradually off heat to prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming oily.
  • Use a meat thermometer or slice to check the chicken is cooked through to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Scrape the pan well to incorporate all the flavorful browned bits into the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chicken, butter sauce, quick chicken recipe, easy dinner, gluten-free, weeknight meal, chicken breasts, lemon butter sauce

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/lemon-chicken-with-butter-sauce/