Quick and Delicious Lemon Chicken with Butter Sauce

Mastering Lemon Butter Chicken

Lemon butter chicken is a quick and delightful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious, tangy butter sauce. This recipe is perfect for home cooks seeking a flavorful yet uncomplicated meal. The chicken is seasoned and lightly coated in flour before being seared to a golden brown, locking in juiciness. A savory sauce made from sautéed garlic, chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and butter adds richness and brightness, balancing each bite with zesty freshness.

This dish is naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free flour and can be adapted for various dietary preferences. Its simplicity, paired with bold flavors, makes it a favorite for weeknight dinners or when entertaining guests. Cooking times are short, so you’ll have a satisfying meal ready in about 30 minutes, ideal for busy schedules.

Lemon butter chicken delivers delightful zest and creaminess, showcasing how simple ingredients create a vibrant and comforting dinner experience.

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Benefits and Advantages of Lemon Butter Chicken

This lemon butter chicken recipe stands out due to its ease of preparation and balanced nutrition. It requires modest ingredients and minimal cooking steps, making it accessible for cooks at any skill level. The marinade-free method focuses on fresh lemon juice and garlic to impart natural flavors without heavy sauces or creams.

Health-wise, chicken breasts provide lean protein essential for muscle repair and energy without excessive fat. The inclusion of lemon juice contributes vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting immune function and digestion. Using butter in moderation adds healthy fats that enhance satiety and aid in nutrient absorption.

Moreover, this recipe is flexible—use smaller chicken breasts or pound larger ones evenly for uniform cooking. Substituting gluten-free flour ensures suitability for those with gluten sensitivity. This versatility, along with its bright flavor profile, positions lemon butter chicken as an excellent choice for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Essential Ingredients for Lemon Butter Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5 oz each), pounded to an even 1/3-inch thickness
• 1/3 cup flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour)
• Salt and pepper, 1 tablespoon total, for seasoning
• 4 tablespoons butter, sliced into 1 tablespoon pieces, divided
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic, sliced (adjust to preference)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

This curated list features essential components that create the signature taste and texture of the dish. Chicken breasts deliver lean protein, while flour provides a light coating that crisps on searing. Butter and garlic build the rich, aromatic sauce, and lemon juice and zest add citrus brightness. Fresh parsley adds a touch of herbaceous color at serving.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Lemon Butter Chicken

Gluten-Free Options

Use gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of traditional flour to avoid gluten. Alternatively, cornstarch or almond flour can serve as coatings, though texture may vary slightly. This substitution maintains the crisp sear while accommodating dietary needs.

Dairy-Free and Vegan Alternatives

Replace butter with vegan butter or a neutral oil like avocado or olive oil to make this recipe dairy-free. For vegan adaptations, substitute chicken breasts with firm tofu or seitan and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure appropriate texture and doneness.

Lemon Variations

Meyer lemons offer a sweeter, less tart flavor than regular lemons, making the sauce milder and slightly fruity. Adjust the amount of lemon juice to taste to suit your preference for tanginess.

Additional Flavor Options

For gentle heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be incorporated into the sauce or sprinkled on top for a subtle flavor twist.

These substitutions allow you to tailor the lemon butter chicken recipe to personal dietary preferences while keeping its bright, buttery taste intact. For more savory chicken dishes, explore our Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan.

Learn more about How to Cook Chicken Breasts Perfectly and the Benefits of Lemon in Cooking to enhance your culinary skills.

How to Prepare the Perfect Lemon Butter Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Season and flour the chicken: Pat 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even 1/3-inch thickness) dry. Season both sides with 1 tablespoon salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in 1/3 cup flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken to a plate and keep warm.
3. Make the lemon butter sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons sliced garlic to the skillet, sautéing for about 20 seconds until golden and fragrant. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth, scraping the pan to deglaze and loosen browned bits.
4. Add lemon and butter: Stir in 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and let the mixture simmer until reduced by half, approximately 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter (sliced into tablespoon pieces) one piece at a time until the sauce is smooth. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest.
5. Return chicken and serve: Place the chicken back into the skillet with the sauce, spooning the sauce over the chicken. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm alongside your favorite sides such as steamed asparagus or cauliflower rice.

Simple, quick, and packed with bright flavors, this lemon butter chicken recipe is a perfect weeknight meal that impresses without stress.

Mastering Lemon Butter Chicken: Advanced Tips and Variations

Choose small, evenly sized chicken breasts or flatten larger breasts for consistent cooking. This approach prevents undercooked centers or drying out. Meyer lemons lend a sweeter, less acidic note than regular lemons, so feel free to adjust the lemon juice quantity to suit your taste.

For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of cream at the end or swap butter for a combination of butter and olive oil. Adding capers or fresh thyme can bring extra depth to the dish. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter substitutes, noting that flavor and texture might adjust slightly.

Try variations like topping the cooked chicken with toasted almonds for crunch or serving over garlic mashed potatoes for a comforting twist. If preferred, chicken thighs make a flavorful, juicy alternative, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to keep them tender and moist.

How to Store Lemon Butter Chicken: Best Practices

Store leftover lemon butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To keep the chicken moist upon reheating, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in a microwave with a cover to trap steam, adding a splash of chicken broth if necessary.

Freezing lemon butter chicken is possible but may affect the texture of the sauce. If freezing, place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to maintain the best quality.

Separating the sauce and chicken before freezing can also help preserve texture, recombining them during reheating.

Proper storage and gentle reheating keep your lemon butter chicken flavorful and tender, perfect for enjoying leftovers.

Nutritional Value of Lemon Butter Chicken

This lemon butter chicken offers a balanced profile suitable for a nutritious meal. High in protein and moderate in fat, the dish provides essential vitamins and minerals. The lemon adds vitamin C, contributing to the flavor and health benefits.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Butter Chicken

Quick and Delicious Lemon Chicken with Butter Sauce

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free Option

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Description

🍋 Savor the zesty burst of flavors in this quick and easy lemon chicken, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
🐔 Delight your taste buds with tender and juicy chicken, enhanced by a rich and buttery lemon sauce that’s simply irresistible.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5 oz each), pounded to an even 1/3-inch thickness
1/3 cup flour (gluten-free flour can be substituted)
1 tablespoon salt and pepper for seasoning
4 tablespoons butter, sliced into 1 tablespoon pieces, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic, sliced (adjust to preference)
1/2 cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Dredge in flour, shaking off the excess.
2. Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and olive oil. Sear the chicken until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate.
3. Lower the heat to medium and add garlic, sautéing for 20 seconds until golden. Pour in the chicken broth, deglazing the pan by scraping up browned bits.
4. Add the lemon juice and let it simmer until the liquid reduces by half, about 2 minutes. Stir in the remaining butter and lemon zest.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over it. Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

🌿 Use small chicken breasts or flatten larger ones for even cooking. Thin-cut breasts can save prep time.
🍋 Meyer lemons can be used for a sweeter taste. Adjust lemon juice for desired tanginess.
🥦 Pair with steamed or roasted asparagus, broccoli, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Searing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
• Calories: 341
• Sugar: n/a
• Sodium: 176 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: n/a
• Trans Fat: n/a
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: n/a
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 121 mg