Lemon Butter Chicken
This flavorful Garlic Lemon Chicken Breast recipe features tender chicken breasts seared to perfection and topped with a zesty lemon sauce, complemented by a subtle garlic flavor. It's quick, simple, and perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Ingredients
- 4 5 oz chicken breasts, pounded to an even 1/3-inch thickness Ensure the chicken is of even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Salt Salt To taste.
- Freshly ground black pepper Pepper To taste.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour For dredging the chicken.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil For frying.
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, sliced into 1 Tbsp pieces, divided Divided for cooking and sauce.
- 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic For flavor.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth For the sauce base.
- 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice For a tangy kick.
- 1/2 tsp fresh lemon zest For added citrus flavor.
- 1 1/2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley (optional) For garnish.
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Season both sides of chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Place flour in a shallow dish. Dredge both sides of the chicken breasts in the flour, one at a time.
- Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add olive oil and 1 Tbsp of butter. Let the butter melt, then add the chicken breasts in a single layer.
- Sear until golden brown on the bottom, about 4 - 5 minutes, then flip and continue to cook until the chicken registers 165°F in the center, about 4 - 5 minutes longer.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate while leaving any excess oil in the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and sauté for 20 seconds, or until just lightly golden brown.
- Pour in the chicken broth while scraping up browned bits from the pan.
- Pour in the lemon juice, bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it reduce by about half, about 2 minutes.
- Add the remaining 3 Tbsp of butter and the lemon zest, stirring until the butter melts.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the chicken, and garnish with parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, add more lemon zest.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked to 165°F for safety and perfect tenderness.