Go Back

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.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

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.

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Season both sides of chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  2. Place flour in a shallow dish. Dredge both sides of the chicken breasts in the flour, one at a time.
  3. Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Add olive oil and 1 Tbsp of butter. Let the butter melt, then add the chicken breasts in a single layer.
  5. 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.
  6. Transfer the chicken to a plate while leaving any excess oil in the pan.
  7. Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and sauté for 20 seconds, or until just lightly golden brown.
  8. Pour in the chicken broth while scraping up browned bits from the pan.
  9. Pour in the lemon juice, bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it reduce by about half, about 2 minutes.
  10. Add the remaining 3 Tbsp of butter and the lemon zest, stirring until the butter melts.
  11. 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.