Zesty Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe: A Tangy Family Favorite

Tender chicken breasts dance with bright, zesty lemon butter in this irresistible weeknight dinner.

The lemon butter chicken recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors directly to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Citrusy notes mingle with rich, golden butter, creating a sauce that makes every bite sing.

Fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon brighten the entire dish, delivering complex layers of taste.

Simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

You’ll love how quickly this meal comes together, transforming ordinary chicken into a memorable feast.

Prepare to savor a dish that promises both comfort and excitement on your dinner plate.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything In Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

• Chicken Breasts: Tender protein that absorbs flavors beautifully and creates the main star of the dish.
• Salt: Enhances natural chicken flavors and helps create perfect seasoning balance.
• Black Pepper: Adds warm, slightly spicy undertone to complement chicken's mild taste.
• Garlic Powder: Provides deep, aromatic flavor without fresh garlic's intense bite.
• Paprika: Introduces mild sweetness and gorgeous golden-red color to the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Creates perfect searing surface and adds subtle fruity undertone.
• Butter: Delivers rich, creamy texture and develops complex, nutty flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth: Introduces additional depth and moisture to the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens entire dish with tangy, refreshing acidity.
• Lemon Zest: Intensifies citrus notes and provides aromatic essence.

• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Fresh Thyme: Contributes earthy, slightly minty undertones.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides vibrant green color and fresh herbal finish.
• Lemon Slices: Creates beautiful presentation and extra citrus accent.

Useful Cooking Tools For Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

• Large skillet: Essential for searing chicken and creating the lemon butter sauce.
• Cutting board: Needed for preparing chicken and chopping herbs.
• Sharp knife: Used for mincing garlic, zesting lemon, and chopping parsley.
• Measuring spoons: Help measure salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika accurately.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring sauce and scraping pan bits.
• Tongs: Ideal for handling and flipping chicken during cooking.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F/74C.
• Paper towels: Used for patting chicken dry before seasoning.

Easy Instructions For Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

• Prep the Poultry

Dry the chicken thoroughly using paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, ensuring both sides get a delicious coating.

• Sizzle and Brown

Fire up a large skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of olive oil. Carefully place the chicken in the pan and let it sear until golden brown, roughly 4-5 minutes per side. Verify doneness by checking that the internal temperature hits 165°F/74°C. Transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

• Craft the Zesty Sauce

Lower the skillet’s heat and melt butter until it’s beautifully golden. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance for about 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic magic. Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up those flavor-packed browned bits. Add a generous squeeze of lemon juice, sprinkle of lemon zest, and a pinch of thyme. Let the sauce simmer and reduce for 3-4 minutes.

• Reunite and Finish

Gently return the chicken to the skillet, lovingly coating it with the bright, buttery sauce. Allow everything to bubble together for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated through and completely embraced by the lemony goodness.

• Plate and Present

Shower the chicken with freshly chopped parsley and arrange delicate lemon slices around the dish. Serve alongside your favorite companions like creamy pasta, fluffy mashed potatoes, or crisp steamed vegetables.

Flavor Ideas For Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken in advance and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap butter for olive oil or vegan butter alternatives to create a lactose-free version of this zesty chicken dish.
• Herb Harmony: Experiment with different fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for those who enjoy a subtle kick of heat in their lemon butter chicken.
• Low-Carb Champion: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to transform this recipe into a perfect low-carbohydrate meal option.

Simple Ways To Serve Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

• Zesty Pasta Partner: Toss al dente linguine or angel hair pasta with the lemon butter sauce, creating a delightful base that catches every drop of the tangy, rich coating from the chicken.
• Mediterranean Veggie Companion: Roast a colorful medley of zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus with olive oil and herbs, complementing the bright, lemony chicken with earthy vegetable notes.
• Creamy Potato Sidekick: Whip up smooth mashed potatoes or a silky potato puree, using the same pan drippings to add extra flavor and create a luxurious, comforting plate that balances the chicken's zesty profile.
• Crisp Green Salad Accent: Prepare a light arugula salad with shaved parmesan, dressed in a simple lemon vinaigrette that echoes the chicken's citrusy undertones and provides a fresh, peppery contrast to the rich main dish.

Refrigerating And Reheating Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover lemon butter chicken in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Separate the chicken from sauce to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
• Intelligent Cooling Technique: Refrigerate chicken for maximum 3-4 days. Keep the container sealed to lock in flavors and prevent bacterial growth. Always use clean utensils when handling stored food.
• Smart Reheating Method: Warm chicken gently in skillet or microwave with splashed chicken broth to restore moisture. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165F, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to maintain chicken's tender quality and delicious lemon butter sauce characteristics.

Zesty Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Zesty lemon butter chicken elevates weeknight dinners with Mediterranean flair. Succulent chicken thighs bathed in tangy sauce deliver restaurant-quality flavor and effortless elegance you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 1 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon slices

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat chicken completely dry, then lavishly season both surfaces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to create a robust flavor profile.
2. Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature until glistening. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the pan, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust for 4-5 minutes. Confirm chicken reaches 165F/74C internal temperature, then transfer to a holding plate.
3. Sauce Foundation: Reduce skillet heat to medium, introducing butter and allowing it to melt. Swiftly add minced garlic, stirring briefly to release its aromatic qualities. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to lift caramelized remnants from the skillet’s surface.
4. Flavor Infusion: Incorporate lemon juice, lemon zest, and thyme into the developing sauce. Simmer the mixture for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to concentrate and the sauce to slightly thicken.
5. Final Assembly: Return chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece with the lemon-infused sauce. Warm through for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring complete flavor absorption.
6. Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve alongside complementary sides like pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.

Notes

• Ensure Chicken Dryness: Pat chicken completely dry with paper towels to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Control Skillet Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat initially for crispy exterior, then reduce to medium when making sauce to prevent burning garlic and butter.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165F/74C for safe, juicy results without overcooking.
• Customize Flavor Variations: Experiment with herbs like rosemary or add red pepper flakes for extra kick, making the dish adaptable to different taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg