Lemon Butter Chicken

The first time I made Lemon Butter Chicken, I was captivated by the luscious aroma that filled my kitchen. It was an ordinary weeknight, but the moment those tender chicken breasts hit the pan, the magic began. The sizzle of the oil paired with the tangy citrus notes from the lemon made my mouth water in anticipation. Cooking has always been a way for me to express love, and this dish was no exception. Every bite felt like a warm hug, a reminder of the simple pleasures in life. I often find myself returning to this recipe, not just for its fantastic flavors but for the memories it creates around the dinner table.

Imagine gathering your loved ones around, sharing stories over this delightful dish. Lemon Butter Chicken has a way of turning the ordinary into extraordinary. Whether you’re serving it up on a cozy Sunday evening or during a special gathering, it’s a recipe that sparks joy and connection. So, let’s dive into the reasons why this dish is a staple in my kitchen and why you’ll love it just as much.

What You’ll Need for Lemon Butter Chicken

When it comes to making Lemon Butter Chicken, you don’t need much—just a handful of quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in crafting that delicious sauce and ensuring the chicken is juicy and flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 chicken breasts, 12 to 14 ounces each: The star of this dish, providing protein and texture.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour: For dredging, it gives the chicken a nice golden crust.
• 4 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness while cooking the chicken.
• 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves: Infuses the oil with aromatic flavor.
• 1 ½ cups chicken stock: Forms the base of the sauce, adding depth.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a creamy, rich sauce.
• Juice of 1 lemon, about 3 to 4 tablespoons: Provides a bright, zesty flavor.
• Coarse salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
• Minced fresh parsley for garnish, optional: Adds a pop of color and freshness.

How to Make Lemon Butter Chicken

Making Lemon Butter Chicken is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Follow these simple steps to create this delicious dish:

1. Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half widthwise. This helps them cook evenly and quickly.
2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper. This will create a flavorful coating for the chicken.
3. Heat olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan or rondeau pot over medium heat. To check if it’s ready, sprinkle a bit of flour into the pan; if it fries nicely without burning, it’s good to go!
4. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper, ensuring they’re nicely coated.
5. In batches, dredge a piece of chicken in the flour mixture, making sure to coat both sides and pat off any excess. This step is crucial for achieving that golden crust.
6. Add the coated chicken to the hot pan and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they’re browned and almost cooked through. You want a nice golden crust!
7. Once browned, set the cooked chicken aside on a plate while you prepare the sauce.
8. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the garlic, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
9. Pour in the chicken stock and increase the heat to high. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce by half. This step intensifies the flavors.
10. Stir in the lemon juice, butter, salt, and pepper over low heat until the butter melts and combines into a luscious sauce.
11. Add the chicken back into the pan, cooking for an additional 2 to 4 minutes. This ensures the chicken is heated through and infused with all the flavorful sauce.
12. Finally, garnish with optional minced parsley for a fresh touch. Serve the Lemon Butter Chicken warm and enjoy every bite!

Expert Tips about Lemon Butter Chicken

To make your cooking experience even better, here are some expert tips to keep in mind while preparing Lemon Butter Chicken:

• Storage: How to store leftovers: Allow the Lemon Butter Chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Can you freeze this? Yes, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: When reheating, add a few tablespoons of water to the chicken in a saucepan. Cook over low to medium heat until hot, about 6 to 8 minutes.
• Variations: You can experiment with adding other spices or herbs to the flour mixture for a unique twist. Consider adding paprika or thyme for extra flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Lemon Butter Chicken, the options are vast and exciting. Here are some ideas:

• Serve over Rice: A fluffy bed of rice is perfect to soak up all that luscious lemon butter sauce.
• Pair with Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables add color, nutrition, and a delightful contrast in texture.
• Add a Side Salad: A crisp, fresh salad with a zesty vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken.
• Crusty Bread: Serve slices of crusty bread on the side for dipping into the buttery sauce.
• Perfect for Gatherings: This dish is ideal for family dinners, special occasions, or even casual gatherings with friends.
• Light Meal Option: Enjoy Lemon Butter Chicken as a lighter meal option, served with steamed broccoli or asparagus.
• Storage Tips: Remember, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or frozen for future meals!

FAQ

Conclusion

Lemon Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the brightness of lemon and the richness of butter, creating a meal that’s both comforting and impressive. I encourage you to try making it for your family or friends; it’s sure to become a favorite. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process and savor the flavors!

Lemon Butter Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Lemon Butter Chicken is a creamy and zesty dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. With tender chicken coated in a rich lemon butter sauce, it’s an easy weeknight meal that will impress your family and friends. Make it tonight for a deliciously satisfying experience!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Whisk
• Frying Pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Chef's Knife

Ingredients

  

• 2 breasts chicken 12 to 14 ounces each
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic thinly sliced
• 1 ½ cups chicken stock
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 lemon juice about 3 to 4 tablespoons
• to taste coarse salt and freshly cracked pepper
• to taste minced fresh parsley for garnish, optional

Instructions

 

• Slice the chicken breasts in half widthwise.
• Whisk together the flour with salt and pepper in a shallow bowl.
• Heat olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan or rondeau pot over medium heat. It will be ready to use when you add some flour, and it fries but does not burn, which takes about 1 ½ to 2 minutes.
• Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
• In batches dredge a chicken breast in the flour on both sides and pat off any excess.
• Add the chicken to the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until browned and almost cooked through.
• Set the chicken to the side on a plate.
• Turn the heat down to low, stir in the garlic, and cook while stirring for 1 to 2 minutes.
• Pour in chicken stock and cook over high heat for 4 to 5 minutes or until the amount of liquid is reduced by one half.
• Stir in the butter, lemon juice, salt, and pepper over low heat until the butter is melted.
• Add the chicken back in and cook for 2 to 4 minutes to finish cooking it and heating it up.
• Garnish with optional minced fresh parsley.

Notes

• Make-Ahead: You can make this recipe up to 30 minutes ahead. Just keep warm in the sauce over low heat before serving.
• How to Store: Cover and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It will freeze covered for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for 1 day before reheating.
• How to Reheat: Add the desired amount of Lemon Butter Chicken to a saucepan with a few tablespoons of water. Cook over low to medium heat until hot, about 6 to 8 minutes.

Keyword buttery lemon chicken, easy chicken dinner, lemon butter chicken recipe, zesty chicken dish

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Meet Olivia Bennett

For me, cooking is about connection. Whether I’m making a quick breakfast or a three course dinner, I focus on the feeling the food gives you. I love the entire process of food blogging, from chopping the first onion to adjusting the lighting for the final photo. I’m the one who reminds the team to slow down and really taste the food as we go, ensuring every recipe has that “home-cooked” warmth.