The Best Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe: Easy, Flavorful, and Irresistible!
There’s something magical about the combination of lemon and butter. It’s a pairing that transforms humble ingredients into a meal fit for royalty. Lemon Butter Chicken embodies this culinary alchemy. This dish is where the zesty brightness of fresh lemons meets the creamy richness of butter, creating a sauce so luscious you’ll want to drizzle it over everything. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, Lemon Butter Chicken is surprisingly easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
What makes this recipe truly shine is its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes as though it came from a fine dining restaurant. The chicken is seared to golden perfection and then bathed in a silky sauce infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and lemon. It’s the kind of meal that turns dinner into an event and leftovers into something to look forward to.
Chicken thighs or breasts: 4 pieces
Lemon juice: 2 tbsp (freshly squeezed)
Lemon zest: 1 tsp
Butter: 4 tbsp (unsalted)
Olive oil: 2 tbsp
Garlic cloves: 4 (minced)
Chicken broth: 1 cup
Heavy cream: 1/4 cup
Flour: 2 tbsp (optional, for dredging)
Salt: 1 tsp
Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
Paprika: 1 tsp
Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp (chopped, for garnish)
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Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. If desired, lightly dredge in flour for a crispy exterior.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp of butter. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Add Cream and Reintroduce Chicken
Stir in the heavy cream and whisk until the sauce is smooth. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Lemon Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Add a side of steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans for a complete meal.
Lemon Butter Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the small joys in life. Cooking this dish is like crafting a piece of edible art. As the chicken sizzles in the pan and the aroma of garlic and lemon wafts through your kitchen, you’ll be reminded of the power of food to bring comfort and happiness. It’s a meal that fits seamlessly into your weeknight rotation but also has the finesse to impress guests at a dinner party.
Cooking at home doesn’t have to be intimidating or time-consuming. With a recipe like Lemon Butter Chicken, you’ll find yourself rediscovering the joy of cooking, one delicious bite at a time. So grab your skillet and some fresh lemons, and let the magic begin. You’ll soon see why this recipe has become a favorite in kitchens everywhere.
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