Zesty Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Crispy, golden lemon chicken with a velvety lemon butter sauce promises a culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Zesty citrus notes weave magic through tender meat, creating an irresistible melody of flavors.

Fresh ingredients whisper promises of comfort and excitement on your plate.

Mediterranean kitchens inspired this simple yet elegant dish that comes together in minutes.

Bright, tangy elements blend seamlessly with rich, creamy undertones, offering a perfect balance of textures.

Home cooks adore how quickly this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this delightful meal that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. They cook quickly and evenly, absorbing the lemon butter sauce perfectly.

• Can I make this dish without flour?

Yes, but coating the chicken in flour creates a light, crispy exterior that helps seal in moisture and adds texture to the final dish.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the flour dredging makes it not gluten-free. To make it gluten-free, use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour alternative instead of regular wheat flour.

Why Lemon Chicken with Butter Sauce Is a Showstopper

• Savor Quick Flavor Fusion: Combine zesty lemon and tender chicken in a mouthwatering dish that transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn professional-level skillet cooking with easy dredging, searing, and sauce-making steps that boost your culinary confidence.
• Create Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or impressing guests with minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation that delivers maximum taste.
• Enjoy Healthier Homemade Cooking: Control ingredients and nutrition by preparing a fresh, wholesome chicken dish without processed sauces or complicated methods.

Ingredients in Lemon Chicken with Butter Sauce

• Chicken Breasts: Tender cuts of white meat that serve as the primary protein in this dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a light, crispy exterior when dredging the chicken.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, velvety sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy flavor to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and liquid base for the sauce.
• Lemon Zest: Intensifies the citrus flavor and adds aromatic notes.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and creating a golden-brown exterior.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, green color and light herbal flavor to the finished dish.

How to Achieve Perfect Lemon Chicken with Butter Sauce

Step 1: Prep and Season Chicken

Gently pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Dust each chicken breast thoroughly with flour, carefully shaking off any excess coating to ensure a light, even layer.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown Chicken

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot pan. Cook each side for 5-7 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms and chicken is completely cooked through.

Transfer chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create Zesty Lemon Sauce

In the same skillet, drop butter and let it melt completely.

• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Chicken broth
• Lemon zest

Stir ingredients together, gently scraping up delicious browned bits from the pan’s bottom. Allow sauce to simmer and slightly reduce for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return chicken breasts to the skillet. Generously spoon the vibrant lemon sauce over each piece.

Let chicken warm through for an additional 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken.

Transfer to serving plates immediately while sauce and chicken are piping hot.

Tips to Elevate Lemon Chicken with Butter Sauce

• Opt for fresh lemon juice to enhance the vibrant citrus flavor and avoid bitter undertones from bottled alternatives.
• Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior when pan-searing.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond flour or cornstarch for dredging.
• Balance the sauce's acidity by adding a pinch of sugar or honey if the lemon flavor feels too sharp.

Flavor Variations to Explore with Lemon Chicken with Butter Sauce

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace flour with breadcrumbs mixed with dried oregano and thyme for a Mediterranean-inspired coating.
• Gluten-Free Citrus Version: Use almond flour instead of wheat flour and swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a celiac-friendly option.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Skip flour entirely, use grated Parmesan cheese as a crispy coating and add extra butter for increased fat content.
• Spicy Lemon Chicken: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce and include a dash of cayenne pepper in the initial seasoning for a zesty kick.

Complementary Dishes to Enjoy with Lemon Chicken with Butter Sauce

• Zesty Dinner Delight: Pair this lemon chicken with fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious butter sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
• Bright Mediterranean Plate: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese to complement the tangy lemon flavors and add freshness to the dish.
• Elegant Weeknight Presentation: Plate the chicken over roasted asparagus or steamed green beans to add color, nutrition, and a sophisticated touch to your meal while balancing the rich sauce.
• Rustic Comfort Combo: Accompany the chicken with crusty bread or garlic toast to help guests mop up every last drop of the mouthwatering lemon butter sauce.

Storing Lemon Chicken with Butter Sauce Correctly

• Store leftover lemon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep the chicken and sauce separately to maintain the best texture and prevent sogginess.
• Cool the chicken completely before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth.
• Always use clean utensils when handling stored food.

Quick Lemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy lemon chicken with lemon butter sauce offers a delightful Mediterranean-inspired main course. Succulent chicken breasts nestle in a silky, tangy sauce that elevates weeknight dinners to restaurant-quality elegance you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dry Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Liquid and Flavor Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Liberally coat chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dust thoroughly with flour, ensuring excess is tapped off.
2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until achieving a rich golden crust and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, leaving flavorful fond in the pan.
4. Reduce heat to medium and melt butter, allowing it to foam slightly. Quickly whisk in fresh lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, and chicken broth, vigorously scraping accumulated browned bits from skillet bottom.
5. Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened and harmonized, stirring continuously.
6. Gently nestle chicken back into the skillet, allowing it to bathe in the tangy lemon butter sauce for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken for a bright, herbaceous finish.
8. Plate immediately while sauce is warm and chicken remains succulent, serving directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation.

Notes

• Check chicken doneness by using a meat thermometer, ensuring it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Adjust flour coating thickness by patting chicken dry before dredging, creating a crispier exterior.
• Tenderize chicken breasts by pounding them to even thickness before cooking, promoting uniform and quicker cooking.
• Experiment with gluten-free flour alternatives like almond or rice flour for those with dietary restrictions.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 254 kcal
• Sugar: 0.6 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg