Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce is a zesty, flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken breasts seared to perfection and coated in a rich, buttery lemon sauce. It’s a quick and elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The brightness of the lemon balances the richness of the butter, creating a simple yet irresistible flavor combination.

ingredients

Lemon Chicken Recipe (with Lemon Butter Sauce) 10 Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce is a zesty, flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken breasts seared to perfection and coated in a rich, buttery lemon sauce. It’s a quick and elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The brightness of the lemon balances the richness of the butter, creating a simple yet irresistible flavor combination.

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)olive oilbuttergarlic (minced)chicken brothlemon juicelemon zestheavy creamsaltblack pepperall-purpose flourfresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.

Season both sides with salt and pepper, then lightly dredge in flour.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Whisk in heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for another 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Simmer for 2 more minutes to meld the flavors.

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add capers for a salty,

briny twist.

Substitute boneless thighs for a juicier cut.

Use white wine in place of some chicken broth for added depth.

Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Add spinach or artichokes for a Mediterranean flair.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce when reheating.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use olive oil instead of butter and omit the cream or use a dairy-free substitute.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I freeze lemon chicken?

Yes, store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently.

Can I use skin-on chicken?

Yes, just adjust cooking time to ensure the skin crisps up and the meat cooks through.

What sides go well with lemon chicken?

Rice, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a light salad pair beautifully.

Is this sauce very tart?

The lemon flavor is prominent but balanced by the butter and cream for a smooth finish.

Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely—just scale up the ingredients to suit your taste or to serve over pasta.

Can I bake the chicken instead?

Yes, sear it first for color, then finish in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes.

Can I add herbs?

Yes, thyme or rosemary pair wonderfully with the lemon and chicken.

Conclusion

Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce is a crowd-pleasing dish that brings together freshness and richness in every bite. Its ease of preparation and elegant presentation make it a go-to recipe for busy nights or dinner guests. Once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for its perfect harmony of tangy and savory flavors.