Lemon Chicken Recipe with Lemon Butter Sauce
This lemon chicken recipe with lemon butter sauce is bright, buttery, and full of flavor. Juicy pan-seared chicken coated in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce makes this an easy and elegant dinner recipe.
Ingredients
- For the chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the lemon butter sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and black pepper
- Optional additions:
- Fresh parsley
- Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter and add garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, then simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over it. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with lemon zest and fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
- Deglaze the pan to incorporate all the flavorful bits into the sauce.
- Adjust lemon and butter to balance brightness and richness.