If you’re searching for a dish that is bright, luscious, and utterly comforting, Lemon Butter Chicken is the perfect meal to brighten up any night. The tangy zest of lemon combined with rich, creamy butter creates a sauce that lovingly envelopes tender chicken breasts, making each bite a delightful balance of fresh and indulgent flavors. This recipe is wonderfully straightforward yet yields impressive results, making it a beloved favorite whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends.

Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple, wholesome, and essential to crafting the perfect Lemon Butter Chicken. Each element contributes its unique magic: from the citrus zing of lemons, the savory depth of garlic and thyme, to the silky smoothness the butter brings to the dish’s rich sauce.

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The foundation of the dish, these provide tender, juicy meat that soaks up the lemon butter sauce beautifully.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds luxurious richness and helps develop a velvety sauce perfect for coating the chicken.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Offers a fragrant, savory punch that balances the lemon’s brightness.
1/2 cup chicken broth: A flavorful base that keeps the chicken moist and helps create the sauce’s body.
Juice of 2 lemons: Delivers a refreshing, zesty brightness that defines this dish’s signature flavor.
Zest of 1 lemon: Intensifies the lemon flavor with an aromatic citrus oil boost.
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme): Adds an earthy herbaceous note that complements the tangy lemon wonderfully.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential to enhance and balance all the flavors.
Fresh parsley (chopped, to garnish): Gives a pop of color and fresh, slightly peppery flavor finishing the dish perfectly.

How to Make Lemon Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Begin by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to ensure a beautiful golden sear. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to build the base of flavor before cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken breasts and cook without moving them for about 5 to 7 minutes so they develop a lovely golden crust. This not only locks in juiciness but gives the dish that irresistible texture contrast.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Flip Chicken

Flip the chicken breasts carefully, then add the minced garlic to the skillet. Let it sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned — this releases the garlic’s aroma into the butter, creating the base for a gorgeous sauce.

Step 4: Pour in Liquids and Lemon

Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet. The combination of broth and lemon immediately elevates the flavors, adding moisture and the signature tang that makes Lemon Butter Chicken so dazzling.

Step 5: Simmer and Cook Through

Reduce heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let the chicken gently simmer in the lemony broth for 10 to 12 minutes, allowing the meat to cook fully and soak up those vibrant flavors. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) to guarantee it’s safely cooked yet tender.

Step 6: Remove Chicken and Thicken Sauce

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and keep warm. Bring the sauce to a simmer on higher heat to concentrate the flavors. Then add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, stirring as it melts to create a silky, luscious sauce with a slight thickness that clings perfectly to every bite.

Step 7: Finish with Thyme and Serve

Stir in the dried thyme and season with extra salt and pepper if needed. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon that glossy lemon butter sauce all over. The fresh herbaceous notes of thyme and bright citrus meld beautifully, creating a taste sensation that’s hard to resist.

How to Serve Lemon Butter Chicken

Garnishes

Chopped fresh parsley is the go-to garnish here — it adds a delightful pop of green and a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that cuts through the richness. A thin lemon slice or zest curls placed on top also enhance the presentation and emphasize the citrus character.

Side Dishes

Lemon Butter Chicken pairs wonderfully with light, simple sides that let the sauce shine. Steamed green beans, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fluffy jasmine rice are all fabulous options to soak up the lemon buttery goodness. Roasted asparagus or a crisp garden salad also complement the meal’s brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Lemon Butter Chicken over creamy polenta or alongside buttery noodles tossed with fresh herbs for an Italian twist. For a fresh take, slice the chicken and layer it over a bed of mixed greens with avocado and cherry tomatoes, drizzled with the lemon butter sauce as a warm dressing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Lemon Butter Chicken and its sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The chicken retains its tenderness, and the sauce’s flavors deepen over time, making for even tastier meals the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to enjoy it later. Store the chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to maintain the sauce’s silky texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat, spooning sauce over it to keep the meat moist and flavorful. Avoid microwaving if possible, as slow stovetop reheating preserves the luscious lemon butter sauce and tender chicken best.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Bone-in chicken breasts or thighs can add extra flavor, though cooking times will be longer to ensure the meat is fully cooked. Just adjust the simmering time accordingly and check for doneness carefully.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute unsalted butter with a non-dairy alternative like vegan butter or olive oil. The sauce will still be delicious with a slight change in richness but maintain that lovely lemon brightness.

Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?

Fresh thyme is a wonderful option and offers a brighter, more herbaceous flavor. Use about three times the amount compared to dried thyme to get the same aromatic impact.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). The chicken will also turn opaque and firm but still juicy when fully cooked.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead for a quick meal?

Yes! You can season and sear the chicken in advance, then refrigerate it without sauce. When ready to eat, just simmer it in the lemon butter sauce for a few minutes to warm through and finish the dish fresh.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Butter Chicken is one of those special recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple enough to make on a busy weeknight but impressive enough to share with company. I can’t recommend it enough — once you try this beautiful balance of zesty lemon and indulgent butter with tender chicken, it just might become your new favorite go-to meal too!

Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 26 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and flavorful Lemon Butter Chicken recipe featuring juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts cooked in a tangy lemon and garlic butter sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick, elegant weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.

Instructions

Prepare and season chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry thoroughly using paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor and help create a golden crust during cooking.
Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 7 minutes without moving, until the bottom side is golden brown and releases easily from the pan.
Add garlic and sauté: Flip the chicken breasts over carefully. Add the minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing it for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt, infusing the chicken with a deep garlic aroma.
Add liquids and lemon: Pour in the chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir gently to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
Simmer covered: Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let the chicken cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Remove chicken and set aside: Carefully transfer the chicken breasts to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm.
Reduce and enrich sauce: Increase the heat to medium-high and let the sauce simmer uncovered for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted, enriching the sauce with creaminess.
Season and finish sauce: Stir in dried thyme and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce generously over each piece to coat.
Serve: Plate the lemon butter chicken hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

For juicier chicken, brine the breasts in saltwater for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
Use fresh lemons for the best flavor in the sauce; bottled lemon juice can be substituted but may alter taste.
To make this dish gluten-free, ensure the chicken broth is gluten-free certified.
Fresh thyme can be substituted for dried at a 3:1 ratio (3 tablespoons fresh for 1 teaspoon dried).
Leftovers store well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-searing and simmering
Cuisine: American