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Quick Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

quick lemon butter chicken - featured image

A quick and easy lemon butter chicken recipe ready in 15 minutes, featuring tender chicken breasts with a bright, tangy, and rich lemon butter sauce perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces / 170 grams each)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice and zest of 1 medium lemon (about 2 tablespoons juice)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Place a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Add the chicken breasts to the pan. Cook without moving for about 4 minutes until the underside is golden brown. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Cover briefly if breasts are thick.
  4. Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm. Reduce heat to medium-low.
  5. Add butter and minced garlic to the pan. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  6. Pour in lemon juice, zest, and chicken broth. Scrape up browned bits with a wooden spoon. Let sauce simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. Return chicken breasts to the pan, spoon sauce over them, and cook for another minute to meld flavors.
  8. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure browning. Watch garlic closely to avoid burning. Use low simmer to thicken sauce gently. If sauce is too thin, thicken with a cornstarch slurry. Can substitute ghee or dairy-free butter for lactose-free option. Chicken thighs can be used but require longer cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon butter chicken, quick chicken recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal, chicken breasts, lemon sauce, buttery chicken