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Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.2 from 11 reviews

Lemon Butter Chicken is a simple yet elegant baked chicken dish with tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, buttery lemon sauce. Made with just six ingredients, this family-friendly recipe combines the bright freshness of lemon with the savory depth of garlic and butter for a delicious meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste (approx. 1 teaspoon each for seasoning)
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

Sauce and Garnish

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the chicken later.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts using a meat tenderizer until they are of even thickness. This ensures even cooking. Season both sides of each breast with about 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  3. Heat the skillet and oil: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil to the pan.
  4. Dredge the chicken in flour: Coat each chicken breast completely in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to avoid clumping.
  5. Sear the chicken: Lay the floured chicken breasts in the heated skillet and cook them for 3 to 4 minutes on one side until golden. Flip and cook the other side for 3 minutes. You may need to do this in batches. Use remaining olive oil as needed. Transfer the cooked chicken to a baking dish as you finish each batch.
  6. Prepare the lemon butter sauce: Keep the skillet over medium-low heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the lemon slices and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the pan. Cook, flipping the lemon slices occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  7. Combine and bake: Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  8. Garnish and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your flavorful lemon butter chicken.

Notes

  • For juicier chicken, pound the breasts to an even thickness before cooking.
  • Use fresh lemon juice and slices to achieve the best bright citrus flavor.
  • Cooking chicken in batches prevents overcrowding in the skillet, which helps achieve a nice sear.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs if preferred, just adjust baking time accordingly.
  • Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally to guarantee it is safely cooked.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for 2-3 days and reheated gently to maintain moisture.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American