Zesty Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe for Tender Flavor Magic

Succulent chicken breasts meet a velvety lemon butter sauce that dances with zesty brightness and rich, golden flavor.

The tangy lemon butter chicken recipe promises a restaurant-worthy meal in your own kitchen.

Tender chicken pieces absorb the luxurious sauce, creating a dish that’s both comforting and elegant.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of citrusy notes and creamy smoothness.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Minimal ingredients and simple techniques guarantee a foolproof meal that will impress anyone at the table.

Get ready to savor a culinary experience that brings gourmet dining right to your plate.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Lemon Butter Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender meat that serves as the main star of the dish, choose fresh, plump breasts with no discoloration or odd smell.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances the chicken's natural flavors and helps tenderize the meat, use sparingly for balanced seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds a warm, subtle heat that complements the chicken's mild taste, freshly ground provides the most robust flavor.

• Flour: Creates a crispy, golden exterior for the chicken, opt for all-purpose flour for the best texture.
• Eggs, Whole Milk or Heavy Cream: Helps the flour adhere to the chicken and adds richness, use room temperature eggs for smoother coating.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses a subtle, aromatic flavor that deepens the chicken's taste profile.

• Butter: Provides a luxurious, creamy base for the sauce and helps create a golden sear on the chicken.
• Chicken Stock: Builds a flavorful liquid foundation for the sauce, choose low-sodium for better control of saltiness.
• Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent to give the sauce a silky, smooth consistency.
• Lemon Juice: Brings a bright, tangy freshness that cuts through the richness of the butter.
• Lemon Slices: Offers a beautiful garnish and additional citrusy aroma when served.

Tools to Prep Lemon Chicken Easily

• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for slicing and preparing chicken.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for trimming and cutting chicken breasts evenly.
• Shallow Dishes: Two different containers for flour and egg mixture during dredging.
• Large Skillet: Preferably non-stick or cast iron for cooking chicken and making sauce.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for flour, stock, and seasonings.
• Whisk: Perfect for beating eggs and mixing cornstarch with liquid.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping and handling chicken during cooking.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sauce and moving chicken around skillet.

Steps for Sautéing Lemon Butter Chicken

• Chicken Preparation

Slice chicken breasts horizontally if thick. Season generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for maximum flavor.

• Coating Station

Create two separate dishes – one with flour and another with whisked eggs and cream. This setup helps create a crispy, golden exterior.

• Sizzling Golden Crust

Dredge each chicken piece through flour, then dip into egg mixture. Cook in melted butter over medium heat until beautifully golden, roughly 3-4 minutes per side.

• Zesty Sauce Creation

Remove chicken from skillet. Pour chicken stock into hot pan, scraping up delicious browned bits. Add fresh lemon juice and remaining butter to create a vibrant, tangy sauce.

• Final Simmer

Return chicken to skillet, nestling pieces into sauce. Top with bright lemon slices. Allow everything to simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, letting flavors meld and chicken finish cooking perfectly.

Cooking Tip: Watch heat carefully to prevent burning and ensure even golden coloring.

Enhancements and Substitutions to Consider

• Crispy Coating Hack: Crush some crackers or breadcrumbs and mix with flour for an extra crunchy exterior that adds amazing texture to your chicken.
• Herb Infusion Option: Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like thyme, parsley, or rosemary into the flour mixture for a burst of aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Replace milk or cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk to make the recipe friendly for lactose-intolerant friends without losing richness.
• Spice Level Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the flour mixture for those who enjoy a subtle kick of heat alongside the bright lemon notes.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the chicken breasts and store them uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, allowing the seasoning to penetrate deeper and intensify the overall taste profile.

Plating Lemon Chicken for Meals

• Zesty Dinner Companion: Serve over fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious lemon butter sauce, creating a perfect flavor-packed main course.
• Bright Side Plate: Pair with roasted asparagus or green beans for a fresh, crisp vegetable complement that balances the rich chicken perfectly.
• Bread Basket Bonus: Include crusty garlic bread or warm dinner rolls to help guests mop up every last drop of the tangy, buttery sauce on their plate.
• Family-Style Feast: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and thin lemon slices for a restaurant-quality presentation that makes the meal feel extra special and inviting.

Best Practices for Saving Leftovers

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked lemon butter chicken in airtight containers inside the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep chicken pieces separate from sauce to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual chicken portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently to prevent drying out.
• Leftover Transformation: Slice cold chicken and toss into fresh salads, wrap in tortillas for quick lunch, or chop and mix into pasta dishes. Remaining sauce works wonderfully as a flavor-packed salad dressing or marinade.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm chicken slowly in skillet with a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture. Microwave in short 30-second intervals, covering with damp paper towel to prevent rubbery texture. Always check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Zesty Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory lemon butter chicken elevates weeknight dinners with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Juicy chicken breasts bathed in zesty lemon sauce promise a quick, elegant meal for home cooks seeking simple yet sophisticated dining.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
• 2 eggs
• 3 tbsps (45 g) butter, divided
• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken stock
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice, fresh
• 1 tbsp (15 g) cornstarch
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) water
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) milk or heavy cream, whole
• flour, for dusting
• garlic powder, to taste
• kosher salt, as needed
• black pepper, freshly ground
• lemon slices, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Seasoning and Preparation: Slice chicken breasts horizontally if thick, then season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
2. Coating Setup: Create two shallow dishes – one with flour for initial coating, another with whisked eggs and milk/cream for final dredging.
3. Flour Dredging: Thoroughly coat each chicken piece in flour, ensuring complete and uniform coverage for optimal texture.
4. Skillet Preparation: Melt butter in skillet over medium heat, creating a golden, flavorful cooking surface for chicken.
5. Egg Coating and Cooking: Dip flour-coated chicken into egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then carefully place in heated skillet. Cook until golden crust forms, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Sauce Creation: Remove chicken from skillet, then deglaze with chicken stock, scraping browned bits. Add lemon juice and remaining butter to develop a rich, tangy sauce base.
7. Sauce Development: Simmer sauce for 5 minutes, incorporating cornstarch mixture to achieve smooth, glossy consistency. Return chicken to skillet, nestling pieces into sauce.
8. Final Touches: Arrange fresh lemon slices atop chicken for added brightness. Gently simmer entire dish for 8-10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to reheat thoroughly.

Notes

• Slice Chicken Carefully: Cut thick chicken breasts horizontally to guarantee uniform cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Control Coating Technique: Shake off excess flour and egg mixture to achieve a light, crispy exterior without thick, heavy layers.
• Manage Heat Precisely: Use medium heat to develop golden-brown crust without burning the chicken’s delicate surface.
• Thicken Sauce Strategically: Gradually add cornstarch mixture while stirring constantly to prevent lumps and create smooth, glossy sauce consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg