If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bright, zesty flavors and rich, comforting buttery goodness, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Breasts Recipe. The tender chicken breasts are perfectly seared to lock in juices, then smothered in a luscious lemon garlic butter sauce that’s both tangy and savory. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make on any night of the week, and once you try it, it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work in harmony to build incredible flavor. Each element, from the fresh lemon juice to the creamy butter, plays a crucial role in creating that irresistible balance of tang and richness.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The main protein, easy to cook and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for searing the chicken to a beautiful golden color with a subtle fruity note.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every bite.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds velvety richness to the sauce without overpowering the other flavors.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic brings warmth and a bit of pungency that pairs perfectly with lemon.
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons): Brightens the dish with tangy freshness.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Concentrates the lemon flavor with fragrant oils that elevate the sauce.
- ¼ cup chicken broth: Adds depth and helps create a delicious pan sauce.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a touch of color and fresh herbal notes at the end.
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat: A sprinkle for those who like a little kick in their meals.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Breasts Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt and black pepper. This foundation creates a basic but vital flavor layer that brings out the best in your chicken. Don’t be shy with the seasoning because it will enhance the final taste immensely.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken breasts and sear them for 5 to 6 minutes per side until they develop a gorgeous golden crust and are cooked through. This step is crucial for locking in moisture so the chicken stays juicy and tender. Afterward, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter so it picks up all those browned bits left from the chicken—this adds incredible flavor. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds just until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it brown and turn bitter. This fragrant base is where your lemon garlic butter sauce really begins to shine.
Step 4: Add the Lemon and Broth
Pour in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. These ingredients bring brightness and a hint of acidity that balances the richness of the butter. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes so it reduces slightly and thickens, intensifying every note of flavor.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the luscious sauce over the top to coat them evenly. Let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors fully and warm the chicken through once more. This final simmer brings the whole dish together perfectly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling the chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. Serve the chicken warm and spoon extra sauce over each piece for a mouthwatering presentation and taste.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Breasts Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice here, adding vibrant green flecks and a subtle aromatic touch. If you want to jazz it up, a little grated lemon zest or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes also works beautifully to brighten the plate and add dimension.
Side Dishes
Because the sauce is rich and flavorful, pairing this chicken with simple, complementary sides is ideal. Try fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery rice, or roasted vegetables to soak up every last bit of that amazing sauce. A fresh green salad or steamed asparagus also brings a refreshing balance to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a wow factor presentation, serve the chicken on a long platter with lemon slices tucked around and drizzle some extra pan sauce over the top. Garnish with whole garlic cloves or sprigs of parsley for an elegant touch that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken breasts and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making this a fantastic recipe to prepare in advance or enjoy as next-day leftovers that taste just as good.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions, make sure the chicken is fully cooled, then pack it with the sauce in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Breasts Recipe gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This keeps the chicken moist and the sauce smooth and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in chicken breasts can work, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time to ensure the chicken cooks through properly. Keep an eye on the internal temperature to avoid undercooking.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of salt can be used. Just be aware that broth adds an extra layer of flavor to the sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or margarine, but it will change the flavor slightly. Using olive oil instead of butter is another option for a lighter sauce.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook the garlic just until it’s fragrant—about 30 seconds—and keep your heat at medium to avoid burning. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and can take away from the dish’s bright flavors.
Can I add vegetables directly to the skillet while cooking?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes towards the end of the sauce simmering step can make this a one-pan meal. Just adjust cooking times based on the veggies you choose.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Breasts Recipe is truly a gem that combines simplicity with incredible flavor. Once you try it, you’ll see how easy it is to make weeknight dinners feel special without hours in the kitchen. So grab your skillet and give it a go — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Breasts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Breast recipe offers tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and bathed in a luscious lemon garlic butter sauce. The zesty lemon combined with rich butter and aromatic garlic creates a perfect balance of flavors, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that’s quick, easy, and delicious. Garnished with fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, this dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup chicken broth
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until they develop a golden crust and are fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add Lemon and Broth: Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, letting it reduce slightly and concentrate in flavor.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce over them, and let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors and reheat the chicken.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for a burst of color and freshness. Optionally, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Serve the chicken warm alongside your favorite sides.
Notes
- For even cooking, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning.
- You can substitute chicken broth with white wine or vegetable broth for different flavors.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for milder taste.
- This recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to preserve moisture.
