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Plate of easy lemon butter chicken garnished with fresh herbs

Easy Lemon Butter Chicken

A simple dish that combines fresh lemon, smooth butter, and tender chicken, making it a crowd-pleaser for weeknights and special meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces chicken breasts Pat dry before cooking
  • 2 tablespoons oil For frying the chicken
  • 3 tablespoons butter For the sauce and finishing
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Adds flavor to the sauce
  • 1 piece lemon, juiced Provides freshness
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth For making the sauce
  • 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped For garnish
Seasoning
  • to taste salt Season chicken and sauce
  • to taste pepper Season chicken and sauce
  • optional red pepper flakes For extra heat
  • optional white wine For additional flavor

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cooking
  1. Brown the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden, then remove to a plate.
  2. Lower heat, add the butter and minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the lemon juice and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan.
  4. Return the chicken to the skillet and let it simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, spooning sauce over the chicken until it is cooked through.
  5. Stir in an additional tablespoon of butter and chopped parsley at the end for shine and color.

Notes

For the best results, use room temperature chicken and don’t rush the browning process for added flavor. Taste the sauce and adjust with lemon or salt to your liking. If the sauce is thin, simmer longer to thicken. Serve with rice or potatoes to soak up the sauce.