Go Back
–+ servings
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

iamwinfred
Crispy chicken breasts smothered in a tangy, buttery lemon garlic sauce make this recipe an instant weeknight favorite. The combination of savory garlic, bright citrus, and rich butter creates a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in just 30 minutes with simple pantry staples.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan 12-inch works best
  • Small saucepan For the sauce
  • Shallow dishes For dredging
  • Meat thermometer
  • Tongs
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 1.5-2 lbs total, 680-900g
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 60g
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese 50g
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil 30ml

For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 56g
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth 120ml
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice about 2 lemons, 60ml
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest from about 1 lemon
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • lemon slices for garnish

Instructions
 

  • If chicken breasts are thick, pound to even ¾-inch thickness. Pat dry with paper towels and season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
  • In a shallow dish, combine flour, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Whisk together thoroughly.
  • Dredge each chicken breast in the flour-parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Shake off excess and let rest for 2-3 minutes.
  • Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Cook chicken 4-5 minutes per side without moving until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to plate and tent with foil.
  • In small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add minced garlic and sauté 30-45 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer and reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to low and add remaining 3 tablespoons butter, one tablespoon at a time, swirling gently as each piece melts to create a silky emulsified sauce.
  • Return chicken to skillet or arrange on serving platter. Spoon sauce generously over each piece, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Don't skip the parmesan - the cheese in the coating adds flavor and helps create that irresistible golden crust.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright, fresh flavor - bottled lemon juice lacks the same punch.
  • Control your heat at medium-high for searing to prevent burning the coating while ensuring a crispy exterior.
  • Let the chicken rest for 3-4 minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
  • Make extra sauce by doubling the sauce recipe if you're serving this over pasta or rice.
  • Pound chicken evenly to ensure uniform thickness so every piece cooks at the same rate.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan - this causes steaming rather than searing, resulting in soggy coating.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for perfectly cooked, juicy results.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
  • Freeze cooled chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Make fresh sauce when ready to serve for best flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1chicken breast with sauceCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 42gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 820mgPotassium: 580mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 8mg
Keyword butter chicken, easy chicken dinner, lemon garlic chicken, pan seared chicken, weeknight chicken
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!