There's nothing quite like the refreshing, zesty aroma of Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce wafting through your kitchen. The combination of tender, golden chicken and a tangy, velvety sauce is a surefire way to brighten up any dinner table.
I first made this dish for a family gathering, and it was an instant hit. The fresh, citrusy flavors paired perfectly with a simple side of roasted vegetables, making it an easy, impressive main course everyone adored. Trust me, this recipe is bound to become one of your go-to weeknight meals.
Let's dive into what makes this Lemon Chicken so irresistible.
Why You'll Love This Lemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce
Get ready to fall head over heels for this dish, which delivers bold flavors and incredible ease. It's a total game-changer for busy cooks who crave something delicious yet manageable on weeknights.
First of all, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. That's right – from prep to plate, you'll be enjoying a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for hectic evenings, this Lemon Chicken provides maximum flavor with minimal effort.
You'll also love the simplicity of the ingredients. With just a handful of kitchen staples – chicken breasts, fresh lemons, butter, and garlic – you can create a dish that tastes anything but ordinary. The vibrant lemony sauce adds a bright, tangy burst that transforms humble ingredients into something spectacular.
And let’s not forget the versatility. Whether you're serving it over pasta, alongside mashed potatoes, or with a light salad, this dish adapts beautifully to any accompaniment you choose. It's perfect for date nights, family dinners, or even a small dinner party where you want to impress without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce lies in its fresh, simple ingredients, each one contributing to a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Chicken Breasts: This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness for quick, uniform cooking. If you prefer, you can substitute chicken thighs for a richer flavor, though the cooking time may need to be adjusted.
Lemons: Fresh lemons are the star of the show, providing both zest and juice to brighten the entire dish. Make sure to zest the lemons before juicing, as it’s much easier. The zest adds a concentrated lemon flavor that elevates the sauce.
Butter: The sauce is made with a generous amount of butter, which gives it a luscious, silky texture. If you're looking to lighten it up, you can reduce the amount of butter, but keep in mind that the richness complements the acidity of the lemons beautifully.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a savory depth to the sauce. Make sure to sauté it gently so it doesn't burn, as burnt garlic can turn bitter and overpower the dish.
Chicken Broth: A bit of chicken broth rounds out the sauce, adding both flavor and moisture. You can use low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake, but be sure to taste and adjust seasoning accordingly.
You won’t need any special equipment for this recipe – just a good skillet, a lemon zester, and a sturdy wooden spoon for stirring up that dreamy sauce.
How To Make This Lemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce

Creating this mouthwatering Lemon Chicken is simpler than you might think. Let me walk you through the process step by step.
Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures that they cook evenly and remain juicy. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground pepper. Lightly dredge the chicken in flour, which will help create a crisp, golden crust when seared.
Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken breasts. Let them cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes per side, until beautifully browned and cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add butter, swirling to melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn. Then, add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, zest, and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits are full of flavor and will enrich your sauce.
Allow the sauce to simmer for a couple of minutes, reducing slightly. Finally, return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the luscious lemon butter sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a burst of color, and serve immediately.
Total time? Just about 25 minutes. Expect a juicy, golden chicken with a sauce that’s both tangy and velvety, a delightful contrast you’ll crave again and again.
Storage Options
Leftovers? No problem. This Lemon Chicken keeps beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick next-day lunch.
For refrigeration, store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, but you can easily thin it out when reheating by adding a splash of chicken broth or water.
To freeze, place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop until warmed through.
When reheating, be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it may become dry. Low and slow is the way to go!
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully flexible, and there are plenty of ways to adapt it to your taste or dietary needs.
For a healthier twist, swap out some of the butter for olive oil, or use ghee for a dairy-free option that still gives a rich flavor. You can also add a splash of white wine to the sauce for an extra layer of complexity.
Want more herbs? Go ahead and experiment! Fresh thyme or rosemary would work beautifully with the lemony sauce. You could also stir in some capers for a briny, Mediterranean flair.
If you love spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic as it sautés. It will give the dish a subtle, warming kick that pairs surprisingly well with the lemon.
Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. The beauty of Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce is its versatility – there are endless ways to customize and savor it.
PrintLemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
This Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection and topped with a luxurious, zesty lemon butter sauce. The bright citrus flavor pairs beautifully with the richness of the butter, creating a dish that's sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-seared
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each breast in flour, shaking off excess.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt. Stir in lemon juice, chicken broth, and lemon zest. Cook for 2-3 minutes, scraping up the brown bits from the pan.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to suit your taste preference.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
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