Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

A Flavorful and Easy Dinner Recipe

Imagine coming home after a long day, feeling tired but craving something warm, delicious, and comforting. That’s where Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken comes in!

This dish is packed with rich, buttery flavors, tangy lemon, and aromatic garlic that will make your kitchen smell amazing. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make, so you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen.

This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a special date night, or even meal prep for the week. The chicken turns out juicy and tender and coated in a buttery, garlicky sauce with just the right amount of zest from fresh lemon juice. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even a simple salad.

If you love quick, flavorful meals that taste like something from a fancy restaurant, you’re going to love this one. Plus, this dish works all year round—it’s light enough for summer and comforting enough for winter. So, let’s get cooking!

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Flavorful – The combination of butter, garlic, and lemon gives this chicken a rich, tangy, and slightly savory taste that’s absolutely irresistible.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Simple Ingredients – Uses pantry staples, so you don’t have to hunt for fancy ingredients.
• Versatile – Serve it with rice, pasta, roasted veggies, or even on top of a fresh salad.
• Healthy & Filling – Packed with protein, and you can easily make it keto-friendly by skipping any added carbs.

---

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken:

For the Chicken

• 5 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small ones)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (for color and flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, thyme, and basil)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little spice)
• 1 cup chicken broth (or water with a chicken bouillon cube)
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, but adds extra flavor)

For Garnishing (Optional but Recommended)

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon slices

This ingredient list is simple, but the flavors blend beautifully to create an unforgettable meal. Let’s move on to the cooking process!

Kitchen Tools Needed

Before we start cooking, make sure you have these kitchen tools ready:

• Cutting board and sharp knife – For slicing the chicken and chopping the garlic.
• Measuring spoons and cups – To get the perfect balance of flavors.
• Large skillet or pan – A non-stick or stainless steel pan works best for searing the chicken and making the sauce.
• Tongs or a spatula – To flip the chicken easily while cooking.
• Small bowl – For mixing the lemon juice and seasoning before adding to the pan.

Having everything ready before you start will make the cooking process smooth and stress-free!

---

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make your delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken:

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps them brown better.
2. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and paprika evenly over both sides of the chicken.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Place the chicken in the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Don’t move the chicken too much while it’s cooking—this helps it get a nice crust!
5. Once cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F/75°C), remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

6. In the same pan, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and let it melt.
7. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
8. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using).
9. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.

Step 4: Combine Everything

10. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over it.
11. Let it simmer for 2-3 more minutes, so the chicken absorbs the flavors.
12. Turn off the heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and add a few lemon slices on top.

Your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is ready to serve! Enjoy it with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

---

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F/75°C). Overcooked chicken can be dry!
• Use Fresh Lemon Juice – Bottled lemon juice won’t give the same bright, fresh flavor.
• Let the Chicken Rest – After cooking, let the chicken sit for a couple of minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy.
• Make it Creamy – If you love creamy sauces, add a splash of heavy cream or Parmesan cheese to the sauce.
• Add More Veggies – Toss in some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms while making the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Spice it Up – Like it spicy? Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

This dish is simple, but the flavors are absolutely incredible. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! Would you like a side dish suggestion to go with it?

---

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is super flexible! Here are some ways to switch things up:

Ingredient Substitutions

• Chicken – Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option or bone-in chicken for extra flavor (just cook a little longer).
• Butter – Swap with ghee for a richer taste or olive oil for a lighter version.
• Chicken Broth – Use vegetable broth or water with a bouillon cube if you don’t have chicken broth.
• Lemon Juice – If you’re out of lemons, try lime juice or white wine for a different tangy twist.
• Italian Seasoning – If you don’t have it, mix dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.

Fun Variations

• Make it Creamy – Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce for a richer, creamier texture.
• Add Veggies – Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
• Spicy Version – Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Crispy Version – Lightly coat the chicken in flour or panko breadcrumbs before cooking for a crispy crust.

---

Serving Suggestions

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken pairs well with so many sides! Here are some great options:

Classic Pairings

• Rice – White rice, brown rice, or even lemon-infused rice.
• Pasta – Serve over fettuccine, angel hair, or garlic butter noodles.
• Mashed Potatoes – The creamy potatoes soak up the sauce beautifully!

Healthy Options

• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables – Try asparagus, broccoli, or green beans.
• Salad – A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness.
• Cauliflower Rice – A great low-carb alternative.

Bread Lovers’ Choices

• Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce!
• Dinner Rolls – Soft, buttery rolls make a great side.

Want to turn it into a full meal? Add a simple soup or appetizer before serving!

---

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers

• Let the chicken cool completely before storing.
• Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions

• On the Stovetop – Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add a little butter or broth to prevent drying out. Warm for 3-4 minutes per side.
• In the Oven – Place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
• In the Microwave – Heat in 30-second intervals to avoid overcooking. Add a little sauce or broth to keep it moist.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results.

2. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer—165°F (75°C) is the safe internal temperature. If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part; if the juices run clear, it’s done!

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the chicken and store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat it in the pan with a little butter and broth.

4. Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Absolutely! Just pair it with low-carb sides like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

5. Can I make this in the air fryer?

Yes! Cook the seasoned chicken in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway. Then, make the sauce separately on the stovetop and pour it over the chicken before serving.

6. What if I don’t like a strong lemon flavor?

Use less lemon juice and add a little honey or heavy cream to balance the tanginess.

---

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is a simple but incredibly delicious dish that works for any occasion. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a meal for guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!