Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
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, 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.
Equipment
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Large Skillet or Pan
- Tongs or a spatula
- Small bowl
Ingredients
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
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps them brown better.
- Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and paprika evenly over both sides of the chicken.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- 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!
- 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
- In the same pan, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and let it melt.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using).
- 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
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over it.
- Let it simmer for 2-3 more minutes, so the chicken absorbs the flavors.
- Turn off the heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and add a few lemon slices on top.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving, Without Sides)
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Protein: ~30g
- Fat: ~20g
- Carbohydrates: ~3g
- Fiber: ~0.5g
- Sugar: ~1g
- Sodium: ~500mg
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.