Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce is a mouthwatering dish featuring tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, zesty butter sauce. This elegant yet easy recipe brings bright citrus flavor and savory richness together, making it a perfect choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

ingredients

Lemon Chicken Recipe (with Lemon Butter Sauce)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breastssalt and pepperall-purpose flourolive oilunsalted buttergarlic cloveschicken brothfresh lemons (juice and zest)heavy creamparsley (for garnish)

directions

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then lightly coat them in flour, shaking off the excess.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.

Remove the chicken and set aside.

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.

Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Stir in the heavy cream and simmer the sauce until slightly thickened.

Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the chicken, and simmer for another 2-3 minutes.

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Swap chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs for a juicier result.

Add capers for a briny, tangy twist.

Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the extra sauce.

storage/reheating

Store leftover Lemon Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with vegan butter and the cream with coconut milk or another dairy-free alternative.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or a mixture of milk and butter.

Can I freeze Lemon Chicken?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it without the cream sauce and add fresh sauce when reheating.

Why is my sauce separating?

Overheating the cream can cause separation; keep the heat low and stir gently.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, sautéed spinach, asparagus, or green beans make great additions to this dish.

Conclusion

Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce is a simple yet impressive dish bursting with fresh, tangy, and creamy flavors. Whether for a quick weeknight meal or an elegant dinner, this recipe delivers every time—bright, buttery, and utterly delicious.