If you’re looking for a vibrant, zesty dish that’s sure to impress, this Lemon Chicken Recipe (with Lemon Butter Sauce) is just what you need. The combination of juicy chicken breasts, fresh lemon juice, and rich butter creates a tantalizing sauce that beautifully complements the flavors of the dish. Not only is this recipe simple to prepare, but it also elevates your weeknight dinner into something special.

Imagine the aroma of garlic and lemon wafting through your kitchen as you prepare this delicious meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this Lemon Chicken Recipe (with Lemon Butter Sauce) is bound to be a hit.

Reasons to Love Lemon Chicken Recipe (with Lemon Butter Sauce)

There are countless reasons to adore this dish! Here are just a few:

Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
Versatile: Serve it with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Flavor Explosion: The zesty lemon and rich butter create a sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
Healthy Option: Chicken breast is a lean protein, making this dish a healthier choice for any meal.
Impressive Presentation: Garnished with parsley and lemon slices, this dish looks as good as it tastes.

The Essentials

To whip up this Lemon Chicken Recipe (with Lemon Butter Sauce), you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 1/2 lb chicken breast (2 large), patted dry with paper towels
1 Tbsp olive oil, for sautéing
1 Tbsp parsley, to garnish (optional)
1/2 lemon, sliced for garnish (optional)
2 large eggs
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
8 Tbsp unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Appliances & Accessories

Make sure you have the following tools handy to prepare this Lemon Chicken Recipe (with Lemon Butter Sauce):

Skillet: A large skillet is ideal for sautéing the chicken and making the sauce.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect flavor.
Whisk: Useful for mixing the eggs and ensuring a smooth coating for the chicken.
Cutting board and knife: Essential for preparing your ingredients efficiently.
Spatula: Perfect for flipping the chicken in the skillet.

Stepwise Method: Lemon Chicken Recipe (with Lemon Butter Sauce)

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps to get a nice sear on the chicken.

Step 2: Seasoning and Coating

In a shallow dish, whisk the eggs with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. In another dish, mix the grated Parmesan cheese and flour. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then coat them in the Parmesan mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!

Step 5: Add Lemon and Broth

Stir in the lemon juice and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 6: Return the Chicken

Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, spooning the lemon butter sauce over the top. Let it cook for another minute to warm the chicken through.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, drizzling with more sauce if desired. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices for an extra pop of color.

Budget & Availability Swaps

If you’re looking to adapt this recipe based on what you have on hand, consider these swaps:

Chicken: You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs or even shrimp for a seafood twist.
Butter: If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use olive oil instead of butter, though the flavor will differ.
Parmesan: Grana Padano or nutritional yeast can be used for a different flavor profile.
Chicken broth: Vegetable broth can be a suitable alternative if you’re keeping it meat-free.

What I Learned Testing

During my testing of this Lemon Chicken Recipe (with Lemon Butter Sauce), I discovered a few key points:

Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps retain its juices.
Don’t skip the step of patting the chicken dry; it’s crucial for achieving that lovely golden crust.
A splash of white wine in the sauce can add an extra layer of flavor if you have it on hand.
Fresh lemon juice truly makes a difference; bottled juice doesn’t have the same brightness.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

For storage and leftovers:

This Lemon Chicken Recipe (with Lemon Butter Sauce) can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. You can freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Handy Q&A

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results. You can defrost in the fridge overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting.

What can I serve with this Lemon Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy pasta, rice, or a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the sauce.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time and combine them just before serving to maintain the quality of the dish.

Similar Recipes

If you enjoyed this Lemon Chicken Recipe (with Lemon Butter Sauce), you might also love these dishes:

Let’s Eat

Now that you have all the steps and tips for this delightful Lemon Chicken Recipe (with Lemon Butter Sauce), it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. Enjoy the bright, refreshing flavor of lemon combined with the richness of butter, and watch your loved ones come back for seconds!

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