I have always loved cooking with lemon. The bright, zesty flavor adds a special touch to any dish. Today, I want to share my Easy Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe. This dish is not only delicious but also simple to prepare. It has become a staple in my kitchen, and I hope it will be in yours too.
Why I Love Lemon Butter Chicken
Lemon butter chicken is a family favorite at my home. The combination of tender chicken, rich butter, and tangy lemon creates a flavor explosion. Every time I make this dish, the aroma fills my kitchen, and I can see my family getting excited for dinner.
The first time I tried a lemon butter chicken dish at a restaurant. I was blown away by how the flavors blended perfectly. I knew I had to recreate it at home. After some trial and error, I finally found the perfect balance of ingredients. Now, I want to share my version with you.
Ingredients for Easy Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe
To make this dish, you will need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need:
Chicken Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Prepare Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe
Preparing the chicken is easy and quick. Here’s how to do it:
- Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This will add flavor right from the start.
- Dredge in Flour: Next, coat each chicken breast in flour. This helps create a beautiful golden crust when cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Making the Lemon Butter Sauce
The sauce is the star of this recipe. Here’s how to make it:
- Sauté the Garlic: After removing the chicken from the skillet, add the minced garlic to the remaining butter in the pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Lemon Juice: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Stir well to combine.
- Add Lemon Zest: Finally, add the lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
Bringing It All Together
Now that you have your chicken and sauce ready, it’s time to combine them:
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the lemon butter sauce. Make sure each piece is coated well.
- Simmer: Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes. This allows the chicken to soak up all the delicious flavors from the sauce.
- Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
This lemon butter chicken pairs well with various side dishes. Here are some of my favorites:
- Rice: Serve it over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the sauce.
- Pasta: Toss the chicken and sauce with pasta for a filling meal.
- Vegetables: Steamed broccoli or green beans make for a healthy side option.
- Salad: A fresh garden salad can balance out the richness of the chicken.
Tips
To ensure your lemon butter chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and zest make a big difference in flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice if possible.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken while cooking. Overcooking can lead to dry chicken.
- Adjust the Flavor: Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to suit your taste. If you love lemon, add more!
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, you can store them easily. Here’s how:
- Refrigerate: Place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days.
- Reheat: When ready to eat, reheat the chicken in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Making It Ahead of Time
This recipe is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it later. Here’s how:
- Cook the Chicken: Prepare the chicken and sauce as directed. Let it cool completely before storing.
- Store: Place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be stored for up to three days.
Variations of Lemon Butter Chicken
If you want to switch things up, consider these variations:
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers while making the sauce for added nutrition.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Use Different Proteins: This recipe works well with shrimp or fish too. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Enjoying Your Easy Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe
This Easy Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen. It’s simple, quick, and absolutely delicious. The combination of lemon and butter creates a mouthwatering dish that everyone will enjoy.
I love how versatile this recipe is, allowing for different variations and side dishes. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. I hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as I do.