Few dishes are as comforting yet elegant as a lemon butter chicken recipe. Juicy chicken coated in a velvety butter sauce with fresh lemon juice creates a perfect balance of richness and brightness. Whether you are cooking a weeknight family dinner, hosting guests, or simply craving a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe delivers every time.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—ingredients, step-by-step instructions, variations, cooking tips, serving suggestions, and even answers to common questions. By the end, you’ll be ready to make the best lemon butter chicken recipe in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe
- Simple yet impressive: Made with everyday pantry staples but tastes like a gourmet dish.
- Quick cooking: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Versatile: Works with chicken breasts, thighs, or even drumsticks.
- Balanced flavor: The buttery richness is perfectly cut by zesty lemon.
- Family-friendly: Both kids and adults love the creamy yet fresh sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients for the best lemon butter chicken recipe. Each one plays a role in achieving that irresistible flavor:
- Chicken breasts or thighs – Boneless and skinless work best for quick cooking. Thighs give more juiciness, while breasts are leaner.
- Butter – The heart of the sauce; use real unsalted butter for rich flavor.
- Olive oil – Helps sear the chicken without burning the butter.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic enhances the aroma and taste.
- Lemon juice & zest – Freshly squeezed juice and zest brighten the sauce.
- Chicken broth – Creates a silky sauce base and balances richness.
- Heavy cream (optional) – For a creamy version of lemon butter sauce.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs.
- Fresh parsley – For garnish and a burst of freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe
Follow these easy steps to make this lemon butter chicken recipe perfectly every time:
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
- Season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- If using large chicken breasts, slice them horizontally into cutlets for even cooking.
2. Sear the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place chicken in the pan and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
3. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 more tablespoons butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Optional: Stir in heavy cream for a creamy sauce.
4. Return Chicken to the Pan
- Add chicken back into the skillet.
- Spoon sauce over the top and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and lemon zest before serving.
Tips for the Best Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe
- Don’t overcook chicken: Use a meat thermometer and cook to 165°F (74°C).
- Balance lemon flavor: Use both juice and zest, but avoid too much juice to prevent bitterness.
- Deglaze properly: Scrape the brown bits at the bottom of the skillet—they add depth to the sauce.
- Make ahead: Cook chicken and sauce separately, then reheat together before serving.
- Add spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a little kick.
Variations You Can Try
This lemon butter chicken recipe is versatile and can be customized to your taste:
- Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken – Add ½ cup heavy cream for a luxurious, creamy sauce.
- Garlic Lemon Butter Chicken – Double the garlic for bold, savory flavor.
- Herb Lemon Butter Chicken – Add thyme, rosemary, or dill to the sauce.
- Low-Carb/Keto Version – Skip the cream and serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Baked Lemon Butter Chicken – Instead of stovetop, bake seasoned chicken at 375°F for 25 minutes, then drizzle with lemon butter sauce.
What to Serve with Lemon Butter Chicken
This dish pairs beautifully with many sides. Here are some ideas:
- Pasta or rice – Perfect for soaking up the lemon butter sauce.
- Mashed potatoes – Creamy and hearty.
- Roasted vegetables – Asparagus, broccoli, or green beans work well.
- Fresh salad – A crisp garden salad balances the richness.
- Crusty bread – To mop up the leftover sauce (a must!).
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken with sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs stay juicier and add more flavor to the lemon butter chicken recipe.
2. How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer longer to reduce, or whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
3. Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter or olive oil, and skip the cream.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you don’t add flour for thickening.
5. Can I meal prep this recipe?
Absolutely. Cook and store chicken with sauce in containers for easy reheatable meals.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 4 Servings)
- Calories: ~380
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
(Note: Nutrition may vary depending on exact ingredients used.)
Final Thoughts
This lemon butter chicken recipe is the perfect balance of rich, buttery flavor with refreshing lemon brightness. It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal but elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. Once you try it, you’ll want to add it to your regular meal rotation.
Whether you enjoy it with pasta, rice, or roasted veggies, one thing is certain—you’ll be making this dish again and again.