Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

Looking for a tasty chicken recipe to spice up your weeknight dinner? You’re in for a treat with this incredible skillet chicken dish! It brings restaurant-quality flavor to your table in just 30 minutes.

Picture tender chicken smothered in a zesty sauce. It’s a mix of fresh lemon, garlic, and butter. This quick dinner is perfect for anyone, whether you’re a busy cook or a food lover.

This recipe uses simple ingredients and is full of flavor. It’s easy to make and won’t stress you out. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time, faster than ordering takeout.

Essential Ingredients and Preparation Tips

Making a tasty lemon butter sauce chicken starts with picking the right ingredients. It also involves mastering how to prepare chicken breasts. Every great dish starts with quality parts that come together to make a memorable meal.

Selecting the Perfect Chicken

For the best results, choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are about 1¼ pounds. The key to perfect chicken is making it even thick. I suggest pounding the chicken to about ½-2/3 inch thick. This ensures it cooks evenly and stays tender.

• Use 1¼ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Pound chicken to ½-2/3 inch thickness
• Aim for consistent meat thickness

Crafting the Ultimate Lemon Butter Sauce

The magic of this dish is in its flavor enhancers. A perfect lemon butter sauce uses simple yet powerful ingredients. These ingredients turn ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece.

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Fresh Lemon Juice	¼ cup	Bright, tangy base
Minced Garlic	4 cloves	Aromatic depth
Cold Butter	4 tablespoons	Rich, creamy texture
Red Pepper Flakes	¼ teaspoon	Subtle heat

Pro tip: Add butter cube by cube, taking a few minutes to properly emulsify the sauce. This method ensures a smooth, luxurious sauce that sticks well to the chicken.

• Slowly incorporate cold butter cubes
• Reduce lemon juice to about 3 tablespoons
• Aim for a smooth, glossy sauce

By focusing on these preparation techniques, you’ll make a mouthwatering chicken dish. It will be both impressive and easy to make.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Step-by-Step Method

Ready to master pan-seared chicken? This one-pan meal is a game-changer for home cooking. I’ll guide you through the steps to make a dish that’s both easy and impressive.

1. Preparation: Dry the chicken breasts with paper towels. This step is key for a golden sear.
2. Seasoning: Mix up a flavorful coating with:
   • Salt
   • Black pepper
   • Garlic powder
   • Smoked paprika (½ tablespoon)
3. Dredging: Coat the chicken in flour for a crispy exterior and a thicker sauce.

The cooking magic happens next. Heat a skillet with olive oil and butter. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s golden.

Cooking Stage	Time	Temperature
Searing Chicken	2-3 minutes per side	Medium-high heat
Garlic Sauté	2 minutes	Medium heat
Sauce Simmering	5-7 minutes	Low-medium heat

After searing the chicken, make the sauce in the same pan. Add minced garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and lemon juice. Simmer until it thickens. Then, add the chicken back in to coat with the garlic butter sauce.

For perfect pan-seared chicken, make sure it reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check and avoid overcooking.

Serving Suggestions and Pairing Options

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is perfect for family meals. Serve it with green sides like roasted asparagus or green beans. These veggies pair well with the chicken’s tangy flavor and add health benefits.

Choose classic sides to soak up the sauce. Mashed potatoes, white rice, or crusty bread are great options. The buttery lemon sauce makes these sides even tastier, creating a memorable meal.

Add a touch of elegance with fresh parsley and lemon slices on top. These simple touches improve the dish’s look and taste. Your guests will love the restaurant-quality feel of this homemade meal.

This recipe serves four and is ready in 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy cooks who want a tasty, quick dinner without sacrificing nutrition.