Lemon Butter Chicken

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When a craving for something cozy yet bright strikes, this Lemon Butter Chicken delivers in the most flavorful way. The chicken is seared until golden, then coated in a luscious lemony butter sauce loaded with herbs, garlic, and a touch of heat. It tastes like something you’d order at a bistro, but you can whip it up in under 30 minutes.

Whether you’re hosting guests or just making dinner for yourself, this dish brings a bit of elegance to the table without any fuss. The buttery sauce pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up every last drop. It’s comfort food with a zesty kick!

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender, even after searing. If you prefer white meat, chicken breasts work too—just make sure to pound them to an even thickness for faster, even cooking.

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Ingredients for the Lemon Butter Chicken

• Chicken thighs or breasts: The protein base of the dish, they soak up all that delicious lemon butter.
• Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to flavor the chicken right from the start.
• Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to a golden crust.
• Butter: The rich heart of the sauce, adding silkiness and depth.
• Garlic: Brings bold, savory flavor to balance the brightness.
• Lemon juice and zest: Fresh lemon cuts through the richness and enhances the dish’s vibrant character.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Just enough to add a gentle warmth without overwhelming.
• Chicken broth: Helps deglaze the pan and rounds out the sauce.
• Chopped parsley: Adds a final pop of color and freshness.

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How To Make the Lemon Butter Chicken

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sear the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Lemon Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and melt the butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the crushed red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and juice. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 3–4 minutes, reducing slightly for a thicker texture.

Step 4: Return Chicken to Pan

Place the chicken back into the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes so the chicken can absorb the flavor.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with your favorite sides, spooning extra lemon butter sauce over everything for maximum flavor.

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How to Serve and Store Lemon Butter Chicken

Lemon Butter Chicken is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, al dente pasta, or fluffy rice to soak up the rich, zesty sauce. For a lighter option, it also works beautifully with steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad. Don’t forget the crusty bread on the side—you’ll want every drop of that buttery sauce!

Leftovers? No problem. Let the chicken cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the sauce smooth.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of chicken thighs?

You can substitute chicken breasts, drumsticks, or even bone-in thighs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a gentle warmth from red pepper flakes, but it’s not overly spicy. Feel free to reduce or omit the flakes for a milder version.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and ensure your broth is dairy-free.

Can I freeze Lemon Butter Chicken?

You can freeze it, but the sauce texture may change slightly upon reheating. For best quality, enjoy within 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge.

What herbs pair well with lemon butter chicken?

Besides parsley, you can try fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary for different flavor profiles.

How do I make the sauce creamier?

Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking for a richer, velvety finish.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If this Lemon Butter Chicken brightened your dinner table, you’ll definitely want to try these other savory favorites:

• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine for a bold twist on pasta night.
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta when you’re craving extra comfort.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli for a hearty one-dish meal.
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan for a cheesy, pasta-filled dinner.
• Classic Chicken with Buttered Noodles for a simple, nostalgic plate everyone loves.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can always find it when you’re craving comfort with a citrusy flair.

And let me know in the comments how your Lemon Butter Chicken turned out! Did you add fresh herbs or make it spicy? Maybe you paired it with angel hair or roasted veggies?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Got a question or substitution idea? Leave it below—let’s help each other cook with flavor.

For more everyday meals with vibrant flavors, follow me on Pinterest at Life with Nina.

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