The **lemon butter chicken recipe** is the ultimate weeknight hero, delivering gourmet flavor in under 30 minutes. This dish features pan-seared chicken bathed in a rich, zesty, and tangy sauce—a classic Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that is both light and comforting. This recipe is a fantastic, **amazing** choice for your **Dinner** menu and a proven winner in the **Quick Recipes** category.

The secret to this dish lies in two key techniques: preparing thin chicken cutlets for fast, even cooking, and creating an emulsified pan sauce using butter and lemon juice—a method that prevents the sauce from splitting and ensures a restaurant-quality glaze. We will walk you through the essential steps to mastering this simple yet elegant **recipe lemon butter chicken**.

Mastering the Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe Meat

The biggest challenge with any stovetop chicken breast recipe is avoiding dry, overcooked meat. We solve this by preparing thin, uniform cutlets that cook quickly and evenly.

Prep the Chicken for Tender Lemon Butter Chicken Recipes

For the most tender result in your **lemon butter chicken recipes**, preparation is key:

• **Slice Thinly:** Take thick chicken breasts and slice them horizontally into two or three thinner cutlets. This ensures they cook in minutes.
• **Pound Flat (Optional):** Lightly pounding the chicken to an even $\frac{1}{4}$-inch thickness helps guarantee uniform cooking and further tenderizes the meat.
• **Season and Sear:** Season the cutlets generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear them in hot oil and butter until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms on both sides.

This attention to prep ensures the meat remains juicy. For more inspiration on quick chicken dinners, our guide to the speedy **[Fried Rice Recipe]** (https://flavorillarecipes.com/fried-rice-recipe) is an excellent resource for your **Quick Recipes** rotation.

Creating the Perfect Velvety Lemon Butter Sauce

The sauce for the **lemon butter chicken recipe** is built directly in the pan using the leftover chicken fond (the browned bits) for maximum flavor.

Building the Rich Lemon Butter Recipe for Chicken

This sauce is technically a *pan sauce* and can be made quickly without flour or cornstarch by reducing the liquid and emulsifying it with cold butter.

1. **Deglaze:** After the chicken is removed, add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to the hot pan and scrape up all the browned bits (fond). This creates the savory base.
2. **Reduce:** Add garlic, fresh lemon juice, and chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a rapid boil and reduce the liquid by half to concentrate the flavor.
3. **Emulsify:** Reduce the heat to low. Whisk cold butter cubes, one at a time, into the simmering sauce. Whisking vigorously off the heat ensures the fat integrates smoothly with the liquid, creating a thick, glossy emulsion that clings to the chicken.

Key Tips for Lemon Butter Sauce Success:

• **Cold Butter:** Using cold butter is vital for the emulsion. The intense temperature difference helps the fat break into tiny droplets that remain suspended in the sauce, preventing separation.
• **Avoid Boiling:** Once the cold butter is added, **do not let the sauce boil**. High heat will cause the butter to break the emulsion, resulting in a greasy, separated sauce.

Serving and Variations for Lemon Chicken Butter Recipe

This versatile dish is perfect for a quick **Dinner**. The rich sauce means it pairs best with simple starches that can soak up the flavor.

Pairing the Lemon Chicken Butter Recipe:

• **Pasta:** Serve over long noodles like linguine or fettuccine, tossing them directly in the sauce for a complete meal. For a richer pasta dish, our guide to the Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is highly recommended.
• **Starches:** Mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or crusty bread are excellent choices.
• **Greens:** A side of sautéed asparagus, green beans, or simple wilted spinach adds freshness and color.

Amazing Recipe Lemon Butter Chicken Variations:

The base sauce is flexible enough to handle various additions, allowing you to tailor the **lemon butter chicken recipe** to your taste:

• **Creamy Sauce:** Stir a tablespoon of heavy cream or half-and-half into the sauce after the butter has been emulsified for extra richness.
• **Capers (Piccata Style):** Add a tablespoon of drained capers to the sauce just before serving for a salty, briny burst of flavor.
• **Herb Swap:** Replace parsley with fresh dill or tarragon for a different aromatic profile.

FAQ: Your Questions About Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

How do you keep the chicken from drying out in the lemon butter chicken recipe?

The primary method to prevent dry chicken is to cook thin, uniform cutlets (sliced horizontally). This ensures the chicken cooks in 3–4 minutes. Always cook over medium-high heat for speed, and avoid the temptation to overcook it; the meat should be removed from the pan immediately when the internal temperature reaches $165^\circ\text{F}$ (74°C).

What is the secret to a thick lemon sauce for chicken without using flour?

The secret to the **lemon butter recipe for chicken** is emulsification. The sauce is thickened by rapidly reducing the chicken broth/lemon juice mixture to concentrate the starches, and then whisking in cold butter off the heat. This process binds the fat and liquid, creating a naturally thick, velvety, and glossy sauce.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute for the **lemon butter chicken recipe**. Thighs are higher in fat and therefore remain more tender and juicy than breasts, even if slightly overcooked. They may require a minute or two of extra cooking time.

How can I make this lemon chicken butter recipe low-carb?

This **lemon chicken butter recipe** is naturally low-carb. To serve, skip the pasta and rice. Serve the chicken and sauce over zucchini noodles (zoodles), mashed cauliflower, or steamed asparagus to maintain the rich flavor while reducing carb intake.

How to make chicken and broccoli pasta?

To make **chicken and broccoli pasta**, follow the pan-searing chicken technique. Blanch the broccoli separately. Use a roux made of butter and flour, thinned with milk, to create a white sauce, then toss the chicken, broccoli, and pasta together in the sauce.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Quick and Flavorful Dinner

The **lemon butter chicken recipe** is a powerful addition to your culinary arsenal. By mastering the core techniques—slicing thin cutlets and emulsifying the simple pan sauce—you guarantee an elegant, intensely flavorful result that is achieved in minutes.

This **amazing lemon butter chicken recipe** proves that high-quality, flavorful food is always within reach, securing its place among your essential **Dinner** and **Quick Recipes**.

Recipe Summary: Quick Lemon Butter Chicken

→ Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into 4 cutlets)
• 4 Tbsp butter (cold, divided)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• $\frac{1}{2}$ cup chicken broth (or white wine)
• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tsp zest
• Salt, pepper, parsley (for garnish)

Steps to Follow (How to Make Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe)

1. **Sear Chicken:** Slice chicken breasts into thin cutlets. Season. Sear in a skillet with oil and 1 Tbsp butter over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
2. **Deglaze:** Add broth/wine, lemon juice, and zest to the hot pan. Bring to a boil and reduce by half, scraping up the fond.
3. **Emulsify Sauce:** Reduce heat to low. Whisk in the remaining 3 Tbsp of cold butter, one cube at a time, until the sauce is thick and glossy. Do not boil.
4. **Finish and Serve:** Return the chicken to the pan to coat and warm. Garnish with parsley.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan
• Whisk and tongs