Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is the quick and easy meal you need. It is packed full of flavour and guarantees you will feel satisfied. This recipe will leave you wanting more in every mouthful with perfectly seared chicken breasts coated in a sumptuous butter-lemon-garlic sauce.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken: How often have you invited family and friends over for dinner and thought, “Ugh, something special but not too complicated”? Whether for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is fancy yet easy with the bare minimum of effort. Using only a few nutritious ingredients and 30 minutes or less, this deliciously juicy chicken recipe is an explosion of flavour with minimal effort on your part.

Superbly balanced, this chicken dinner goes beautifully with all sides and will become a go-to in your dinner rotation.

Let’s get started on this delicious recipe that’s sure to amaze!

What do you need for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken?

• Four chicken breasts (or thighs, if you’d rather) without bones or skin 
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• One tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice (more to taste) 
• Zest of 1 lemon
• One teaspoon of dried thyme (or fresh, if available) 
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley for garnish
• Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Season the Chicken

• Dry the chicken breasts with a paper towel for a nice sear.
• Cover the chicken with plenty of salt and pepper and sprinkle with dried thyme on both sides.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

• Heat lots of skillet’s olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Sprinkle the one-pound of chicken breasts on both sides, add it to the pan, and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The chicken’s internal temperature should be below 165°F (74°C).
• After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it aside. Tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

• Using the same skillet, lower heat to medium.
• Scrape off all the brown pieces from the bottom of the pan as you add the butter and let it melt; this gives the dish a wonderful flavour.
• Cook the chopped garlic for one to two minutes after introducing it or until aromatic but not browned.
• Add the zest of a lemon, lemon juice, and chicken broth, and stir. Allow it to simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce some (it will concentrate the flavours).

Step 4: Toss Chicken with Sauce

• Return the chicken breasts to the skillet using a spoon to spoon the sauce over the chicken. Simmer for 2-3 minutes for the chicken to soak in the sauce and heat through.
• If the sauce is too thick , stir in more chicken broth or water to thin it out.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Top the chicken with fresh parsley and lemon slices (if using).
• Enjoy the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with your favourite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or a basic salad.

Easy Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Pro Tips

• Use Bone-In Chicken for More Flavor: Boneless breasts are fine, but carcasses or bone-in chicken (thighs or breasts) will add more flavour and moisture.

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts dry out quickly, so watch how long you cook the chicken. Internal temperature thermometer. (for testing doneness)

• Adjust the Lemon: If you enjoy a strong citrus flavour, add more lemon juice and zest. You could also stir some lemon zest into the sauce for extra freshness.

• Double the Sauce: If you like spicy food, double the amounts of butter, garlic, and broth, so you have more to drizzle on the chicken and sides.

How to Turn Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Into a Full Meal

Although Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is a hearty meal in and of itself, the right sides will take your dinner to the next level! Here are some additional suggestions for crafting a hearty, well-rounded meal:

• Serve with a Light Salad

Serve the chicken with a refreshing arugula or spinach salad that cuts through its richness. Add  cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette. The acidity of the vinaigrette cuts through the chicken’s richness, so you feel refreshed after each bite.

• Try it with garlic bread.

For carb lovers, garlic bread or generous slices of crusty baguette should be served alongside to soak up any remaining sauce in the skillet. The warm, buttery bread will offset the flavours of the chicken, providing you with the best comfort food experience.

• Serve with Roasted Potatoes

Baby potatoes, sweet potatoes, and grains like farro and barley are deliciously roasted in olive oil and seasoned to a crispy bite. They’ll soak up the buttery, garlicky sauce from the chicken and complement its flavour nicely.

• Delicious roasted potatoes 

For kicks, slide potatoes into the oven with the chicken during the last 20 minutes of cooking, where they can roast at the same temperature.

Sprinkle with more herbs for additional fragrance

Herbed lemon garlic butter chicken is a whole chicken that keeps the flavour fresh and aromatic. Though dried herbs such as thyme are perfectly fine, fresh herbs can bring bright, fragrant notes to the dish. This is how to take full advantage of them:

• Fresh rosemary: Throw a sprig into the skillet as you cook the garlic. It adds a slightly earthy flavour to the sauce that works beautifully with the lemon. Strain out the sprig before serving to keep it neat.

• Parsley: Cut some fresh parsley and place it on top before serving for a fresh, colourful touch. It offsets the richness of the butter sauce and adds visual interest.

• Basil: Finely chopped fresh basil is added to the cooking end for a slightly sweet, peppery aroma. It pairs perfectly with the zesty lemon and adds a Mediterranean flair.

• Thyme: If using fresh thyme, remove the leaves from the stems and stir them into the butter sauce. The delicate citrus notes of fresh thyme elevate the dish’s overall flavour.

• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a fresh and unique twist to the dish. Its bright and citrusy flavour profile can bring an unexpected but pleasant flavour to the meal.

Try substituting other herbs for a home version of Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken—be a mad scientist. Fresh herbs take the dish over the top, turning a simple but effective meal into something you’d pay good money for at a restaurant.

Incorporate a Touch of Heat

If you love a spicy kick, spices added to Lemon, garlic, and Butter Chicken make it an excellent contrast with buttery sauce and lemon. Here are some simple ways to jazz it up:

• Red Pepper Flakes: Add 1/4 of red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon) to your butter sauce as it simmers. The gentle heat builds the garlic and lemon flavours you don’t want to drown in heat. You can vary the amount to your taste, depending on how hot you like it.

• Cayenne Pepper: If you prefer more consistent heat throughout the dish, you can sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper on top of the seasoning on the chicken before you sear it or stir a small amount into the sauce.

• Chopped Jalapeños: Include some finely diced jalapeños in the garlic butter sauce for a fresh, bright kick. Ensure the seeds and membranes can be removed for reduced heat or left in if you want extra spice.

• Smoked Paprika: In addition to smelling mildly smoky, smoked paprika imparts a subtle heat, depth of flavor, and lovely colour to the sauce. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon while seasoning the chicken, or stir it into the sauce.

• Hot Sauce: A sprinkle of your favourite hot sauce mixed into the sauce right before serving would lend a toothsome tangy kick. Sriracha, Tabasco, or even garlic chilli sauce will add a punch.

Not only does adding a hint of heat spice things up, but it also provides a dynamic flavour profile that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you want mild warmth or a fiery kick, customizing the heat level makes this dish adaptable to every palate.

Create a Creamier Sauce

People who love to eat rich, silky cheeses and creamy lemon garlic butter chicken can take the dish to another new life. The creaminess balances beautifully with the tangy lemon and rich garlic flavours. Here’s how to make the perfect creamy sauce:

• Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: After sautéing the garlic and simmering the broth, add 1/4 to 1/3 cup heavy cream or half-and-half. Allow it to simmer gently for a few minutes to thicken, turning a luxurious, velvety sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.

• Cream Cheese: Add 2-3 tablespoons of softened cream cheese for a thicker, slightly tangy sauce. Add it to the sauce, stirring until it’s completely melted and creamy. This is an excellent option for a rich and cosy dish.

• Coconut Milk or Cashew Cream (Dairy-Free): Use full-fat coconut milk or homemade cashew cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version. Both give a creamy texture and a touch of sweetness that works with the lemon and garlic flavours.

• Parmesan Cheese: While cooking, add two to three tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. The cheese does double duty, thickening the sauce and adding a savoury, umami punch that brightens the flavour.

With this creamy twist, Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken becomes a hearty, satisfying dish perfect for pasta, steamed potatoes, or even crusty bread. Whether you’re in the mood for a decadent treat or want to break out of a rut, this buttery, creamy sauce is a revelation.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Vegetables

Top your lemon garlic butter chicken with vegetables for a complete, nutrient-dense meal. Adding vegetables elevates the meal’s flavour and saves time, allowing you to cook everything in a single skillet. Here’s how to use them smoothly:

• Roasted Vegetables:

To provide nutrients, you can add some veggies to the skillet, like asparagus, green beans, zucchini, or bell peppers, after the last 5-7 minutes of cooking. These vegetables cook quickly and soak in the flavorful sauce beautifully.

• Hearty Vegetables:

For more substantial choices, like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts, blanch or roast them separately before adding them to the skillet. This helps them cook evenly, retain their texture, and integrate fully with the sauce.

• One-Pan Option:

Cut vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, or baby carrots into thin disks and sauté them in the same skillet as the chicken. You want to let the vegetables cook a bit before adding the chicken so that everything can be ready simultaneously.

Tossing in some rounds out the meal, making it excellent for eating on its own or serving with light sides such as rice or salad. This adaptable recipe can be flexible with any fresh produce, making it practical.

Why Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is Perfect for Meal Prep

This lemon garlic butter chicken recipe is not only easy; it’s packed with flavour and perfect for meal prep. Here’s why it’s a favorite for make-ahead meal prep:

• Stays Juicy and Flavorful: The buttery, lemony sauce allows the chicken to be reheated and taste moist and seasoned. And unlike some recipes that stick with the snooze in their age, this one only gets better with time as the flavours meld.

• Reheating: Reheat the chicken on the stove or microwave, loosening the sauce with a bit of broth or water, if necessary. It consistently tastes fresh from the moment it’s steamed.

• Long-Term Storage: The cooked chicken and sauce will easily last 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge—ideal for batch cooking for the week ahead!

• Freezer-friendly: This dish freezes exceptionally well. Let the chicken and sauce cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight, then reheat.

• Meal Prep Pairings:

Portion the chicken with sides such as rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables in individual meal containers. The sauce will seep into the sides, making every bite flavorful.

Serve with a garden salad for a bright, refreshing contrast or steamed cauliflower rice for low-carb: either way, you’ll be so happy.

This recipe’s ability to hold its flavor, texture, and versatility makes it great for meal prep. Whether you need lunches for work or dinner for busy nights, Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is reliable and tasty.

Substitutes with Health Benefits and Dietary Changes

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is adaptable if you are counting calories or on a specific diet.

• Use olive oil in place of butter. If you want to reduce saturated fat, replace the butter with extra butter. Olive oil is rich but has healthier fats.
• Chicken Thighs for Breasts: For more flavour and moisture, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They have a touch fatter but a lot more flavour and humidity.
• Cauliflower Rice: Serve the chicken with cauliflower rice instead of pasta or rice for a low-carb option. It will soak up all that tasty sauce and keep the meal light and low-calorie.
• Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, cut the cream or skip it altogether and let the garlic butter sauce do its thing. It is still packed with flavor.

Healthier Substitutes and Dietary Modifications

What should you serve with lemon garlic butter chicken? Here are some simple tweaks to make it your own while preserving the flavours:

• Keto-Friendly: In this case, swap the butter for ghee for a higher-fat choice, and serve the chicken with zucchini noodles (zoodles), cauliflower rice, or roasted low-carb vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.
• Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free, provided that the chicken broth is gluten-free. Pair it with gluten-free pasta, rice, or quinoa for a hearty, safe meal.
• Dairy-Free: Use a buttery spread made without dairy instead of butter or coconut oil. For a creamy sauce, substitute coconut milk or cashew cream for heavy cream to create a rich, dairy-free version.
• Low-Calorie: Substitute skinless chicken breasts for thighs and half the butter. To keep the meal light, serve it with steaming vegetables or a crisp garden salad. 
• Vegetarian Option: Use firm tofu or another plant-based protein instead of chicken. Making the lemon garlic butter sauce as written lets the flavours seep into the tofu while it simmers.
• Pescatarian Twist: Replace the chicken with white fish fillets or shrimp. Modify the cooking time if needed, making sure seafood is done only to tender and flaky.

With these minimal substitutions and adjustments, Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken can easily fit into various diets without sacrificing flavour or satisfaction.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common pitfalls to avoid to ensure your lemon garlic butter chicken is perfect every time:

• Overcooking the Chicken:

If overcooked, cooked chicken breasts are prone to drying. Use a meat thermometer to determine doneness—165 degrees F (74 degrees C) is the safe internal temperature for juicy, tender chicken.

• Burning the garlic:

Garlic cooks very quickly and can become bitter when burned. Sauté it over medium heat, and be vigilant—you want to keep it fragrant and golden, not brown and blackened.

• Skipping the sauce reduction:

Let the sauce reduce a bit and simmer before serving. This step reduces the flavours and makes a thicker, more flavorful sauce that sticks to the chicken nicely.

• Not Patting the Chicken Dry Before Searing:

If the chicken is not patted dry well enough before being seasoned, it won’t sear properly and could also leech more liquid into the skillet than necessary, ruining that crisp, golden exterior.

• Under-Seasoning:

Use plenty of salt, pepper, and thyme! Seasoning was critical for highlighting the most flavour in this dish. If needed, adjust the seasoning after tasting the sauce. 

• Overcrowding the skillet:

Cooking too many chicken breasts simultaneously can cool off the skillet, resulting in steaming rather than searing. Cook in batches if necessary to let each piece form a golden crust.

Avoiding these common pitfalls will help you achieve perfectly balanced and flavour-rich lemon garlic butter chicken every time.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is one of those meals that will get loved no matter how you cook it or what you serve it with. It’s fast and full of flavours that play well together in each mouthful. This dish is more than flexible enough to accommodate how you want to serve it: whether for a hectic weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s rich, juicy, and flavorful sufficient to work for you.

Make the recipe today and enjoy the juicy, delicious satisfaction of lemony buttery chicken—your taste buds will thank you!