Lemon Butter Chicken

Lemon Butter Chicken is a quick and delicious dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a zesty, buttery lemon sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this restaurant-quality recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner at home. The balance of tangy lemon, savory garlic, and rich butter creates an irresistible flavor that will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
• Restaurant-Quality Flavor: Combines zesty lemon with a rich, buttery sauce.
• Healthier Option: Light yet satisfying, with fresh ingredients.
• Family-Friendly: A dish that everyone will love.
• Versatile: Pairs well with rice, pasta, or vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Seasoning: 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, ½ tsp garlic powder
• Flour: ½ cup all-purpose flour (for coating)
• Olive Oil: 2 tbsp (for cooking the chicken)
• Butter: 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup (low-sodium for a healthier option)
• Lemon Juice: 2 tbsp freshly squeezed
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Lightly dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

1. Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet.
2. Add the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
3. Simmer the sauce for 2–3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.
2. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes to let the chicken absorb the flavors.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with your favorite side dishes.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
• Creamy Sauce: Stir in 2 tbsp of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer flavor.
• Herby Flavor: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce for an aromatic twist.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for dredging the chicken.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture of the chicken.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness to the dish. Adjust cooking time as needed.

2. How do I thicken the sauce?

Let the sauce simmer longer to reduce, or whisk in 1 tsp of cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp of water.

3. Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

4. What sides go well with Lemon Butter Chicken?

Pair it with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.

5. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free butter substitute to make it suitable for dairy-free diets.

6. How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Do not overcook the chicken—use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to 165°F.

7. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and reheat gently before serving.

8. Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes, sauté spinach, asparagus, or green beans in the sauce for a one-pan meal.

9. What type of skillet is best?

A stainless steel or cast-iron skillet works best for even cooking and browning.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Double the ingredients and use a larger skillet to accommodate more chicken.

Conclusion

Lemon Butter Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners. With its quick preparation, zesty lemon sauce, and tender chicken, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of freshness and richness. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!

Lemon Butter Chicken

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• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Marinate Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes per side
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Marinating, Grilling or Pan-Seared
• Cuisine: Mexican

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Description

Enjoy the bold flavors of Chipotle at home with this Budget-Friendly Chipotle-Style Steak Recipe! Tender sirloin steak is marinated in a smoky, chipotle-infused sauce that’s perfect for tacos, bowls, or salads. Ready in just 30 minutes and under $15, this recipe is a quick, delicious, and cost-effective dinner solution.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Produce:

• 2 tsp chipotle powder
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 lime (juiced)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder

Condiments:

• 1 (7 oz) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1/4 cup honey

Baking & Spices:

• 2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp cumin

Oils & Vinegars:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, lime juice, garlic, chipotle powder, chili powder, cumin, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.

2. Marinate the Steak:

1. Place the sirloin steak in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
2. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).

3. Cook the Steak:

1. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the pan if not using a non-stick surface.
2. Remove the steak from the marinade and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired level of doneness (135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium).
3. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

4. Serve:

1. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
2. Use the steak for tacos, burrito bowls, salads, or serve with rice and beans for a complete meal.

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Notes

• For extra smoky flavor, cook the steak on an outdoor grill instead of a skillet.
• Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chipotle peppers or powder.
• Leftover steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for meals.