There's nothing quite like the aroma of Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce filling your kitchen. The combination of tender, juicy chicken with a tangy, buttery sauce is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. This dish strikes the perfect balance between bright citrus flavors and rich, savory notes.

The first time I made this, I was trying to impress some dinner guests. It turned out to be an instant hit, and now it’s become a regular in our household rotation. It's a simple recipe, yet it feels fancy enough for any special occasion.
Why You'll Love This Lemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce
Get ready to fall in love with this incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights but also impressive enough for guests.
First off, it’s a dish that comes together in no time at all. You’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in under 30 minutes, thanks to the quick pan-searing technique that locks in the chicken's juiciness while creating a crisp, golden crust.
You'll also love the rich, buttery sauce with a refreshing burst of lemon. It’s the perfect match for chicken, coating each piece in a luscious, velvety glaze that’s both indulgent and refreshing. Plus, the sauce is versatile enough to pair beautifully with vegetables or rice, turning any side into a flavor-packed complement.
This recipe is incredibly family-friendly. Even picky eaters will savor the bright and savory flavors, and the mild lemon zest keeps things exciting without being overpowering. It’s a great way to add some variety to your weekly meal plan.
Finally, the ingredients are simple and easy to find. Most of what you need is likely already in your pantry or fridge, making this recipe a no-fuss crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each element works together to create a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Chicken Breasts: This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Pounding them to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer; just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Lemons: Fresh lemons are key here. You’ll use both the zest and the juice to bring out a bold citrus flavor. The zest adds a concentrated lemony aroma, while the juice provides a tangy punch that balances the richness of the butter.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds a savory depth to the sauce. It’s sautéed briefly to mellow out its raw bite and infuse the butter with a rich, aromatic flavor. Don’t skip it!
Butter: This ingredient is essential for creating a silky sauce. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the seasoning of the dish better. If you only have salted butter, be sure to adjust the salt accordingly.
Chicken Broth: The broth helps to deglaze the pan and form the base of the sauce. It adds a savory undertone that complements the lemon and butter beautifully. For a more luxurious sauce, you can substitute some of the broth with white wine.
Lastly, you’ll need a large skillet for searing the chicken and a zester or microplane for the lemon zest. Having everything prepped and ready to go will make the cooking process a breeze.
How To Make This Lemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce

Making this Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce is incredibly simple, and you’ll love how quickly it all comes together.
Start by prepping your chicken breasts. Place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness. This not only tenderizes the meat but also ensures even cooking. Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and a bit of lemon zest.
Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken breasts in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they develop a beautiful golden crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Then, add fresh lemon juice and chicken broth to the pan, scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Finally, whisk in the butter, one tablespoon at a time, to create a smooth, velvety sauce. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece. Garnish with extra lemon zest and fresh herbs like parsley if you’d like. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
The entire cooking process takes just 20-25 minutes, making this recipe ideal for weeknight meals. The lemon butter sauce should be glossy and rich, coating the chicken perfectly.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (which you might not, since it’s so delicious!), here’s how to store them properly to maintain maximum flavor and texture.
Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the sauce from becoming too thick.
Freezing: You can freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently, as freezing can sometimes cause the butter sauce to separate.
Meal Prep Tip: This dish is great for meal prepping! You can cook a large batch and portion it out with rice or veggies for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
Variations and Substitutions
This Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce is highly versatile, and there are plenty of ways to make it your own.
Herbs: While parsley is a classic garnish, you can switch things up with fresh basil, thyme, or even dill for a different flavor profile. The herbs add a fresh note that complements the tangy lemon sauce.
Protein: Don’t feel limited to chicken. This recipe works wonderfully with shrimp or even white fish like tilapia. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Low-Carb: If you’re following a low-carb diet, serve this chicken over a bed of cauliflower rice or alongside roasted vegetables. The sauce pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus, green beans, or zucchini.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to use a gluten-free chicken broth if needed. For an extra layer of flavor, you can dust the chicken lightly with gluten-free flour before searing to help the sauce cling better.
Feel free to experiment with your favorite variations and find what works best for you. The possibilities are endless!
Enjoy making and savoring this delightful Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce! It’s a dish you’ll return to time and time again.
PrintLemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
This Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce recipe is a savory, citrus-infused dish featuring tender chicken cooked to perfection and served with a tangy, buttery sauce. It's easy to make, bursting with flavor, and ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Try this delicious lemon chicken for an unforgettable meal!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt.
- Cook the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until smooth.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Let the chicken warm in the sauce for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use bone-in chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- You can add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
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