Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce
This flavorful dish features tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection, glazed with a bright and zesty lemon butter sauce. Perfectly paired with steamed vegetables or rice, it is a delightful main course that's sure to impress.
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 tongs or spatula
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 cutting board
- 1 chef's knife
- 1 citrus juicer or squeezer
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts About 1.5 pounds total.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick).
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 piece lemon, zest Zest of 1 lemon.
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice About 2 lemons.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
- as needed pieces lemon slices For garnish.
Instructions
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and lemon zest, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the fresh lemon juice and stir to combine. Let the sauce bubble gently for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the lemon butter sauce over the chicken, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the chicken absorb some of the sauce.
- Serve the chicken hot, garnished with chopped parsley and lemon slices.
Notes
For a fruity twist, you can add some capers to the lemon butter sauce for added flavor. Consider serving with a side of steamed asparagus or rice to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated gently in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.