Lemon Butter Chicken

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Lemon Butter Chicken is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels luxurious but is secretly simple. Juicy chicken thighs are pan-seared until golden and then bathed in a lemon garlic butter sauce that’s both tangy and rich. It’s one of those dishes that makes the house smell like a five-star restaurant and tastes even better.

This dish balances flavor and comfort beautifully. The lemon cuts through the richness of the butter, while garlic and herbs add deep savory notes. It pairs with just about anything from a crusty bread to creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. Once you try it, it’s bound to enter your weekly rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Butter Chicken

This chicken recipe comes together in one pan with minimal prep and ingredients you probably already have on hand. It offers a great return on flavor for the effort it requires. The sauce is velvety and perfect for spooning over pasta, rice, or sopping up with a piece of warm bread. Whether you’re cooking for your family or looking to impress guests, this dish delivers every time.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs work best for this recipe because they stay juicy and flavorful during cooking. You can use boneless, skinless thighs or even breasts if you prefer, but keep in mind the cooking time will need adjusting. No matter your cut, the secret is getting a good sear before finishing it off in the lemony butter bath.

Ingredients for the Lemon Butter Chicken

This recipe doesn’t need a long grocery list, just a few core ingredients that make magic together. The richness of the butter, the brightness of lemon, and a few herbs create a meal that feels fancy without the fuss.

• Chicken thighs: The star of the show, bone-in and skin-on for flavor and moisture.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken well.
• Garlic: Adds deep, aromatic flavor to the butter sauce.
• Lemon juice: Cuts through the richness and adds freshness.
• Butter: Creates the silky base for the sauce.
• Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to golden brown perfection.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth and blends beautifully with the lemon and butter.
• Thyme or rosemary: Optional, but a fresh herb takes the sauce to another level.

How To Make the Lemon Butter Chicken

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken skin-side down and sear until golden, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 3: Return Chicken and Simmer

Place the chicken back in the skillet. Spoon some sauce over each piece, cover, and simmer on low for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Add chopped thyme or rosemary toward the end for an herbal touch.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Once done, spoon more of that luscious sauce over the chicken and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

How to Serve and Store Lemon Butter Chicken

This recipe makes enough to serve four people comfortably. It’s best enjoyed fresh off the stove when the sauce is still silky and the chicken skin is crisp. Pair it with mashed potatoes, buttery noodles, rice pilaf, or roasted green beans to turn it into a complete meal.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

What to Serve With Lemon Butter Chicken?

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing, soaking up the lemon butter sauce beautifully.

Garlic Rice

A bowl of fluffy rice with a hint of garlic brings out all the saucy goodness in every bite.

Steamed Asparagus

The bright lemony notes in the chicken match the fresh green flavor of asparagus.

Roasted Baby Carrots

A sweet and earthy contrast that works great with the tangy, rich sauce.

Herbed Couscous

Quick to cook and light on the palate, it complements the richness without overpowering it.

Sauteed Spinach

Soft, garlicky spinach adds color and nutrition while balancing the richness.

Crusty Bread

Nothing beats tearing off a warm piece and using it to swipe up every last drop of sauce.

Caesar Salad

A chilled, crunchy side like Caesar salad adds texture and sharpness that pairs well with the chicken.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If this Lemon Butter Chicken made your night easier and tastier, you’ll love exploring these other cozy favorites:

• Smothered Chicken and Rice for soul-warming comfort.
• Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta if you want a twist on creamy and cheesy.
• Easy Chicken Fried Rice when you need a quick one-pan wonder.
• Creamy Mushroom Ravioli for a decadent pasta companion to your lemon butter chicken.
• Low Carb Chicken Casserole if you’re looking to keep it simple and keto-friendly.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how your Lemon Butter Chicken turned out. Did you add a touch of white wine? Maybe some capers for extra zest? I’d love to hear your take.

Explore beautifully curated dinner ideas and more at Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new favorite dish!

Conclusion

Lemon Butter Chicken proves that the best meals don’t have to be complicated. It’s the kind of dinner that brings everyone to the table and has them asking for seconds. With just a handful of ingredients and one pan, you get bold flavor, comforting richness, and a meal you’ll want to make again and again.

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