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Tender, juicy chicken breasts enveloped in a silky lemon butter sauce create an elegant yet simple weeknight dinner. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe transforms everyday chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal.
Through testing, I found that letting the chicken rest while making the sauce ensures the juiciest results.
Essential Ingredients & Selection Tips
- Chicken Breasts: Choose same-sized pieces for even cooking
- Lemons: Meyer lemons add subtle sweetness
- European-Style Butter: Higher fat content creates silkier sauce
- Fresh Herbs: Basil or thyme add aromatic depth
- Quality Olive Oil: Helps prevent butter from burning
Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Perfect Chicken Prep
- Pat breasts completely dry. Pound to even 1/2 inch thickness. Season flour generously with salt and pepper. Dredge lightly, shake off excess. Let rest 5 minutes for coating to adhere.
- Step 2: Masterful Pan Technique
- Heat pan until butter foams. Place chicken without crowding. Don't move for first 3-4 minutes. Check for golden crust before flipping. Monitor temperature to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Perfecting the Sauce
- Add lemon slices to hot pan. Char until golden edges appear. Deglaze with fresh lemon juice. Swirl pan to emulsify butter. Reduce until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Final Assembly
- Return chicken to pan. Spoon sauce over each piece. Let rest 2 minutes to absorb flavors. Garnish with fresh herbs. Serve immediately.
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My Italian grandmother taught me that the secret to perfect lemon chicken lies in the sauce reduction. The butter should emulsify slowly, creating a velvety texture that clings to each bite.
Mastering Heat Control
Heat management is crucial - too hot burns the butter, too cool won't develop flavor. Medium heat allows butter to brown slightly while maintaining the perfect sauce consistency.
Sauce Enhancement
Adding a splash of white wine or chicken stock creates extra sauce for serving. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds subtle warmth without overpowering the lemon.
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This lemon butter chicken has become my signature dish for both family dinners and elegant entertaining. The bright citrus notes balanced with rich butter create a sauce that elevates simple chicken into something extraordinary.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why pound the chicken?
- Pounding creates even thickness for quick, uniform cooking and makes the chicken more tender.
- → Can I skip the flour coating?
- The flour helps create a golden crust and thickens the sauce. For gluten-free, use cornstarch or rice flour instead.
- → Why cook in batches?
- Overcrowding the pan prevents proper browning. Giving each piece space ensures a golden crust.
- → Can I use bottled lemon juice?
- Fresh lemon juice and slices provide better flavor. If using bottled, reduce amount as it's more concentrated.
- → What can I serve with this?
- Rice, pasta, or crusty bread work well for soaking up the sauce. Add a green vegetable like asparagus or broccoli.