Lemon Butter Chicken Breasts

Featured in Reliable Main Course Recipes.

This one-skillet lemon butter chicken transforms simple chicken breasts into a bright, flavorful meal in just 15 minutes. The key is pounding the chicken thin for quick, even cooking and creating a light flour coating that helps develop a golden crust. Fresh lemon slices are caramelized in the same pan, infusing the butter sauce with intense citrus flavor while fresh basil adds an aromatic finish. What makes this dish special is its simplicity - just 6 main ingredients create a restaurant-worthy sauce that's perfect for drizzling over the chicken and accompanying rice.
Chef Zaho
Updated on Sat, 25 Jan 2025 14:13:38 GMT
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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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One-Skillet Lemon Butter Chicken | alicesrecipes.com

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.

Easy Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe Pin it
Easy Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe | alicesrecipes.com

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.

One-Skillet Lemon Butter Chicken

A quick one-skillet chicken dinner featuring tender chicken breasts in a bright lemon butter sauce with fresh basil. Ready in just 15 minutes.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Fati Zaho

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Chicken & Coating

01 6 medium boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1-1/2 pounds)
02 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
03 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning

→ Pan Sauce

05 1/3 cup butter
06 1 tablespoon olive oil
07 2 lemons, sliced
08 2 tablespoons lemon juice
09 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Step 01

Place each chicken breast half between two pieces of plastic wrap. Pound lightly into a rectangle about 1/4 to 1/8 inch thick. Remove plastic wrap.

Step 02

In a shallow bowl, combine the flour and salt. Coat chicken breasts with flour mixture. Sprinkle chicken breasts with lemon pepper.

Step 03

Heat a 12 inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and olive oil and once hot, place in half the chicken breasts. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Repeat with remaining chicken.

Step 04

Remove chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Add lemon slices to skillet; cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly browned, turning once.

Step 05

Return all chicken to skillet (including any juices on plate), overlapping slightly. Drizzle with lemon juice. Cook 2 to 3 minutes more until pan juices are slightly reduced.

Step 06

Serve chicken, lemon slices, basil and pan juices over hot cooked rice if desired.

Notes

  1. Can be served over rice
  2. Uses just one skillet for easy cleanup

Tools You'll Need

  • 12-inch skillet
  • Plastic wrap
  • Meat mallet
  • Shallow bowl
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains wheat (flour)
  • Contains dairy (butter)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 291
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
  • Protein: 26 g