Description
This easy lemon chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just 30 minutes! Tender, juicy chicken breast with a bright lemon butter sauce that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. From my culinary journey as a trained chef, this lemon chicken recipe has been tested over 50 times to ensure foolproof results every time.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 large lemons)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to even 3/4-inch thickness between plastic wrap or parchment paper.
- Season chicken generously with salt and pepper, then let rest for 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Lightly dredge seasoned chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter stops foaming.
- Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil to rest.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add white wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add chicken stock and lemon juice, bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and whisk in remaining 2 tablespoons cold butter and lemon zest.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over top, and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
For best results, use fresh lemon juice – bottled juice lacks the bright flavor essential to this dish. Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts, increase cooking time to 7-8 minutes per side. For gluten-free version, substitute rice flour or cornstarch for all-purpose flour. The sauce should be served immediately for best texture. Leftovers can be stored in refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently over low heat.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: lemon chicken recipe, easy lemon chicken recipe, best lemon chicken recipe, lemon butter chicken, pan seared chicken, 30 minute dinner, restaurant quality chicken, lemon sauce chicken, weeknight dinner, quick chicken recipe