The Best Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

Introduction

If you’re searching for a chicken recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimum fuss, The Best Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is the answer. With a golden, pan-seared exterior and a luxuriously zesty sauce, this dish combines tangy lemon, aromatic garlic, and rich butter in a harmony that transforms everyday chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal. It’s a perfect choice for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or anyone craving a crowd-pleasing entrée bursting with flavor.

Why This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Is a Standout

What sets this recipe apart is its irresistible combination of simplicity and bold flavor. The lemon juice brightens each bite, the butter envelopes everything in a silky richness, and the garlic infuses the chicken with mouthwatering aroma. Plus, the quick cooking time and minimal prep make it an ideal choice for hectic weeknights or impressive last-minute dinners.

Mastering the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Achieving the perfect sauce is the key to this recipe’s appeal. Start by melting butter in a hot skillet, then sauté the garlic until fragrant—just a minute or so to avoid bitterness. Add the lemon juice and a touch of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley for color and brightness. This luscious sauce soaks into each bite, making the chicken irresistibly juicy and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions for a Flawless Plate

Pair Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or tender roasted vegetables to soak up the sauce. For a lighter option, serve over a crisp green salad or with steamed asparagus. Garnish with lemon slices and extra parsley to elevate presentation and add a pop of color.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 4 and delivers approximately 350 calories per serving, depending on portion size and side dishes. It’s gluten-free and low-carb, making it an excellent option for a variety of dietary preferences.

The Best Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken (Recap)

With its blend of punchy citrus, mellow garlic, and creamy butter, this dish is a go-to for bright, bold flavors. Simple, comforting, and totally satisfying, Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken will quickly find a place in your regular meal rotation.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly generate a grocery list with all ingredients sorted by grocery store section — perfect for streamlined meal planning and hassle-free shopping.

Instructions

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
2. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken. Sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Add minced garlic; sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan and simmer 2–3 minutes. (Optional: Add honey or heavy cream for a richer sauce.)
5. Return chicken to skillet. Spoon sauce over chicken and simmer for another 2 minutes, letting all flavors meld.
6. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and garnish with lemon slices. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is an ideal candidate for weekly meal prep. Save and schedule this recipe to seamlessly integrate it into your weekly meal plan and generate smart, consolidated shopping lists.

Planning Benefits:

• Combines ingredient quantities across planned meals, so you only buy what you need
• Organizes shopping lists by store section for a faster, more efficient grocery trip
• Reduces duplicate purchases and wasted ingredients
• Makes feeding your family throughout the week stress-free and well-organized

Pro tip: Planning multiple meals using CookifyAI allows you to see ingredient overlap—so, for instance, if other recipes this week also use chicken broth or lemons, your list automatically combines totals, keeping waste at bay.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes