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Lemon Chicken with Butter Sauce

Lemon Chicken with Butter Sauce

This Lemon Chicken with Butter Sauce recipe is a culinary delight that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen with minimal effort, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or any occasion demanding a quick yet impressive meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice from about 1-2 lemons
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon slices for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Paper towels
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Begin by patting your chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This simple step ensures a better sear and a more appealing texture. Season the chicken evenly with salt and black pepper.
    1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
    2 tablespoons olive oil, 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
    2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 3 cloves garlic
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice. Scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits, which are packed with flavor. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly reduce.
    ½ cup chicken broth, ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  5. Stir in the heavy cream. Continue to simmer the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
    2 tablespoons heavy cream
  6. Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the chicken evenly in the luscious lemon butter sauce. Allow the chicken to heat through in the sauce for about 1-2 minutes.
    1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and optional lemon slices. Serve immediately.
    1 tablespoon fresh parsley, Lemon slices

Notes

The dish will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the Lemon Chicken with Butter Sauce. It will keep well for up to 2-3 months.