Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe – Juicy, Flavorful & Easy to Make
Introduction
Cooking lemon garlic butter chicken combines bright citrus flavors rich garlic notes and smooth butter into one dish that delights every sense. Many home cooks adore the way chicken absorbs those savory scents while baking or sautéing gently in a sauce that balances tangy lemon with sweet butter. Flavor lovers seek out recipes that turn ordinary chicken into something memorable. When done right this recipe delivers juicy tender meat coated in golden buttery sauce infused with garlic and fresh lemon juice and zest.
Mastering lemon garlic butter chicken teaches how to layer flavors and cook poultry properly. Each ingredient plays a role in transforming simple chicken breasts or thighs into a dish fit for dinner with family friends or guests. Cooked chicken must reach correct temperature for safety while retaining moisture. Butter must brown lightly to bring depth without burning. Garlic must soften without turning bitter. Lemon juice must brighten without overwhelming.
This article shares expert guidance for perfect lemon garlic butter chicken. Ingredients will be clear. Cooking steps will be simple yet precise. Tips let you adapt flavors or textures to your taste. Nutritional information shows what you eat. Serving suggestions help with pairing and presentation. Many readers find this style useful whether cooking often or trying recipe first time. Prepared correctly this dish becomes a go to weeknight favorite or a special meal that impresses.
Ingredients Needed
What follows is a table listing ingredients required for lemon garlic butter chicken along with approximate calorie counts per portion amounts. How many calories may vary depending on exact brands used.
| Ingredient | Amount | Approximate Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast skin removed | 4 pieces about 6 ounces each | 600 kcal total (150 per piece) |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tablespoons | 400 kcal |
| Fresh garlic cloves minced | 4 cloves | 20 kcal |
| Fresh lemon juice | from 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons) | 12 kcal |
| Lemon zest | from 1 lemon (about 1 teaspoon) | 1 kcal |
| Olive oil extra virgin | 1 tablespoon | 120 kcal |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon or to taste | 0 kcal |
| Black pepper ground | ½ teaspoon | 2 kcal |
| Fresh parsley chopped | 2 tablespoons | 2 kcal |
Total approximate calories for recipe 1157 kcal. Divided by four servings each portion about 290 kcal.
Step by Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare chicken pieces by trimming any excess fat and patting dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper gently. Let rest at room temperature about fifteen minutes so seasoning penetrates the meat.
- Heat large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and two tablespoons butter. Allow butter to melt fully and foam slightly. Place chicken pieces skin side down if using skin on or simply side facing skillet. Cook about five to six minutes without moving to allow golden crust to form.
- Flip chicken pieces so other side cooks. Add garlic immediately around chicken. Stir garlic gently so it fries without burning. Pour fresh lemon juice carefully over chicken. Add lemon zest. Continue cooking about four to five minutes until chicken is cooked through meaning internal temperature reaches one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit or about seventy four degrees Celsius.
- Reduce heat to low. Add remaining butter. Spoon sauce over chicken continuously. Let butter melt fully and garlic infuse sauce with roasted flavor. Taste sauce find if more salt or pepper is needed. If lemons are mild add hint more lemon juice.
- Once sauce thickens slightly and chicken appears glazed by butter garlic sauce remove skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley. Rest chicken for two minutes so juices redistribute.
- Slice if using chicken breast and spoon sauce over slices. Serve immediately so the butter remains warm and sauce silky.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
Nutritional Information
Nutritional values below based on four servings. Values approximate and depend on specific ingredients used.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~ 290 kcal |
| Protein | ~ 28 grams |
| Fat total | ~ 18 grams |
| Saturated fat | ~ 9 grams |
| Carbohydrates | ~ 2 grams |
| Sugar | ~ 0.5 grams |
| Cholesterol | ~ 95 mg |
| Sodium | ~ 400 mg (varies depending on added salt) |
Chicken delivers high quality protein. Butter adds richness and saturated fat so moderating amount or choosing lighter substitute helps. Garlic and lemon provide minimal calories yet offer antioxidants and vitamin C. Sodium depends on how much salt used and whether stock or other salty ingredient was added.
Serving Suggestions
Pair lemon garlic butter chicken with simple sides to let flavors shine. Steamed green beans lightly tossed with olive oil and lemon zest match well. Mashed potatoes rich and creamy soak up butter sauce nicely. Light salad with mixed greens cucumbers tomatoes dressed in vinaigrette offers fresh contrast. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus carrots or broccoli make meal colorful and nutritious. Toasted crusty bread serves to sop up sauce if desired. For a lighter meal serve chicken over cauliflower rice or quinoa. Garnish with fresh parsley lemon wedges to allow extra citrus brightness at table.
Dessert pairing could be something mild like lemon sorbet or fruit salad to continue citrus thread gently. Beverage such as crisp white wine water infused with lemon slices or lightly sweet iced tea helps fresh cleanse palate.
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe – Juicy, Flavorful & Easy to Make
Course: Blog4
servings10
minutes20
minutes290
kcalIngredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
Zest of 1 lemon (about 1 teaspoon)
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Let it rest at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Let the butter melt completely.
- Sear the chicken in the skillet for 5 to 6 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic around the chicken. Stir gently and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (do not let it burn).
- Pour in the lemon juice and add the lemon zest. Reduce the heat to low.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt, creating a smooth sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes.
Recipe Video
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking. If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative or olive oil. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should chicken rest before cooking and after cooking
Allowing chicken to rest at room temperature about fifteen minutes before cooking helps even cooking. After cooking resting two to three minutes helps juices redistribute keeping meat moist.
Can I use frozen chicken
Thawed properly is best. If chicken frozen thaw fully in refrigerator overnight. Pat dry thoroughly before cooking. Cooking frozen chicken directly risks uneven cooking surface browns while inside remains raw.
Is garlic likely to burn
Garlic burns quickly on high heat producing bitter flavor. Keeping heat medium or medium low when adding garlic helps. Adding garlic after searing chicken initial side lowers risk. Stir gently and watch color closely.
What type of butter works best
Unsalted butter allows better control of sodium. Using high quality butter improves taste. If prefer lighter texture part butter can be substituted with olive oil or dietary butter alternative.
How to adjust acidity
Lemon juice brightens dish but too much can overpower. Use zest to add citrus aroma without increasing acid much. Taste sauce before finishing adjust by adding more butter cream or small amount honey to balance.
Can this recipe be made dairy free
Yes swap butter with dairy free spread or coconut oil. Be mindful that texture changes and richness may not equal original version yet flavor stays satisfying when balanced with garlic lemon and seasoning.
Conclusion
Becoming comfortable cooking lemon garlic butter chicken opens possibility to delight taste buds anytime. Every ingredient matters from fresh garlic that warms gently to lemon juice that lifts flavors. Taking time for proper searing resting and sauce making makes difference. Combining method with experimenting herbs spices and sides helps recipe suit personal preferences. Cooking that dish for loved ones brings warmth and satisfaction around table. Hope recipe brings joy flavor and confidence into kitchen for many meals ahead.
