Lemon Butter Chicken Breast

$For this recipe, you need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Choose fresh ones for the best taste. Make sure they are even in size. This helps them cook evenly. You will season the chicken with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple step adds a great base flavor. You also need 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. If you have fresh thyme, use 1 tablespoon instead. Fresh herbs lift the dish. The lemon butter sauce is key to this dish. You need ½ cup of unsalted butter, divided. Use 2 tablespoons of olive oil to start cooking. For the sauce, you need 3 cloves of minced garlic. The zest and juice of 2 large lemons bring freshness. Finally, have fresh parsley ready for garnish. This adds color and a fresh taste. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to create a delicious meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick well. Next, season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You want a good amount of flavor here. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil once the pan is hot. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes on one side until it turns golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F or 75°C. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add ½ cup of unsalted butter and let it melt. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds extra flavor. Once melted, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until you smell that lovely garlic scent. Then, stir in the zest and juice of 2 large lemons and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Allow the sauce to simmer for 1 to 2 minutes. This helps it thicken slightly. Taste the sauce and adjust with more salt and pepper, if needed. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the lemon butter sauce over each piece to coat them well. Let them simmer in the sauce for another minute. This ensures the chicken absorbs all those tasty flavors. Finally, remove from heat. Plate the chicken and drizzle more lemon butter sauce on top. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley to make it look nice. Enjoy your meal! To cook chicken breast well, start with dry meat. Pat the chicken with paper towels. This helps it brown nicely. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Use a skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it get hot. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on one side. Flip it and cook for another 5-6 minutes. The chicken should reach 165°F or 75°C. This ensures it is safe to eat. You can play with the flavors in this dish. If you love garlic, add more minced cloves. For a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Want a deeper lemon flavor? Use extra lemon zest or juice. If you prefer herbs, swap thyme for rosemary or oregano. Taste the sauce as you go. This lets you find the perfect balance for your taste. Garnishing makes your dish look great. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Use lemon wedges on the side for a pop of yellow. You can also add thin lemon slices on top. This makes the plate look bright and inviting. For a fancy touch, drizzle extra lemon butter sauce over the chicken. It adds flavor and makes it shine. Enjoy your meal! Pro Tips Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken breasts to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender and flavorful. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh lemons and herbs. Fresh ingredients enhance the flavor of the dish significantly compared to dried or bottled alternatives. Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer after adding the lemon juice and zest. This will help concentrate the flavors and create a richer texture. Pair with Sides: Serve this lemon butter chicken with steamed vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness of the dish and add extra nutrients. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for other proteins. Try using fish, like salmon or tilapia. They cook quickly and soak up flavors well. For a heartier option, use pork chops. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. Aim for a nice sear on each side. If you want to change the herbs, go for it! You can use fresh rosemary or oregano instead of thyme. Each herb adds a unique taste. Dill pairs well with lemon too, bringing a fresh twist. Mix and match to find your favorite. Adding vegetables makes this dish even better. Try sautéing spinach, asparagus, or bell peppers. Toss them into the pan with the chicken. You can also roast zucchini or broccoli on the side. This way, you get a colorful and healthy meal. You can store Lemon Butter Chicken Breast in the fridge. Place the chicken in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to three days. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This helps keep the moisture in. Freezing is a great option if you want to keep it longer. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. You can reheat it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat until the chicken is warm throughout. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts to avoid drying it out. Enjoy your meal just like the first time! You can serve Lemon Butter Chicken with many sides. I love pairing it with rice or pasta. Both soak up the tasty lemon butter sauce. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans also work well. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch. You can even serve it with crusty bread to mop up the sauce. Each option brings its own flavor to the meal. To check if chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast. The chicken must reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for clear juices when you cut into it. If the juices run pink, it needs more cooking. Properly cooked chicken will be firm and moist, not rubbery or dry. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Cook the chicken and sauce, then let them cool. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet. Add a splash of water to keep the chicken moist. This makes it easy to enjoy a delicious meal later. This blog post covers how to make Lemon Butter Chicken Breast from start to finish. We discussed key ingredients, like chicken, seasonings, and the lemon butter sauce. I provided clear steps for preparing, cooking, and serving the dish. You also learned tips for perfect cooking and flavorful adjustments. Finally, we explored variations, storage methods, and common questions. Now you're ready to enjoy a tasty meal that is easy to make and customize. Happy cooking!$

Lemon Butter Chicken Breast

A delicious and tangy chicken dish cooked in a rich lemon butter sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
0.5 cup unsalted butter, divided
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 large lemons, zest and juice
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (optional)
to taste salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper
to garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on one side, until golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5-6 minutes or until cooked through and juices run clear (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add ½ cup of the butter. Allow it to melt, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and thyme. Allow the sauce to simmer for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if desired.
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece to coat well. Let them simmer in the sauce for an additional minute to absorb the flavors.
Remove from heat. Plate the chicken, drizzling more lemon butter sauce over the top, and sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish.

Notes

Serve with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for garnish.

Keyword butter, chicken, dinner, easy, lemon