This lemon garlic butter chicken delivers juicy meat and a silky sauce that’s ready in just 45 minutes!
Quick Answer: Make lemon garlic butter chicken by searing seasoned chicken breasts in butter until golden (5-6 minutes per side), then create a sauce with garlic, lemon juice, and white wine. Simmer until chicken reaches 165°F and sauce thickens, about 8-10 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American/Italian Fusion
Yield: 4 servings
Dietary: Low-carb
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly tender chicken in a rich, buttery sauce
- One-pan recipe with minimal cleanup
- Ready in under an hour
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Great for meal prep
Quick Benefits
This lemon garlic butter chicken combines everyday ingredients into an elegant dish that’s both weeknight-friendly and impressive enough for company. The sauce is naturally gluten-free and creates instant flavor without complicated techniques.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 8 oz linguine
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with lemon zest, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 9-10 minutes until cooked through and golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Add cooked linguine to skillet and toss thoroughly in the creamy sauce.
- Serve pasta topped with seared chicken and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
You Must Know
- Don’t move chicken while searing for best browning
- Check internal temperature with meat thermometer
- Adjust lemon to taste – some prefer more tart
- Use heavy-bottomed stainless or cast iron pan
- Butter can burn easily – watch heat carefully
- If sauce breaks, whisk in cold butter at end
Serving Suggestions
- Mashed potatoes or rice to soak up sauce
- Steamed asparagus or green beans
- Crusty bread for sauce-mopping
- Light white wine like Pinot Grigio
- Garden salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted baby potatoes
Creative Variations
- Use chicken thighs for richer flavor
- Add capers and olives for Mediterranean style
- Include heavy cream for a richer sauce
- Add mushrooms for earthier flavor
- Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary
Cultural Notes
This dish combines classic French butter sauce techniques with Italian-American flavoring preferences. The combination of lemon and garlic with butter sauce (similar to a piccata) became popular in Italian-American restaurants during the mid-20th century.
Pro Tips
- Pound chicken to even thickness for consistent cooking
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing
- Use fresh lemon juice, not bottled
- Reserve some pasta water if serving with pasta
- Finish with cold butter for glossy sauce
- Use good quality white wine you’d drink
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make lemon garlic butter chicken without wine?
A: Yes, substitute with additional chicken broth and a splash of white wine vinegar.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?
A: Keep heat moderate and whisk constantly when adding butter.
Q: Can I use chicken tenders instead of breasts?
A: Yes, reduce cooking time to 3-4 minutes per side.
Q: How long will leftovers keep?
A: Store in refrigerator up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: While possible, the sauce may separate when thawed. Best enjoyed fresh.
Health Benefits
Lemon garlic butter chicken provides lean protein while the garlic offers immune-supporting compounds. Using lemon adds vitamin C and brightens the dish without excess sodium. The sauce can be made lighter by reducing butter or using olive oil.
Nutrition
(Per serving, estimate) Calories: 385 • Carbs: 3g • Protein: 35g • Fat: 25g • Sodium: 780mg
Notes
For best results, bring chicken to room temperature 30 minutes before cooking.
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
This lemon garlic butter chicken delivers juicy meat and a silky sauce that's ready in just 45 minutes!
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
- For best results, bring chicken to room temperature 30 minutes before cooking.