Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe (Easy 30-Minute Dinner)

This lemon garlic butter chicken recipe sears seasoned chicken breasts until golden, then simmers them in a bright, buttery lemon-garlic pan sauce. This easy 30-minute chicken dinner is one of the most consistently searched weeknight meals, and for good reas

This lemon garlic butter chicken recipe sears seasoned chicken breasts until golden, then simmers them in a bright, buttery lemon-garlic pan sauce. This easy 30-minute chicken dinner is one of the most consistently searched weeknight meals, and for good reason — it delivers restaurant-style flavor with pantry staples and a single skillet.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Category: Main dish

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

• This lemon garlic butter chicken recipe uses one skillet from start to finish.
• The pan sauce comes together from the browned bits left after searing the chicken, so no flavor goes to waste.
• Bright, garlicky, and buttery — a genuinely well-balanced weeknight dinner.
• Easy to serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 lemon, sliced
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
• Grated parmesan, optional

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then dredge lightly in flour.
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add the garlic, cooking until fragrant.
4. Add the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits, and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Stir in the remaining butter, then return the chicken to the skillet along with the lemon slices, spooning the sauce over the top.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and parmesan, if using, and serve.

Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

• Pound the chicken to an even thickness for this lemon garlic butter chicken recipe so it cooks evenly and stays juicy.
• Don’t skip scraping up the browned bits in the pan — that’s where most of the sauce’s flavor comes from.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes in the sauce before serving so it soaks up the flavor.
• Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for the brightest flavor.

Variations to Try

• Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce for extra depth.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
• Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a creamier lemon butter sauce.

How to Store It

Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I serve with lemon garlic butter chicken?

This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, all of which soak up the lemon-garlic butter sauce nicely.

Can I make lemon garlic butter chicken ahead of time?

Yes, though it’s best served fresh — you can make the sauce ahead and reheat gently with freshly cooked chicken.

Why dredge the chicken in flour first?

The light flour coating helps the chicken develop a golden crust and also helps slightly thicken the pan sauce as it simmers.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well in this recipe and tend to stay extra juicy during searing.

on — it delivers restaurant-style flavor with pantry staples and a single skillet.