Description
A quick, vibrant dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a rich, zesty lemon butter sauce. Perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe combines the best of French and Italian flavors with effortless technique. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser with a restaurant-quality finish.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels
Season both sides with salt and pepper
Heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until melted
Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown
Reduce heat to medium, add remaining 2 tbsp butter
Cook garlic for 1 minute until fragrant
Stir in lemon juice and zest, simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes
Return chicken to skillet, baste with sauce
Serve immediately with desired side, such as rice or vegetables
Notes
Chicken thighs can be substituted for breast, increasing cook time by 2-3 minutes per side
Use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version
Ensure chicken is fully cooked before adding lemon ingredients
Zest lemon first, then juice it for best flavor
Pairs well with white wine (optional for non-alcoholic version: skip or use lemon juice)
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: chicken
- Method: Sautéing/Searing
- Cuisine: French/Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with 1/4 of the sauce
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg