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Best Lemon Chicken Recipe with Garlic Butter Sauce

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: European, Mediterranean
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 700g / 1.5 lbs)
  • Lean and quick-cooking. You may substitute boneless thighs for extra juiciness.
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Enhances flavor and helps retain moisture.
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Adds gentle warmth.
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Gives subtle color and depth.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • For searing the chicken. Butter can replace half for extra richness.
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Forms the base of the garlic butter sauce.
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • Fresh garlic brings essential aroma and depth.
  • ¾ cup 180 ml chicken broth
  • Adds savory balance and prevents the sauce from becoming too heavy.
  • ¼ cup 60 ml fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
  • The star acidity that brightens the dish. Always use fresh lemons.
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Intensifies lemon flavor without extra sourness.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Adds gentle herbal notes.
  • Fresh parsley optional
  • For color and freshness.

Method
 

  1. 1️⃣ Prepare the chicken.
  2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  3. Drying the chicken ensures a golden crust.
  4. 2️⃣ Sear the chicken.
  5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  6. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown. Internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F).
  7. Remove and set aside.
  8. Do not overcrowd the pan — cook in batches if needed.
  9. 3️⃣ Make the garlic butter base.
  10. Lower heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt.
  11. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Avoid browning.
  12. 4️⃣ Build the sauce.
  13. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits.
  14. Add lemon juice, zest, and Italian seasoning. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.
  15. 5️⃣ Return the chicken.
  16. Place chicken back into the skillet. Spoon sauce over each piece.
  17. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce slightly thickens.
  18. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy.
  19. 6️⃣ Garnish and serve.
  20. Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve warm with extra lemon wedges if desired.