Irresistible Lemon Butter Chicken – The Dish You’ll Want Again and Again

When a recipe is so good that you find yourself making it three times in one week, you know it’s a keeper. This Lemon Butter Chicken is exactly that kind of dish—bright, buttery, and bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect combination of rich comfort and zesty freshness. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or impressing dinner guests, this simple yet elegant dish is bound to become a regular on your table.

Why Lemon Butter Chicken is a Must-Try

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between crispy, golden pan-seared chicken and a silky lemon-butter pan sauce that’s equal parts savory and refreshing. It’s a dish that comes together quickly using basic ingredients, yet it tastes like something you’d order at a fine bistro.

The combination of fresh lemon juice, tender chicken, and creamy butter creates a mouthwatering sauce that coats every bite. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and brightness, and you have a meal that’s both rustic and refined.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions for Lemon Butter Chicken

1. Prep the Chicken

Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½ inch thick) using a meat mallet. This helps them cook evenly and more quickly. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

2. Set Up a Dredging Station

In one shallow bowl, place the flour.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.

Dip each chicken breast first into the flour, shaking off the excess, then into the egg mixture, coating fully.

3. Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil over medium heat. When the butter is foamy and hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).

Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate, tented with foil to keep warm.

4. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—these add incredible flavor.

Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes, then whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until the sauce is glossy and slightly thickened.

5. Return the Chicken & Garnish

Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top to coat. Let it simmer for another minute to soak in the flavors.

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a bright finishing touch.

6. Serve and Savor

Serve immediately, spooning extra sauce over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with:

Garlic mashed potatoes
Steamed asparagus
Buttered noodles or angel hair pasta
Rice pilaf
Roasted vegetables

Tips for the Best Lemon Butter Chicken

✔ Don’t Skip the Pound

Evenly pounded chicken ensures faster cooking and tender texture without drying out.

✔ Use Fresh Lemon Juice

Bottled lemon juice can’t match the brightness and aroma of freshly squeezed lemons.

✔ Deglaze for Flavor

Those golden bits stuck to the pan after searing? That’s pure umami magic. Deglazing with broth and lemon lifts them into the sauce.

✔ Keep the Heat Moderate

Cooking on medium heat allows for beautiful browning without burning the butter.

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to rehydrate the sauce.

Freezer-Friendly: Let cool completely, then freeze chicken (without the parsley) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.

Variations to Try

Lemon Garlic Chicken: Add minced garlic to the sauce for extra depth.
Creamy Lemon Chicken: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat.
Herb Infusion: Swap parsley for fresh thyme, basil, or dill for new flavor notes.

Why Everyone Loves This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare
Uses pantry-friendly ingredients
Full of bright, bold flavor
Elegant enough for guests, simple enough for weeknights
Customizable to suit your taste

This Lemon Butter Chicken is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to over and over again—not just because it’s easy, but because it’s truly irresistible. One bite, and you’ll see why it’s already been requested three times this week.