Garlic Butter Lemon Chicken
Tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon juice and herbs. This easy one-pan recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad!
 Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
 Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Lemon Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices, for garnish
 Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
If the chicken breasts are very thick, pound them gently to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet.
Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Add Lemon and Seasonings
Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
5. Finish the Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Spoon the garlic butter lemon sauce generously over the chicken.
Simmer for another 2–3 minutes so the chicken absorbs the delicious flavors.
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and garnish with lemon slices.
Serve hot with your favorite side dishes and spoon extra garlic butter sauce over everything. Enjoy!
 Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Lemon Chicken
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Add spinach, asparagus, mushrooms, or broccoli directly to the skillet for a complete meal.
- For a creamy version, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream near the end of cooking.
- Chicken thighs can also be used instead of chicken breasts.
 Nut Information & Allergy Notes
This recipe does not intentionally contain peanuts or tree nuts.
However, always check packaged ingredients for possible cross-contact or hidden allergens.
Common Allergens
- Dairy: Butter contains milk.
- Gluten: Naturally gluten-free as written, but check chicken broth and seasoning blends.
- Peanuts/Tree Nuts: None intentionally included.
- Soy: Some packaged chicken broths or seasoning products may contain soy.
Nut-Free Tip
Use certified nut-free packaged ingredients if preparing this recipe for someone with a severe nut allergy, and avoid cross-contamination from utensils, cutting boards, or cooking surfaces.
 Q&A
Q: Can I use chicken thighs?
A: Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay extra juicy.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes. Store the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Q: Can I freeze Garlic Butter Lemon Chicken?
A: Yes. Freeze in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the chicken moist.
Q: Is this recipe low-carb?
A: Yes! This recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and can fit into many low-carb eating plans.
Q: What should I serve with it?
A: Try cauliflower rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, pasta, steamed rice, or a crisp green salad.
 Approximate Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350–400 kcal
- Protein: 38–45g
- Carbohydrates: 3–5g
- Fat: 20–24g
