If you crave a dish that’s bursting with bright, zesty flavors yet incredibly comforting, you’re going to love this Lemon Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe. It’s a perfect combination of juicy chicken pieces coated in a luscious lemony butter sauce that hits all the right notes—tangy, savory, and rich all at once. The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes, with simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Whether you’re whipping this up for a weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend meal, this recipe never fails to bring a little sunshine to your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lemon Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe relies on straightforward ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Each component plays its part, creating a perfectly balanced dish with vibrant color, tender texture, and incredible depth of flavor.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs: Bite-sized pieces ensure quick, even cooking and juicy tenderness.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter: Creates the rich, velvety sauce that this dish is known for.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps to get that golden crust on the chicken and adds a fruity note.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and depth.
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon: The star of the show, providing a fresh, tangy brightness that lifts the entire dish.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the acidity.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional): Gives a hint of smokiness and beautiful color.
- 1–2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: For a pop of green freshness and a mild herbal note.
How to Make Lemon Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your bite-sized chicken pieces evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika if you decide to use it. This simple step makes a huge difference, allowing the chicken to have a perfect savory foundation that will shine through even after adding the luscious sauce.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Using olive oil not only ensures a beautiful golden crust but also brings a slight fruitiness that pairs wonderfully with the lemon and butter.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer for even cooking. Let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until each piece is golden brown and cooked through. This step is where the magic begins, as the searing locks in juices, giving the chicken ultimate tenderness.
Step 4: Set the Chicken Aside
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This keeps it warm while you create the flavorful sauce, and ensures the chicken won’t overcook or dry out.
Step 5: Melt Butter in the Skillet
Reduce the heat to medium and add unsalted butter to the same skillet. Allow it to melt completely, soaking up the leftover flavors from the pan for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Step 6: Sauté Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and golden. Garlic adds warmth and a beautiful aroma that perfectly complements the lemon’s zingy freshness.
Step 7: Add Lemon Zest and Juice
Pour in the lemon juice and sprinkle the zest into the skillet. Let the sauce simmer briefly, melding the bright citrus with the creamy butter for the signature tangy richness this recipe is known for.
Step 8: Return Chicken to Skillet
Return the chicken pieces to the pan and gently toss them in the lemon butter sauce until each piece is beautifully coated. This ensures every bite bursts with that irresistible tangy, buttery flavor.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Finish the dish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley on top. The parsley adds a vibrant color contrast and fresh herbal note that makes the skillet look as good as it tastes. Serve immediately and watch everyone fall in love with this quick and flavorful meal.
How to Serve Lemon Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is not just beautiful; it gives a slight peppery freshness that balances the richness of the sauce. Feel free to add a few lemon slices on the side for an extra zesty punch and an inviting presentation.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Roasted vegetables or steamed asparagus are also fantastic to round out the meal and add more texture and color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping meal, serve the chicken over a bed of garlic butter noodles or quinoa to soak up all that gorgeous lemon sauce. Alternatively, plating it alongside a warm baguette lets guests mop up every last drop. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds can add a pleasant crunch and flair for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover lemon butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce remains flavorful, and the chicken stays tender, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for longer storage. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power. To prevent drying out, add a splash of water or chicken broth while warming. This keeps the chicken juicy and the sauce silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Lemon Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe. They tend to be juicier and more forgiving when cooking, resulting in extra tender, flavorful bites.
Is paprika necessary for this recipe?
Paprika is optional but highly recommended if you like a subtle smoky note and a deeper color. You can omit it if you prefer a simpler profile or if it’s not available.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and rich.
Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Yes, absolutely! Vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can be added. Simply sauté them with the garlic in step 6 before adding the lemon juice and returning the chicken.
What’s the best way to get a crispy crust on the chicken?
Make sure the skillet and oil are hot before adding the chicken, and avoid overcrowding the pan. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a golden, crispy exterior before flipping.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to meals whenever I want something flavorful, comforting, and hassle-free. Its bright, buttery sauce paired with tender chicken is a true crowd-pleaser that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and discover just how simple ingredients can shine when brought together with a little love and care.
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Lemon Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious lemon butter chicken recipe features tender bite-sized pieces of chicken cooked to golden perfection in olive oil and butter, then tossed in a bright, zesty lemon butter sauce. A touch of garlic and fresh parsley enhances the flavor, making it a quick and easy skillet meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
Cooking Fats & Seasonings
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Lemon Sauce
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1–2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Evenly season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and paprika if desired to add extra flavor and color.
- Heat the oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and ready for cooking.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken pieces in a single layer to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through.
- Remove chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken from the skillet to a plate and set aside to keep warm.
- Add butter: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same pan, allowing it to melt completely.
- Sauté garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, infusing the butter with flavor.
- Add lemon: Pour in the lemon juice and add the lemon zest, letting the sauce simmer briefly to meld the citrusy flavors.
- Toss chicken in sauce: Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss well until all pieces are fully coated in the luscious lemon butter sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for brightness and serve the lemon butter chicken immediately while warm.
Notes
- Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs can offer more moisture and tenderness compared to breast meat.
- Adjust the paprika quantity to taste or omit for a milder flavor.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Ensure the chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
