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
Scale
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.
