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Lemon Chicken with BEST Lemon Butter Sauce

A cozy homemade meal featuring tender chicken breasts in a bright and buttery lemon sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or festive occasions.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds), patted dry
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and warmth)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (or more if you love garlic)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or white wine for a fancier touch)
  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1 piece Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed (optional, for briny pops)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Lemon slices for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Let them rest at room temperature for 5 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter begins to foam, add the chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a warm plate.
  2. Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth (or wine) and scrape up browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer and reduce for 2 minutes.
  4. Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. If using, add capers and swirl in any resting juices from the chicken plate. If desired, whisk in cornstarch slurry and simmer until slightly thickened.
  6. Nestle the chicken back into the sauce and spoon it over the top. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
Garnishing
  1. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and arrange lemon slices across the pan.

Notes

For a different flavor, substitute chicken breasts for thighs or add herbs like thyme or rosemary. To make it dairy-free, use olive oil instead of butter.