Of course! Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is a classic, restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. It’s juicy, flavorful, and feels incredibly luxurious.
Here is a detailed recipe that will guide you to perfect results.
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
This recipe creates a pan sauce that is so good, you’ll want to drink it. Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
· 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, see note)
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper
· 2 teaspoons paprika (smoked or sweet)
· 2 tablespoons olive oil
· 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
· 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
· ½ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc)
· Juice of 1 lemon (about 2-3 tbsp)
· 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried thyme and oregano)
· ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for a richer sauce)
· 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear. If they are very thick, you can pound them to an even ½-inch thickness for even cooking. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and hot, add the chicken. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant—be careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth (or wine) to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until reduced by about half.
4. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and heavy cream (if using). Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
5. Final Assembly: Return the chicken and any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken. Let it warm through for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
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Critical Tips for Success:
· Dry Chicken = Golden Brown Crust: Never skip patting the chicken dry. Moisture is the enemy of browning.
· Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of searing it.
· Don’t Burn the Garlic: Garlic burns easily and becomes bitter. Keep the heat low when you add it.
· The Power of Resting: Letting the chicken rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring it stays moist when you cut into it.
· Deglaze Properly: Those browned bits left in the pan (the “fond”) are packed with flavor. Deglazing with broth or wine is key to incorporating that flavor into your sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
· Over Pasta: Toss with fettuccine or angel hair pasta. The sauce acts as a perfect light Alfredo.
· With Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or even a crispy potato galette.
· With Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice soaks up the sauce beautifully.
· With Veggies: Serve with a side of steamed asparagus, green beans, broccoli, or a simple arugula salad.
Popular Variations:
· With Spinach: Add a few large handfuls of fresh spinach to the sauce after adding the garlic. Let it wilt down before proceeding.
· With Parmesan: Stir in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese at the end of making the sauce for extra umami and richness.
· With Capers: Add 1-2 tablespoons of capers along with the lemon juice for a briny, piccata-like flavor.
· Creamy Version: The heavy cream (listed as optional) makes the sauce richer and more decadent. For a lighter version, simply omit it—the sauce will still be deliciously glossy from the butter and reduced broth.
Enjoy your incredibly flavorful and impressive Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken