Lemon Butter Chicken Breast

You’ll appreciate the simplicity, savor the flavors, and enjoy the health benefits of Lemon Butter Chicken Breast. This dish combines tender chicken with a rich buttery sauce, creating a delightful balance that elevates any weeknight meal. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s an approachable recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste. But what makes this dish even more intriguing is its versatility and the variety of sides that can complement it. Discover how to bring this meal to your table and make it a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll absolutely love this Lemon Butter Chicken Breast recipe for its incredible ease and speed. With just around 10 minutes of preparation time, you can whip up a delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The recipe uses only a few ingredients, making it simple to follow.

Plus, cooking everything in one skillet means you’ll have less cleanup afterward, which is a bonus. The combination of lemon and butter creates a rich, savory taste that elevates the chicken. Adding lemon pepper seasoning gives it a revitalizing citrus kick, while garlic enhances the overall flavor.

If you want to get creative, consider adding fresh basil for an aromatic touch. This dish isn’t just easy to make; it’s also nutritious. With a high protein content and moderate calories, it fits well into a balanced diet. Additionally, this dish is suitable for high-fat, low-carb diets, making it a great option for those following specific dietary plans.

You can serve it alongside orzo pasta, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes, making it versatile for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a casual dinner or a special event, this Lemon Butter Chicken Breast will impress without requiring hours in the kitchen.

History

Originating as a convenient staple in American kitchens, lemon butter chicken doesn’t have a specific origin story. Unlike traditional butter chicken from India, this dish seems to have emerged independently in the United States.

It’s a blend of European cooking techniques and modern American flavors, but there’s no particular date or chef credited with its creation.

You might notice that lemon butter chicken shares similarities with other dishes like Chicken Francese and Chicken Piccata. However, it doesn’t feature the complex spice profiles typical of Indian butter chicken. Instead, the use of lemon and butter gives it a distinct, invigorating taste that sets it apart.

Lemon butter chicken has gained popularity as an easy weeknight dinner, appealing to home cooks looking for quick meal options. Its simplicity and versatility allow you to pair it with various sides, such as mashed potatoes or green vegetables. Many recipes for this dish are categorized as kid-friendly recipes, ensuring it can please the whole family.

While it may not carry deep cultural significance, its presence on food blogs and recipe websites speaks to its status in American cuisine. As you explore this dish, remember that it reflects a blend of culinary influences, making it a beloved choice for many households.

Recipe

Lemon Butter Chicken Breast

Indulge in the bright and zesty flavors of Lemon Butter Chicken Breast, a dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, buttery sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings together the tanginess of fresh lemons and the savory depth of butter, resulting in a delightful meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With its simple preparation and minimal ingredients, you can have a delicious dish on the table in just about 30 minutes. To make this dish even more appealing, you can customize the flavors to suit your taste. Consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an aromatic touch, or incorporate garlic for an extra layer of flavor. This recipe is not only quick and easy but also offers a low-calorie option for those looking to enjoy a flavorful meal without the guilt.

The dish pairs wonderfully with rice or pilaf, allowing you to soak up the delectable lemon butter sauce. Let’s get started on creating this scrumptious Lemon Butter Chicken Breast!

Ingredients:
– 1-1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– ½ cup all-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1-2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
– ⅓-½ cup unsalted butter
– 2 lemons, sliced
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
– Garlic (optional, for added flavor)
– Chicken stock (optional, for a richer sauce)

Cooking Instructions:
1. Begin by pounding the chicken breasts to a thickness of about ¼ inch. This guarantees even cooking and tenderness. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and lemon pepper seasoning, then coat them in the all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.

In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is hot and bubbling, carefully add the coated chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for approximately 3 minutes per side, or until the chicken is browned and almost cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the sliced lemons and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they’re lightly browned. This will enhance their flavor. Return the chicken to the skillet and drizzle with lemon juice. Cover and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F).
For a flavorful sauce, you can stir in garlic and lemon zest, or chicken stock if desired. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can make a cornstarch slurry and add it to the skillet, cooking until the sauce has thickened.
Once finished, serve the chicken warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves if using. Pair it with cooked rice or pilaf, and consider offering ciabatta rolls to soak up any remaining sauce.

Extra Tips:
When cooking Lemon Butter Chicken Breast, confirm the chicken is pounded evenly for consistent cooking. Use a digital thermometer to check for doneness and avoid overcooking, which can lead to dryness.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, and consider reheating gently to preserve the flavors. Enjoy experimenting with variations of the sauce to find your favorite combination!

Final Thoughts

When it comes to quick and flavorful meals, Lemon Butter Chicken Breast stands out as a delightful choice. This dish not only offers a rejuvenating lemon flavor but also packs in a healthy dose of protein. With 28 grams of protein per serving and only 210 calories, it fits well into a balanced diet. The preparation is straightforward, utilizing thin-cut chicken breasts and a simple sautéing method in butter, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

The total cooking time is around 30 minutes, which is perfect for busy weeknights. You can easily adapt the recipe by adding vegetables or pasta if you want to increase the meal’s volume or variety. Additionally, incorporating lean protein from the chicken helps support muscle maintenance. Cooking lemon slices in the skillet enhances the dish’s flavor and presentation, giving it a restaurant-quality touch.

FAQ

If you’ve got questions about making Lemon Butter Chicken Breast, you’re in the right place. First, let’s talk about the basic ingredients. You’ll need chicken breasts, flour, butter, lemon slices, and lemon juice.

Start by coating the chicken breasts in a mixture of flour and your choice of seasonings. Cook them in butter over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side.

Don’t forget to add those sliced lemons to the skillet! Cook them until they start to brown, then drizzle lemon juice over the chicken and let it cook for a few more minutes. Control the heat to guarantee everything browns nicely.

When it comes to variations, you can adjust the amount of lemon and butter based on your preference. Common seasonings include lemon pepper, salt, and garlic powder. For added flavor, consider including fresh herbs or even a splash of white wine. Additionally, this dish is especially appealing because it is quick and easy, being ready in just 15 minutes.

For serving, consider pouring the pan juices over cooked rice or pilaf. Pounding the chicken to an even thickness helps with cooking, making this a quick and delicious weeknight meal.

Enjoy your lemon butter chicken!