Zesty Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Summer’s zesty lemon chicken with a velvety butter sauce promises a culinary adventure that dances between bright and rich flavors.

Mediterranean kitchens have perfected this delightful combination for generations.

Tender chicken pieces absorb tangy citrus notes while golden butter creates a luxurious coating.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to craft a meal that feels both elegant and comforting.

Fragrant herbs sprinkled across the surface add depth and visual appeal.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of silky sauce and juicy meat.

Dive in and savor this restaurant-quality dish that you can easily recreate at home.

Why Lemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce Stands Out

• Elevate Home Cooking: Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal culinary skills and simple ingredients.
• Speedy Weeknight Dish: Prepare a delicious, crispy chicken meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a tasty dinner.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Enjoy the tangy, bright lemon butter sauce that perfectly complements the crispy parmesan-crusted chicken, making every bite delightful.
• Kid and Adult Approved: A versatile recipe that satisfies both picky eaters and sophisticated palates with its golden, crispy exterior and zesty sauce.

Ingredients For Lemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: Fresh and tender protein perfect for a delicious meal.
• Eggs: Helps create a smooth coating for the chicken.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the chicken's crispy exterior.

• Butter: Creamy base for a smooth and rich sauce.
• Garlic: Adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Provides depth and richness to the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Brings bright and tangy notes to the dish.

• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle spicy kick.
• Lemon Slices: Fresh garnish with extra citrus flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb for color and fresh taste.
• Cooking Oil: Used for frying the chicken to a golden crisp.

How To Make Lemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce

Step 1: Slice and Tenderize Chicken

Carefully slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise.

Use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken until it reaches an even thickness, ensuring uniform cooking.

Step 2: Prepare Coating Stations

Create two separate bowls for coating.

In one bowl, whisk together eggs.

In another bowl, mix grated parmesan cheese with additional seasonings.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.

Then transfer to the parmesan mixture, coating thoroughly.

Gently shake off any extra coating.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place coated chicken pieces into the hot pan.

Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

Check internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.

Step 5: Create Lemon Butter Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

• Chicken broth
• Fresh lemon juice
• Cracked black pepper

Simmer the sauce for approximately 2 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Pour the warm lemon butter sauce over the cooked chicken.

Gently turn chicken to ensure full coverage.

Optional: Garnish with fresh lemon slices and finely chopped parsley for added brightness and visual appeal.

Handy Tips For Lemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce

• Slice chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Adjust skillet heat carefully to achieve golden exterior without burning the parmesan coating, watching for even coloration.
• Simmer sauce briefly to blend flavors and reduce slightly, creating a rich, cohesive coating for the crispy chicken.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165˚F internally, guaranteeing safe and juicy meat without overcooking.
• Add fresh chopped parsley and lemon slices as garnish to boost visual appeal and introduce bright, fresh notes to the finished dish.

Reheating Lemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce

• Store leftover lemon chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the sauce separate to prevent soggy coating.
• Warm chicken in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain crispy texture.
• Gently reheat in microwave using 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking and maintaining moisture.
• Warm lemon butter sauce separately in a small saucepan or microwave, then drizzle over chicken just before serving to refresh flavors.

Sides That Go With Lemon Butter Chicken

• Elevate Citrus Freshness: Pair this zesty lemon chicken with a crisp sauvignon blanc, whose bright acidity matches the dish's tangy profile perfectly.
• Complement Richness: Choose a side of roasted asparagus or garlic-infused quinoa to balance the chicken's buttery sauce and provide complementary textures.
• Brighten the Plate: Add a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to enhance the meal's citrus notes and create a refreshing palate experience.
• Create Harmony: Select a chilled pinot grigio as an alternative wine option, delivering subtle fruit undertones that gracefully align with the lemon butter sauce.

Lemon Chicken Style Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs in the parmesan mixture. Use cornstarch as a binding agent instead of traditional wheat-based ingredients.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap out the parmesan coating for crushed pork rinds or finely ground almond meal. Use a keto-friendly chicken broth and reduce the lemon juice for fewer carbohydrates.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil in the sauce. Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese for a similar flavor profile. Select a dairy-free chicken broth for the sauce.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Incorporate dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary into the parmesan mixture. Replace regular chicken broth with white wine for a more robust Mediterranean flavor profile.

FAQs

• Why dip chicken in egg mixture before parmesan coating?

The egg acts like a sticky glue, helping the parmesan mixture adhere perfectly to the chicken, creating a crispy and flavorful outer layer that seals in moisture.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Chicken thighs work great, but you’ll need to adjust cooking time since they’re typically thicker. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165˚F internal temperature for safe cooking.

• What type of parmesan cheese should I use?

Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the coating less crispy and less flavorful.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165˚F at the thickest part. This ensures the chicken is safely cooked through without becoming dry.

Lemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon chicken with lemon butter sauce delivers Mediterranean sunshine on a plate, bringing zesty elegance to your dinner table. Crisp chicken draped in silky, tangy sauce promises a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with each memorable bite.

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Ingredients

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Chicken and Coating:

• 1.5 pound chicken breast (2 large)
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon parsley (optional)
• 1/2 lemon, sliced (optional)

Lemon Butter Sauce:

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Carefully butterfly the chicken breasts, creating even, thin cutlets by slicing horizontally and gently pounding to uniform thickness.
2. Prepare two separate shallow dishes: one for the egg wash mixture and another for the parmesan coating mixture.
3. Delicately dunk each chicken cutlet into the egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage, then transfer to the parmesan mixture, gently pressing to create an even, crispy coating.
4. Heat a skillet with a thin layer of oil over medium-high temperature until shimmering and hot.
5. Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot skillet, cooking for approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Monitor the heat to prevent burning, adjusting as needed to achieve a golden, crispy exterior and fully cooked interior.
6. While the chicken cooks, craft the lemon butter sauce in a separate pan by melting butter with minced garlic until aromatic.
7. Add chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and cracked black pepper to the butter mixture, simmering for roughly 2 minutes to develop flavors and slightly reduce.
8. Once chicken is perfectly golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F, transfer to serving plates.
9. Generously drizzle the vibrant lemon butter sauce over the crispy chicken, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Garnish with delicate lemon slices and a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and additional flavor.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is evenly pounded to guarantee uniform cooking and crispy texture.
• Use a sharp knife to slice chicken breasts horizontally for consistent thickness and faster cooking.
• Pat chicken dry before dredging to help parmesan coating stick better and create a crispier crust.
• Maintain medium-high heat when frying to achieve golden brown exterior without burning the coating.
• Test chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking and keep meat juicy.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with almond or coconut flour in the parmesan mixture.
• Swap chicken for turkey or pork cutlets if desired for variety in protein options.
• Store leftover sauce separately to prevent soggy chicken and maintain crisp coating.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 670
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 710 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 30 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 52 g
• Cholesterol: 250 mg