Lemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Lemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe for Dinner

Lemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce hits you with bright, sunny flavors that work beautifully for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

The combination of tender poultry with a silky, citrus-infused topping creates a dish that feels both comforting and elegant at the same time.

What makes it so appealing is how it balances richness with refreshing notes, keeping every bite satisfying without feeling heavy.

You can serve it alongside nearly anything in the pantry or fridge, making it incredibly versatile for different occasions and preferences.

It comes together quickly enough for busy evenings but looks impressive enough when company comes over.

The flavor profile suits all seasons, though it particularly shines during warmer months when something light yet substantial sounds most appealing.

One taste and you'll understand why it has become a go-to favorite in kitchens everywhere.

Why Lemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce Feels Bright

Why Lemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce Feels Bright
  • Simple Technique: Breaking down chicken breasts helps them cook evenly, so every bite is tender and perfectly seasoned.
  • Crispy Coating Trick: The parmesan mixture creates a delightful golden crust that adds fantastic crunch to your chicken without complicated steps.
  • Flavor Boost: The lemon butter sauce transforms plain chicken into a restaurant-quality dish that’ll impress everyone at your dinner table.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: This recipe comes together faster than ordering takeout, giving you a delicious meal without complicated kitchen work.

All Ingredients Needed for Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce

Main Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 lb Chicken Breast: Tender meat that will become your golden, crispy main dish.
  • 2 Large Eggs: Creates a light, fluffy coating that helps the cheese stick perfectly to your chicken.
  • 1 Cup Parmesan Cheese, 3 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour: Provides a delicious, crispy exterior that adds rich flavor and texture to your chicken.
  • 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning, 1/2 tsp Salt, 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper: Brings balanced, savory depth to your chicken’s coating.
  • 8 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, 2 Garlic Cloves: Creates a rich, aromatic foundation for your lemon butter sauce.
  • 1/4 Cup Lemon Juice, 1/4 Cup Chicken Broth: Adds bright, tangy flavor and moisture to complement the crispy chicken.
  • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil: Helps create a perfect golden sear on your chicken.
Optional Garnish:
  • 1 Tbsp Parsley, 1/2 Lemon Sliced: Adds a fresh, colorful finishing touch to your dish.

Tool List for Lemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce

  • Large Skillet: A wide, flat-bottomed pan perfect for searing your chicken and creating that golden, crispy exterior.
  • Meat Mallet: Essential tool for pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness, ensuring consistent cooking.
  • Two Mixing Bowls: Separate bowls help keep your egg mixture and parmesan coating organized and easy to work with.
  • Whisk: Quickly blends your egg mixture, creating a smooth coating for the chicken.
  • Instant Read Thermometer: Guarantees your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165˚F without overcooking.
  • Saucepan: Helps create a delicious lemon butter sauce with perfect consistency.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed to slice chicken breasts lengthwise and trim any excess.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean, stable surface for preparing your ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for consistent results.
  • Spatula or Tongs: Helps flip and handle chicken safely while cooking.

How to Cook Lemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce

How to Cook Lemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce
1

Prepare Chicken

Slice those chicken breasts right down the middle lengthwise. Grab a meat mallet and gently pound each piece until they’re about the same thickness – this helps them cook evenly.

2

Create Egg Mixture

Crack 2 large eggs into a bowl. Toss in 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth.

3

Prepare Parmesan Coating

In a separate bowl, mix together:

  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4

Coat Chicken

Dunk each chicken piece into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off. Then roll it through the Parmesan mixture, making sure it’s nicely covered.

5

Cook Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drop in the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a golden-brown crust and an internal temperature of 165˚F. Turn down the heat if the chicken starts browning too quickly.

6

Prepare Lemon Butter Sauce

In a separate pan, melt 8 tablespoons unsalted butter with 2 minced garlic cloves. Add 1/4 cup chicken broth, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes.

7

Finish and Serve

Pour that delicious sauce right over the cooked chicken. If you’re feeling fancy, toss on some lemon slices and sprinkle 1 tablespoon chopped parsley on top.

Best Tips For Lemon Chicken Butter Sauce

Best Tips For Lemon Chicken Butter Sauce
  • Slice breasts horizontally and pound gently to create even thickness for consistent cooking.
  • Dip chicken in egg mixture first, then roll in parmesan mixture, letting excess fall away for a perfect crispy layer.
  • Use medium-high heat and watch carefully, reducing temperature if chicken browns too fast to ensure golden exterior and juicy interior.
  • Make sauce while chicken cooks, melting butter with garlic and adding broth and lemon juice for bright, tangy flavor.
  • Pour warm sauce directly over crispy chicken and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Which Variations Work for Lemon Butter Chicken

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace the parmesan mixture with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, ensuring you coat the chicken evenly for a crispy texture.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil, and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a similar savory flavor profile.
  • Herb-Infused Variation: Mix fresh chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil into the parmesan coating to add extra depth and aromatic notes to your chicken.
  • Low-Carb Option: Skip the breading entirely and simply season the chicken with parmesan and herbs, then pan-fry in butter for a lighter, protein-focused meal.

Best Ways to Enjoy Lemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce

  • Serve Perfectly Crisp: Plate your golden-brown chicken immediately after coating with the lemon butter sauce to keep the crispy coating crunchy and delectable.
  • Pair with Starch: Serve over fluffy white rice or buttered egg noodles to soak up the tangy, rich sauce and create a complete meal.
  • Fresh Side Suggestion: Roast some asparagus or green beans with a sprinkle of salt and pepper as a bright vegetable companion that complements the lemony chicken.
  • Wine Selection: Choose a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to echo the zesty lemon notes and cut through the richness of the butter sauce.

Lemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce Storage Guide

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh for 3-4 days and keeps its crispy coating best when covered loosely.
  • Separate the chicken from the sauce when storing, so your chicken doesn’t get soggy and maintains its delicious crunch.
  • Reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to help restore its original crispy texture, avoiding the microwave that can make it rubbery.
  • Freeze the cooked chicken without the sauce for up to 2 months, wrapping each piece individually in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.

Lemon Chicken With Butter Sauce FAQs

FAQ

Do I need special equipment to make this chicken?

A meat mallet helps make the chicken even, but you can use the bottom of a heavy skillet or rolling pin to flatten the chicken if needed.

FAQ

Can I substitute the parmesan cheese?

Regular breadcrumbs or almond flour work great as an alternative coating if you’re out of parmesan or prefer a different texture.

FAQ

How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165˚F at the thickest part of the chicken.

FAQ

What if my chicken is browning too fast?

Lower the heat and cook more slowly to ensure the chicken cooks evenly without burning the outside.

FAQ

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Prepare the chicken coating and sauce ingredients in advance, but cook the chicken just before serving to keep the crispy texture.

FAQ

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make the recipe gluten-free friendly.

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Lemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Lemon Chicken With Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe


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4.7 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Lemon Chicken with a silky, zesty butter sauce comes together faster than you can say “dinner’s ready!” Succulent chicken breasts get a flavor boost from a tangy lemon sauce that makes your taste buds dance with Mediterranean-inspired delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ lb chicken breast
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour

Seasonings and Aromatics:

  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 2 garlic cloves

Liquids and Fats:

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 8 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • ½ lemon
  • 1 Tablespoon parsley

Instructions

  1. Slice 1 ½ lb chicken breasts in half lengthwise. Gently pound each piece with a meat mallet to create uniform thickness.
  2. Whisk 2 large eggs in one bowl. Mix 1 cup Parmesan cheese, 3 Tbsp flour, ½ tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper in another bowl.
  3. Dunk each chicken piece into the egg mixture. Thoroughly coat with the Parmesan mixture, allowing excess to fall away.
  4. Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place chicken in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165˚F.
  5. In a separate pan, melt 8 Tbsp butter with 2 minced garlic cloves over medium heat. Stir in ¼ cup chicken broth, ¼ cup lemon juice, and ¼ tsp black pepper.
  6. Simmer the sauce for 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Pour directly over the crispy chicken, ensuring each piece gets an even coating.
  7. Transfer chicken to serving plates. Optionally garnish with fresh 1 Tbsp chopped parsley and ½ lemon slice for a bright, fresh presentation.

Notes

  • Use a meat mallet to ensure the chicken breasts are evenly thick, which helps them cook uniformly and prevents dry spots.
  • Check the chicken’s internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer to guarantee it reaches 165°F without overcooking.
  • For a crispier coating, let the breaded chicken rest on a wire rack for 10 minutes before frying to help the breading adhere better.
  • To make the dish gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs in the parmesan mixture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 943 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 1143 mg
  • Fat: 68 g
  • Saturated Fat: 32 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 34 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 83 g
  • Cholesterol: 415 mg
Mary Sue

Mary Sue

Founder & Creative Recipe Developer

Expertise

Comfort Food Twists, Seasonal Cooking, Creative Flavor Pairings, Easy Weeknight Dinners, Flexible Pantry Cooking

Education

Trident Technical College, Culinary Institute of Charleston
  • Program: Culinary Arts Technology, A.A.S.
  • Focus: Built a strong foundation in professional food preparation, cooking, and presentation while also learning the hospitality side of the industry, including quality standards, sanitation, and the real-world pace of working kitchens

Mary Sue is the playful, creative recipe mind behind Mary Sue & Susan, known for big flavor ideas, warm storytelling, and dishes that feel both comforting and a little unexpected. She has a talent for taking familiar meals and giving them just enough personality to make them memorable.

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