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Lemon Chicken Recipe

Buttery Lemon Chicken Recipe

Golden, pan-seared chicken coated in a silky lemon butter sauce gives you a dish that feels indulgent but comes together with simple ingredients. You’ll love making this when you want something bright, comforting, and reliably impressive.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 large (about 500g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for light coating)
For the Buttery Lemon Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ¼ cup (about 2 lemons) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional, balances acidity)
For Finishing
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Lemon slices for garnish

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken dry, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, then lightly coat with flour for a better sear and texture.
  2. Heat oil and butter in a pan, then cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through.
  3. Remove the chicken and sauté garlic in the same pan until fragrant to build a flavorful base.
  4. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest, scraping the pan to incorporate all the flavor into the sauce.
  5. Simmer the sauce and add honey if desired to balance acidity, letting it thicken slightly.
  6. Return the chicken to the pan, coat with sauce, and cook briefly before garnishing and serving.

Notes

  • Always let the chicken rest briefly after cooking so the juices redistribute, keeping it tender and juicy when served.
  • Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for a brighter, cleaner citrus flavor that enhances the entire dish.
  • Keep your heat controlled when making the sauce to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, glossy finish.