A simple yet flavorful dish, this tender lemon chicken is juicy, zesty, and perfect for a quick meal. The lemony garlic butter sauce enhances the natural flavors of the chicken, making it a great pairing with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
Recipe Overview
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for balance)
- 1 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for a creamy version)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise if they are thick. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F or 75°C). Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Lemon Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Melt butter, then add garlic, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and honey. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced.
4. Optional Creamy Version
For a richer sauce, stir in heavy cream and let it blend into the sauce for 1-2 minutes.
5. Combine & Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the lemon sauce over the top, and simmer for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Substitute white wine for half of the chicken broth for added depth.
This tender lemon chicken is light, refreshing, and full of flavor, perfect for any occasion.
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Tender Lemon Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
A simple yet flavorful dish, this tender lemon chicken is juicy, zesty, and perfect for a quick meal. The lemony garlic butter sauce enhances the natural flavors of the chicken, making it a great pairing with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for balance)
- 1 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for a creamy version)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise if they are thick. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F or 75°C). Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Lemon Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Melt butter, then add garlic, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and honey. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced.
4. Optional Creamy Version
For a richer sauce, stir in heavy cream and let it blend into the sauce for 1-2 minutes.
5. Combine & Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the lemon sauce over the top, and simmer for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Substitute white wine for half of the chicken broth for added depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes