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Easy Lemon Chicken Recipe with Bright, Buttery Pan Sauce

Easy Lemon Chicken Recipe

Golden pan-seared chicken breasts simmer briefly in a fresh lemon, garlic, and butter sauce. This simple dinner serves four and comes together in about 30 to 40 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 4 breasts Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 6 ounces each
  • 1/2 teaspoon, plus more as needed Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon, plus more as needed Black pepper
  • 1/4 cup All-purpose flour, for dredging
Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup Low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup Fresh lemon juice, from about 1 to 2 lemons
  • 1 teaspoon Finely grated lemon zest
Finish
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons Capers, drained, optional

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. If the chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally or pound them until they are an even 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides with the kosher salt and black pepper.
  2. Place the all-purpose flour in a shallow dish and lightly dredge each chicken breast. Shake off excess flour so the coating stays thin and does not make the pan sauce heavy.
  3. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and the center reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Simmer for 2 to 4 minutes, until the liquid has reduced slightly.
  6. Stir in the lemon zest and optional capers. Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer rather than a hard boil so the lemon flavor remains fresh and pleasant.
  7. Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and simmer briefly for about 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the meat to warm through and absorb the sauce.
  8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately. Spoon extra lemon sauce over each portion and pair it with rice, potatoes, noodles, bread, or a green vegetable.

Notes

Pound the chicken evenly for consistent cooking, use freshly squeezed lemon juice, and add lemon zest for a brighter flavor. Do not boil the lemon sauce aggressively after adding the juice. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently until hot.