Prepare to transform your weeknight dinner with the most mouth-watering, flavor-packed Skillet Garlic Lemon Butter Chicken that will have your family begging for seconds! This restaurant-quality dish is surprisingly simple to make, delivering a perfect balance of tangy, buttery, and savory flavors in just 30 minutes. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary enthusiast, this recipe promises to elevate your chicken game and impress even the pickiest eaters with its golden-brown crust and irresistible garlic lemon butter sauce.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure even cooking and better browning. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Place a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt and start bubbling.
- Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving, allowing a golden-brown crust to form.
- Flip the chicken breasts and reduce heat to medium. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate, tenting loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté garlic for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the skillet and add lemon zest. Stir quickly to combine with the garlic butter sauce.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spooning the garlic lemon butter sauce over the breasts to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or additional lemon zest if desired.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a beautiful golden-brown sear and prevent steaming.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.
- Choose a heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron for even heat distribution and the best browning results.
- Don't rush the initial searing process - letting the chicken cook undisturbed creates that delicious crispy exterior.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the butter sauce.
- If chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, pound them to create a uniform size for more consistent cooking.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain its juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 360kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 36g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 110mg
