Imagine a dish so elegant yet so simple that it transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience. Our Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce is not just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that brings the delicate flavors of French cuisine right to your dining table. With just a few ingredients and some simple techniques, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure even cooking and better browning.
- Season both sides of chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess to create a light, even coating.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Carefully place floured chicken breasts into the hot skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a warm plate, tenting with foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the pan to release browned bits.
- Add remaining butter and whisk continuously until sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the breasts to coat.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
- Plate the chicken and drizzle additional lemon butter sauce over each breast.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before cooking to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature - 165°F is the sweet spot for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Don't rush the browning process; medium-high heat allows for even cooking and beautiful caramelization.
- When making the sauce, whisk continuously to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, silky texture.
- Fresh lemon juice makes a huge difference - avoid bottled juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain its juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
- Garnish with fresh parsley just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 120mg
