In the realm of comforting meals that speak directly to the soul, few dishes can compare to the classic Lemon Butter Chicken. This dish manages to be both profoundly satisfying and refreshingly light, making it a perfect choice for any season. With its tender chicken bathed in a zesty lemon butter sauce, this recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create a symphony of flavors. Below, we’ve detailed how to bring this culinary delight into your kitchen, promising a meal that’s as enjoyable to prepare as it is to savor.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Garlic powder to taste
- Kosher salt, as needed
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Flour, for dusting
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon of whole milk or heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons of butter, divided
- 2 cups of chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- Lemon slices for garnish
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide:
- Season and Prepare the Chicken: Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. For thicker pieces, slice them in half horizontally to ensure even cooking.
- Dredging and Dipping: Place some flour in a shallow dish. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs with milk or heavy cream. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, ensuring a light, even coat. Then, dip them into the egg mixture.
- Cooking the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken to the skillet, cooking until each side is beautifully golden and crisp, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Creating the Sauce: Deglaze the skillet with a splash of chicken stock to incorporate all those flavorful bits into the sauce. Add the remaining chicken stock and fresh lemon juice, along with the last tablespoon of butter. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes.
- The Finishing Touch: Mix the cornstarch with water and stir it into the simmering sauce to thicken. Return the chicken to the skillet, topping each piece with lemon slices. Allow everything to simmer together for an additional 8-10 minutes, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Serving: Plate your Lemon Butter Chicken, garnishing with extra lemon slices for that added zest. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of fluffy rice, roasted vegetables, or a light salad.
Nutritional Information:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 310 kcal per serving
- Servings: This recipe serves 4.
Lemon Butter Chicken is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients transforming into something truly special. It’s a dish that can effortlessly grace a weeknight dinner table, yet it wouldn’t be out of place at a more formal gathering. Give this recipe a try and let the vibrant flavors of lemon, butter, and tender chicken reinvigorate your mealtime.
Lemon Butter Chicken
Ingredients:
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Garlic powder
Kosher salt
Fresh black pepper
Flour (for dusting the chicken)
2 eggs
1 tablespoon whole milk or heavy cream
3 tablespoons butter, divided
2 cups chicken stock
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Lemon slices
Directions:
Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. If thick, slice in half horizontally.
Place flour in a shallow dish. Beat eggs with milk or cream in another bowl.
Dredge chicken in flour, then melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken dipped in egg mixture until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Remove chicken, deglaze skillet with a splash of chicken stock, then add remaining stock and lemon juice with last tablespoon of butter.
Simmer for 5 minutes, add cornstarch mixture, return chicken to skillet, top with lemon slices, and simmer for 8-10 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Kcal: 310 | Servings: 4