Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

$To make lemon garlic butter chicken, gather these items: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick) - 6 cloves garlic, minced - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon slices (for garnish) You can enhance the dish with: - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat - Fresh basil or rosemary for extra aroma - A splash of white wine for depth If you have dietary needs, try these: - Use chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture. - Swap butter for olive oil to make it dairy-free. - Replace lemon juice with lime juice for a twist. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts. Use salt, pepper, and a little oregano and thyme. This adds great flavor. Set the chicken aside for a moment. 2. Melt the Butter: Grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt slowly. This will create a rich base for your dish. 3. Sauté Garlic: Once the butter melts, add minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. 4. Add Lemon: Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice next. Let this simmer for one more minute. This helps mix all the flavors. 5. Cook Chicken: Now, add your seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes. The chicken should turn golden brown. Baste it with the butter-garlic mix while it cooks. 6. Check Doneness: To be sure the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (75°C). This ensures it's safe to eat. 7. Final Touches: After cooking, take the chicken out and let it rest for a few minutes. Drizzle some of that lemon garlic butter sauce on top for extra flavor. 8. Garnish and Serve: Plate your chicken and add some chopped parsley and lemon slices for a fresh look. The prep time for this dish is quick, only about 10 minutes. Cooking takes around 20 minutes. This makes the total time about 30 minutes. Use medium heat for cooking. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay moist. Seasoning is key to great flavor. Salt and pepper are must-haves. Dried herbs like oregano and thyme add depth. Don't rush this step. Proper seasoning makes the chicken taste amazing and brings out the lemon and garlic. To get the best chicken, follow these tips. Start with fresh chicken. Always season your chicken well with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. This adds flavor right from the start. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). This keeps it juicy and safe to eat. Basting the chicken with the butter-garlic sauce while it cooks is key. It keeps the meat moist and adds flavor. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices settle in. Many cooks make simple mistakes. One common error is not seasoning enough. Always taste your food as you cook. If the chicken is not cooked through, it can be dry. Avoid turning the chicken too much. Let it cook without fussing. Also, don’t burn the garlic. It can taste bitter. If you do burn it, start over. Lastly, don’t skip the resting time. It’s important for great texture. Lemon garlic butter chicken is versatile. It pairs well with many sides. Try it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. Mashed potatoes or rice are also great choices. For a fun twist, serve with garlic bread. You can complement the dish with a glass of white wine. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc works nicely. For a fresh touch, add lemon wedges on the side. This adds a burst of flavor when you squeeze them on the chicken. Enjoy your meal with family or friends! Pro Tips Marinate for Extra Flavor: For even more flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the lemon garlic butter mixture for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight before cooking. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh garlic and freshly squeezed lemon juice to enhance the dish's flavor profile. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Ensure the chicken is cooked just until it reaches the safe internal temperature to keep it juicy and tender. A meat thermometer is your best friend here! Serve with Sides: This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal. Consider adding a starch like rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. {{image_2}} You can boost the flavor of Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken by adding fresh herbs. Try using fresh basil or rosemary. Chop them finely and add them to the butter and garlic mix. This will give your dish a fresh taste. You can also sprinkle herbs on top before serving for extra color and flavor. If you follow a low-carb diet, you can still enjoy this dish. Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. It pairs well with the rich lemon garlic butter. You can also skip the butter and use olive oil for a healthier option. This keeps the flavor while lowering carbs. If you like a kick, add some spice! You can mix in red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic. Start with a half teaspoon and adjust to your taste. For a bolder flavor, you can add diced jalapeños to the skillet. This will make your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken exciting and zesty. To keep your lemon garlic butter chicken fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure the chicken cools down first. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps keep it safe to eat later. It will stay good for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it longer, consider freezing. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, reheating properly is key. Start by removing the chicken from the fridge. Place it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or some of the butter sauce. Cover it with a lid to keep moisture in. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping once. You want it warm but not overcooked. You can also use a microwave. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Check to make sure it's hot all the way through. Freezing is a great option if you want to save some chicken for later. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This keeps the chicken from getting freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, transfer the chicken to the fridge to thaw overnight. Never thaw it at room temp, as that can cause bacteria to grow. Once thawed, you can reheat it as described above for the best taste and texture. You can serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with a variety of sides. Here are some great options: - Rice: White or brown rice soaks up the sauce well. - Vegetables: Steamed broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition. - Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes balance the flavors nicely. - Salad: A fresh salad adds crunch and brightness to the meal. These sides make your dinner feel more complete and delicious. Yes, you can use chicken thighs! They are juicy and full of flavor. Thighs also stay moist during cooking. Just adjust the cooking time. Check that they reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. To make this recipe dairy-free, replace the unsalted butter with a dairy-free option. You can use olive oil or coconut oil instead. Both will give a nice taste. Adjust the amount based on your preference, but start with the same measurement. The dish will still be tasty! This blog post covered all you need for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken. We discussed key ingredients, methods for cooking, and tips for great flavor. I shared variations to match your taste and dietary needs. Plus, I gave storage tips to keep your leftovers fresh. Enjoy making this dish! Remember, with practice, you’ll create a meal everyone will love.$

A delicious and flavorful chicken dish cooked in a buttery lemon garlic sauce.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
0.5 cup unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 piece lemon zest
0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
to taste salt
to taste pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
for garnish lemon slices

Instructions

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried oregano and thyme. Set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, and let it simmer for an additional minute to infuse the flavors.
Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a golden-brown color. Baste the chicken with the butter-garlic mixture while it cooks.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Meanwhile, you can drizzle some of the remaining lemon garlic butter sauce over the chicken for extra flavor.
Plate the chicken, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices for a vibrant finish.

Notes

Baste the chicken while cooking for extra flavor.

Keyword butter, chicken, garlic, lemon