Description
This savory, pan-seared lemon garlic butter chicken is a weeknight essential, featuring tender, succulent poultry breasts glazed in a rich, citrus-infused butter sauce. By searing the chicken to achieve a golden-brown crust and deglazing the pan with flavorful chicken stock, this dish delivers restaurant-quality depth and vibrant aromatic flavor in under thirty minutes. It is a simple, effective way to ensure moist, delicious protein for any meal, utilizing fresh garlic and bright lemon for a perfectly balanced Mediterranean-inspired result.
Ingredients
4 boneless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced finely
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken stock
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Sear the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on one side until a deep golden crust forms.
Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F; remove and cover with foil.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
Stir in the butter and lemon juice until the sauce emulsifies and thickens slightly.
Return the chicken to the pan to coat with the sauce, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure the chicken is pounded to an even 3/4 inch thickness for uniform cooking. If your skillet is too small, cook the chicken in batches to ensure a proper sear rather than steaming it. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-searing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breast with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg