Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe: Delicious in Just 30 Minutes

Okay, so, picture this: a Tuesday night, I’m *starving*, and I have approximately zero energy. Sound familiar? That’s when this lemon garlic butter chicken recipe swooped in and saved the day! Seriously, I’ve been whipping up quick, impressive meals like this for years, and trust me, this one is a winner. It’s so simple, so fast, and the flavor? Forget about it! The best part is the easy cleanup and delicious taste! If you are looking for a great meal with very little effort you’ve come to the right place! Plus, it’s something the whole family will ask you for again and again!

I love finding new options and easy meals, and thought maybe you would too! Speaking of easy meals, this lemon garlic butter chicken will become your new go-to when you’re short on time but still want something utterly delicious. It’s seriously a weeknight wonder!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Okay, so why should you even *bother* making this lemon garlic butter chicken recipe? Let me tell you, it’s a game-changer! For starters:

• It’s ridiculously easy. Seriously, if I can do it after a long day, anyone can!
• We’re talking FAST. From fridge to table in under 30 minutes? Yes, please!
• Flavors that POP! Lemon, garlic, butter…need I say more? Pure magic.
• You probably already have most of the ingredients. No crazy grocery runs needed!
• Super versatile! Serve it with pasta, rice, veggies…whatever you’re in the mood for.

Quick and Easy Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

Seriously, this isn’t one of those recipes that *claims* to be quick and easy but then requires a million steps. This lemon garlic butter chicken is genuinely perfect for those crazy weeknights when you need dinner on the table, like, yesterday!

Packed with Flavor

The lemon, garlic, and butter create a sauce that’s just…wow! It’s bright, savory, and coats the chicken beautifully. It takes those boring, plain chicken breasts and turns them into something truly special – a dish with mouthwatering flavor.

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

Okay, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for this amazing lemon garlic butter chicken. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty basic stuff, nothing too fancy! But trust me, these simple ingredients come together to create something truly special!

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each). You want them to cook evenly, ya know?
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter. Real butter, please! It makes a difference!
• 4 cloves garlic, minced. I usually use more…because garlic is life!
• 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth. Keeps the sauce from being too salty.
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice. Freshly squeezed is always best!
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest. This is where the *real* lemon flavor shines!
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). For a little kick! I usually add a pinch more!
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy!
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish. Makes it look all fancy and pretty!

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these super simple steps, and you’ll have the most amazing lemon garlic butter chicken ever! Seriously, it’s almost foolproof! I’ll walk you through it. Don’t worry, it’s easier than ordering takeout, I promise!

Preparing the Chicken

First, pat those chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps them get nice and brown! Then, season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Don’t be shy – this is where a lot of the flavor comes from!

Cooking the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

Okay, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is nice and hot *before* you add the chicken – that’s key for getting that golden-brown crust. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through. A meat thermometer should read 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Don’t clean the skillet – we need those yummy bits for the sauce!

Making the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Now, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant – careful not to burn it! Burnt garlic is *not* your friend! Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Stir in the lemon zest and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until it has slightly thickened. It should be able to coat the back of a spoon.

Combining and Serving the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

Finally, return the chicken to the skillet and spoon that glorious lemon garlic butter sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Seriously, doesn’t that look amazing?! Get ready to dig in!

Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

Want to take your lemon garlic butter chicken to the next level? Of course you do! Here’s a few little secrets I’ve learned over the years. Trust me, these tips will make all the difference. Your mouth will thank you!

• Get that golden brown! Patting the chicken dry is key, like I said before. Don’t overcrowd the pan, either! If you try to cook too much chicken at once, it’ll steam instead of brown, and nobody wants that!
• Watch that garlic! It burns *easily*, so keep an eye on it and don’t walk away! Burnt garlic will make the whole dish bitter. No bueno!
• Sauce too thin? No worries! Just let it simmer for a few extra minutes until it thickens up. Too thick? Add a splash more chicken broth. Easy peasy!
• Don’t overcook the chicken! Nobody likes dry chicken. Use a meat thermometer to make sure it’s cooked through but still juicy. 165°F is your magic number!

Variations for Your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

Okay, so you’ve made the basic lemon garlic butter chicken and you’re obsessed, right? Me too! But hey, sometimes it’s fun to mix things up. Here are a few ideas to keep things interesting!

• Herb it up! Try adding different fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano. They all work great with lemon and garlic!
• Spice it up! Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper for a little extra heat.
• Veggie boost! Add some sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the skillet while the sauce is simmering. Yum!
• Chicken thighs instead of breasts. Chicken thighs are generally more forgiving and stay moister. Cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 175°F!
• Make it creamy! Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a richer, creamier sauce. Decadent!

Serving Suggestions for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

Alright, you’ve got this amazing lemon garlic butter chicken…now what do you serve with it?! Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! This dish is super versatile, so it goes with pretty much anything. My go-to is usually some fluffy rice or pasta to soak up all that yummy sauce. Roasted veggies are also a fantastic option! For a full meal, I highly recommend checking out my garlic roasted vegetables recipe – they pair perfectly! A simple side salad also works wonders to contrast the richness of the chicken! Seriously, you can’t go wrong!

Storing and Reheating Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This lemon garlic butter chicken is just as delicious the next day. To store it, just pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Make sure it’s cooled down completely before you refrigerate it, though, okay?

When you’re ready to reheat, my favorite way is in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it from drying out. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overcook it – nobody likes rubbery chicken! Just heat it in short bursts until it’s warmed through. This way you can be sure to enjoy it just as much as the first time!

Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

Still got questions about this amazing lemon garlic butter chicken? No worries! I’ve got answers! Here’s a few things I get asked all the time:

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Okay, so fresh herbs *definitely* taste better, but if you’re in a pinch, dried herbs will work! Just use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs. Remember, dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor, so less is more!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You sure can! The lemon garlic butter chicken is great for meal prepping. Just cook the chicken and sauce separately, then combine them when you’re ready to serve. This will keep the chicken from getting soggy. When you finally sit at the table to experience the dish you will love it!

What if I don’t have chicken broth?

No chicken broth? No problem! You can use water in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be quite as rich. If you have it, vegetable broth is a better substitute. Or, you could even use a little white wine! Just be careful not to add too much, or it’ll overpower the lemon garlic flavor.

Can I bake the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken?

Absolutely. If you’d prefer to bake instead of sauté, place the seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. While baking, prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter sauce in a saucepan. Once the chicken is done, pour the sauce over the chicken. So easy!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Okay, so just a quick note about the nutrition info! Keep in mind that these are just estimates. The exact values can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients you use. So, take it with a grain of salt, okay?

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