Golden Lemon Butter Chicken Skillet
Juicy lemon butter chicken finished in a silky garlic butter sauce with fresh citrus brightness. A fast, elegant skillet dinner ready in about 30 minutes.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning, allowing the sauce to gently simmer.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the sauce slightly reduces.
- Finish with chopped parsley and garnish with lemon slices before serving.
Notes & Wine Advice
Notes
For the most flavorful result, allow the chicken to develop a deep golden crust before turning — this creates the foundation of the sauce. Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled; the brightness makes a noticeable difference in the final dish. If the sauce reduces too quickly, add a small splash of broth to maintain its silky texture.Wine Tip
A chilled Sauvignon Blanc is a beautiful match for lemon butter chicken, as its crisp acidity mirrors the citrus while cutting through the richness of the butter. If you prefer something slightly rounder, an unoaked Chardonnay offers gentle fruit notes without overpowering the delicate garlic and lemon flavors.Nutrition values
Serving: 1 chicken breast with sauce | Calories: 465 kcal | Carbohydrates: 4 g | Protein: 41 g | Fat: 31 g | Saturated Fat: 11 g | Sodium: 590 mg | Sugar: 1 g