Description
This Easy Lemon Chicken recipe delivers tender, golden chicken cutlets in a zesty lemon butter sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with bright citrus flavors and a rich, silky sauce that pairs beautifully with sides like rice or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Flour (for dredging)
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then dredge each piece in flour until evenly coated.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer and bubble gently for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly and meld flavors.
- Finish cooking: Return the chicken cutlets to the pan, cooking for an additional few minutes so the chicken heats through and the sauce thickens further. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Sprinkle the cooked lemon chicken with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For extra zest, add more lemon juice or a few lemon slices while simmering the sauce.
- Ensure the chicken is pounded or sliced evenly for consistent cooking.
- Use gluten-free flour if you need to keep the recipe gluten-free.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheat gently on stovetop or microwave.
- Pair this dish with steamed vegetables, rice, or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American