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To make Lemon Butter Chicken Breasts, you need some simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided - 1 lemon (zest and juice) - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a bright and buttery dish. The lemon adds a fresh zing, while the garlic and herbs give it depth. You can find these items at your local grocery store. Make sure to choose fresh chicken for the best flavor. Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt in your meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). - In a large oven-safe skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. - Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and oregano on both sides. - Once the butter bubbles, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. - Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. - In the same skillet, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. - Pour in the lemon juice and add lemon zest. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to deglaze it. - Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of butter until it melts and combines with the sauce. - Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some lemon butter sauce over them. - Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). - Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes in the sauce. - Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. To ensure chicken cooks evenly, start with chicken at room temperature. This helps it cook through. Sear both sides in hot butter for a nice crust. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). This guarantees it's safe to eat. Deglazing the skillet is key for flavor. After searing the chicken, remove it and add garlic. Let it cook briefly, then pour in lemon juice. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to release tasty bits. This adds depth to your sauce. For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like rosemary or fresh basil. You can also mix in spices like paprika or cumin for a twist. If you want a lighter dish, swap butter for olive oil or ghee. These alternatives can add unique flavors while keeping it healthy. Garnish your dish with fresh parsley or lemon slices. This adds color and freshness. For a nice touch, sprinkle some black pepper on top. Serve your chicken with sides like rice, quinoa, or steamed veggies. This makes a balanced meal and brightens up your plate. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: For an even more vibrant flavor, opt for fresh thyme and oregano instead of dried. Add them towards the end of cooking for a bright finish. Perfectly Sear Chicken: Ensure the skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps achieve a nice golden crust while keeping the inside juicy. Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest in the sauce after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld and keeps the chicken moist. Adjust Lemon Zest: Depending on your preference for tartness, feel free to increase or decrease the amount of lemon zest used in the sauce. {{image_2}} For those on a low-carb diet, you can skip the butter and use olive oil. This change keeps the flavors rich while cutting carbs. You can also try coconut oil for a different flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative. Look for options like vegan butter or olive oil for a smooth texture. To shake things up, you can add other citrus fruits. Lime or orange can bring a fresh twist to the dish. Simply use their zest and juice like you do with lemon. Adding other herbs can also change the taste. Rosemary and basil are great choices. They can give the chicken a new layer of flavor that you might find exciting. You can grill or bake this chicken. Grilling adds a smoky taste and nice grill marks. Bake it for a hands-off approach, letting the oven do the work. If you prefer a slow cooker, it’s a perfect way to keep the chicken juicy. Just cook it on low for 6-8 hours for a tender result. Each method brings its own unique flair to the dish. To store leftovers, let the chicken cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep the flavor fresh. I recommend using glass containers for storage. They do not absorb odors and are easy to clean. When reheating, avoid losing moisture. The best method is to use the skillet. Heat a little olive oil or butter over low heat. Add the chicken and cover it. Cook for a few minutes until warm. The microwave can dry out chicken, so I suggest using it only if you're in a rush. If you do use the microwave, heat in short bursts. Check often to avoid overcooking. To freeze cooked chicken, let it cool completely. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. You can freeze it for up to three months. For thawing, the best method is to leave it in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave to quickly thaw the chicken. Just remember to cook it right after thawing to keep it safe. How long do you cook lemon butter chicken breasts? You cook lemon butter chicken breasts for about 15 to 20 minutes in the oven. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are safe to eat. This keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs have more fat, which adds flavor and moisture. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through. What can I substitute for butter? You can use olive oil or ghee as a substitute for butter. Both options add rich flavor. Coconut oil also works well, giving a hint of sweetness. Alternatives for fresh herbs? If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs are a great option. Use half the amount of dried thyme and oregano. You can also try Italian seasoning for a mix of flavors. Is this recipe healthy? Yes, this recipe can be part of a healthy diet. It features lean chicken and healthy fats from butter. You can switch to olive oil for a lighter option. Nutritional facts per serving? Each serving contains approximately: - Calories: 380 - Protein: 30g - Fat: 28g - Carbohydrates: 2g - Fiber: 0g This recipe offers a good balance of protein and healthy fats, making it a satisfying meal option. This blog post shared how to make lemon butter chicken with simple steps. We covered essential ingredients like chicken, butter, and fresh herbs. I provided tips for even cooking and added flavor enhancements. You learned about variations, including dietary adjustments and different cooking methods. Finally, I included storage tips for leftovers. This recipe is easy and tasty, making it great for any meal. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with this dish!

Lemon Butter Chicken Breasts with Fresh Herbs

A delicious and zesty chicken dish featuring lemon and fresh herbs, perfect for any dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 whole lemon (zest and juice)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large oven-safe skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat.
  • Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and oregano on both sides.
  • Once the butter has melted and begun to bubble, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Pour the lemon juice and add the lemon zest to the skillet, scraping the bottom to deglaze it.
  • Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of butter until melted and combined.
  • Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the lemon butter sauce over them.
  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  • Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes in the sauce.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Let the chicken rest in the sauce for extra flavor.
Keyword butter, chicken, herbs, lemon