If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with sunshine and comfort all in one skillet, then this Lemon Butter Chicken Breasts Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, perfectly pounded chicken breasts, lightly coated and pan-seared to a golden crisp, then drenched in a luscious lemon butter sauce that wraps every bite in a tangy, buttery hug. It’s a beautiful balance of flavors that comes together quickly and effortlessly, making it a wonderful weeknight dinner or a simple crowd-pleaser. Once you try this Lemon Butter Chicken Breasts Recipe, it’s sure to become a go-to in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal baking tray lined with white parchment paper holds four raw, pale pink chicken fillets, each lying flat and spaced evenly apart with two fillets on the top row and two on the bottom row. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface, which adds a clean and bright backdrop to the image. The textures of the chicken fillets look smooth and fresh with slight natural lines and a moist appearance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Lemon Butter Chicken Breasts Recipe is simple and straightforward, yet each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and brightness. From the citrus zesty pop of fresh lemons to the rich creaminess of butter and the subtle heat of lemon pepper seasoning, these essentials come together beautifully.

6 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts (1-1/2 pounds): The star of the dish, pounded thin to cook evenly and soak up flavors.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Creates a light coating that crisps nicely and helps thicken the sauce.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and balances the lemon’s acidity.
2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning: Adds a zesty, peppery kick that complements the citrus perfectly.
1/3 cup butter: Provides richness and forms the base of the velvety sauce.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Keeps the butter from burning and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
2 lemons, sliced: Used to infuse the dish with fresh lemon flavor and garnish with vibrant color.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: Adds bright acidity to the pan sauce, waking up all the other ingredients.
2 to 3 tablespoons fresh basil leaves: Adds a subtle herbal freshness and lovely green contrast when served.

How to Make Lemon Butter Chicken Breasts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap. Lightly pound them until they’re about 1/4 to 1/8 inch thick—this step is key for even cooking and tenderness. Then, in a shallow bowl, mix the flour and salt together. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, coating well. Sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning on both sides to infuse that signature tangy, peppery flavor right into the meat.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter and olive oil. Once hot and shimmering, carefully place half of the chicken breasts into the skillet, making sure they have space to cook evenly without overcrowding. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove them to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Repeat the process with the remaining chicken breasts.

Step 3: Sauté the Lemons and Finish the Sauce

With the chicken removed, add the lemon slices to the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, turning once until lightly browned and fragrant. Return all chicken breasts to the skillet, overlapping them slightly, and drizzle in the fresh lemon juice. Let everything cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes until the pan juices reduce slightly and thicken into a beautiful sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.

Step 4: Add Fresh Basil and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle the fresh basil leaves over the chicken to add that last burst of color and herbal brightness that complements the zesty lemon and buttery sauce. Serve immediately for the best experience!

How to Serve Lemon Butter Chicken Breasts Recipe

A silver pan holds five cooked golden-brown chicken fillets, each with a slightly crispy texture and light grill marks. Between and on top of the chicken pieces are several cooked lemon slices showing a soft, browned surface with visible seeds. Fresh green basil leaves are scattered over the chicken and lemons, adding a bright contrast. The pan is placed on a black and natural woven textured surface, creating a warm, rustic feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The lemon slices you cook along with the chicken aren’t just for flavor—they make for a stunning garnish with their tender, caramelized edges. Fresh basil leaves scattered on top bring a fresh aroma and vibrant green splash that makes the plate pop and elevates your presentation effortlessly.

Side Dishes

This Lemon Butter Chicken Breasts Recipe shines when paired with light and simple sides that soak up the luscious sauce. Steamed white or brown rice is a classic choice, perfect for mopping up each drop. Roasted or steamed vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, or broccoli make a wholesome and colorful accompaniment.

Creative Ways to Present

For company or a special dinner, try serving your Lemon Butter Chicken Breasts Recipe over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta for a cozy, comforting experience. A crisp arugula salad tossed with olive oil and lemon juice also pairs well, infusing more greens and brightness into your meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and you might, though it’s hard not to eat every last bite), store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep nicely for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld even more deeply.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken breasts in the lemon butter sauce by placing the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen properly, it will last up to 2 months without losing the bright lemon flavor or buttery richness.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or extra lemon juice to loosen the sauce. This method helps maintain the chicken’s tenderness and keeps the sauce silky instead of drying out. Microwave reheating works too but keep it brief and cover the dish.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more juiciness and flavor and work well with the lemon butter sauce. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to make sure they’re cooked through.

Is there a dairy-free way to make this recipe?

You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and the dish will still have a lovely richness. Just be mindful of the flavor differences coconut oil might bring to the sauce.

How can I make this recipe for fewer servings?

Simply halve the ingredients to serve 3 people, but keep the cooking times about the same since the chicken pieces cook quickly when pounded thin.

What’s the best way to pound chicken without plastic wrap?

If you don’t have plastic wrap handy, a zip-top bag or wax paper works well too. The goal is to prevent the chicken from tearing and keep the mess contained.

Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can pound and season the chicken a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just add the fresh lemon slices and cook everything on the day you plan to serve for maximum flavor and freshness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the simplicity and bright flavors of this Lemon Butter Chicken Breasts Recipe that makes it easy to fall in love with. Quick to make yet packed with layers of buttery, lemony goodness, it’s perfect for bringing a little sunshine to your dinner table any night of the week. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how deliciously easy dinner can be!