Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce

This easy and flavorful Lemon Chicken recipe features crispy, parmesan-crusted chicken breasts paired with a tangy, buttery lemon sauce. The combination of garlic, fresh lemon juice, and chicken broth delivers a deliciously rich sauce that perfectly complements the golden, crunchy chicken. Parmesan adds a savory depth, while the light flour coating ensures a satisfying crisp. For a lighter option, skip the parmesan crust and simply season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or a fresh salad.

Ingredients

Main:

• 1 1/2 lb chicken breast (2 large), patted dry

• 1 Tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)

• 1 Tbsp parsley (optional, for garnish)

• 1/2 lemon, sliced (optional, for garnish)

Egg Mixture:

• 2 large eggs

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Parmesan Breading Mixture:

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour

Lemon Butter Sauce:

• 8 Tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/4 cup lemon juice

• 1/4 cup chicken broth

• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Directions

1. Prepare Chicken:
   Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise. Pound to an even thickness using a meat mallet.

2. Make Egg & Breading Mixtures:
   In a bowl, whisk together the egg mixture ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine Parmesan cheese and flour.

3. Bread the Chicken:
   Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then dredge in the parmesan-flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

4. Cook Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Reduce heat if browning too quickly.

5. Prepare Lemon Butter Sauce:
   In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, and pepper. Let simmer for 2 minutes.

6. Serve:
   Pour the lemon butter sauce over the cooked chicken. Garnish with lemon slices and chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, pasta, or salad.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 560 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 9 g

• Protein: 46 g

• Fat: 38 g

Why Lemon Chicken Is a Perennial Favorite

Lemon chicken is one of those timeless dishes that effortlessly combines elegance with comfort. What makes it truly special is its versatility — equally suitable for a family dinner on a weeknight or for impressing guests at a weekend gathering. At the heart of this dish lies the balance between bright acidity and savory richness, where lemon juice cuts through the buttery sauce to elevate the flavor of tender chicken.

In this version, the chicken is lightly coated with a parmesan crust that adds not just flavor but texture — golden, crisp, and satisfying with every bite. The lemon butter sauce brings a restaurant-quality finish, with layers of flavor from garlic, lemon, and broth. Together, these elements form a well-rounded, irresistible entrée that feels gourmet yet comes together in just 30 minutes.

Flavor Profile: Bright, Buttery, and Savory

What sets this lemon chicken apart is its vibrant flavor profile. The acidity from fresh lemon juice brightens the dish, while butter adds depth and richness. Garlic contributes a subtle pungency that enhances the overall complexity without overwhelming the palate. Meanwhile, the parmesan-flour crust provides umami and crunch, making each bite texturally and tastefully pleasing.

The sauce alone is worth making — it’s tangy, aromatic, and just the right consistency to cling to the chicken. It’s not heavy like a cream sauce, nor too sharp; instead, it’s smooth, rich, and indulgent in a balanced way. Paired with the chicken, the sauce transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.

Healthier Than You’d Think

While rich in flavor, this lemon chicken dish is surprisingly reasonable in terms of nutrition. Each serving provides about 560 calories, with 46 grams of protein and only 9 grams of carbohydrates. That makes it a great option for those following low-carb or high-protein diets.

The dish can be made even lighter by skipping the parmesan crust and simply seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and herbs before pan-searing. You can also substitute butter with olive oil in the sauce for a more heart-healthy version, although the traditional butter sauce is hard to beat in flavor.

Ideal Pairings for a Complete Meal

Lemon chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some suggestions to round out your meal:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes balance the tangy lemon sauce and provide a hearty base.

• Pasta: Light buttered noodles, angel hair pasta, or even lemon herb pasta make an excellent match.

• Rice Pilaf: For a fluffier grain option, a seasoned rice pilaf complements the saucy chicken without overpowering it.

• Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or green beans work well to add freshness and color to your plate.

• Salad: A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette can offer a refreshing contrast.

This dish is also great for meal prepping. Simply store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over the stove or in the microwave, and it will taste just as good as freshly made.

Cooking Tips for the Best Results

Though this recipe is relatively straightforward, a few key tips can make a big difference in the final dish:

1. Pound the Chicken Evenly: Ensures uniform cooking and avoids dry or undercooked spots.

2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the chicken space to sear. Crowding causes steaming instead of browning.

3. Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice lacks the vibrant flavor that fresh juice offers.

4. Watch the Heat: Cook the chicken over medium-high heat, but reduce the heat if the crust browns too quickly. You want a golden color, not burnt.

5. Use Grated Parmesan (Not Shredded): Grated parmesan adheres better to the chicken and forms a crispier crust.

These small steps help elevate the dish from good to exceptional.

Possible Variations to Suit Your Preferences

The beauty of lemon chicken is that it can be adapted to a wide range of preferences and dietary needs. Here are some creative variations:

• Creamy Lemon Chicken: Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce for a richer, silkier finish.

• Herb-Infused Sauce: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil to the lemon butter sauce for a herbaceous twist.

• Spicy Lemon Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced chili to the sauce for a kick of heat.

• Low-Carb/Keto Version: Skip the flour and parmesan coating, and sear seasoned chicken breasts directly. Use olive oil instead of butter if desired.

• Baked Lemon Chicken: After searing, finish the chicken in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes. This method ensures tenderness and allows time to prepare the sides.

No matter how you adapt it, the core flavors remain — fresh, savory, and full of character.

A Crowd-Pleaser That Never Fails

One of the biggest advantages of this lemon chicken dish is its universal appeal. It’s kid-friendly yet sophisticated enough for adults. It’s quick enough for busy nights but elegant enough for entertaining. If you’re hosting a dinner party, this is a safe bet — you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it just before serving.

You can also make it in larger batches without compromising flavor or texture. Simply cook the chicken in batches and keep them warm in the oven while you finish the rest.

How It Compares to Other Chicken Recipes

There are countless chicken recipes out there, but lemon chicken holds a unique spot. Compared to creamy dishes like Chicken Alfredo or heavier recipes like Chicken Parmesan, lemon chicken feels lighter and fresher. Unlike spicy or heavily seasoned options, it doesn’t rely on heat or excessive seasoning — just a few quality ingredients done right.

It also suits a wide range of global palates. While some lemon chicken recipes are inspired by Asian cuisines (think lemon chicken in Chinese takeout), this one leans more toward Italian or Mediterranean traditions, thanks to the use of parmesan, olive oil, and herbs.

Conclusion

Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce is one of those recipes that never goes out of style. It’s quick, flavorful, and satisfying, yet elegant enough to feel special. Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a family, or preparing a romantic dinner for two, this dish fits the occasion.

Its versatility, ease, and crowd-pleasing taste make it a recipe worth keeping in regular rotation. Plus, the balance of buttery richness and lemony brightness delivers a flavor that’s comforting without being heavy.

If you haven’t yet added this dish to your home cooking repertoire, now is the perfect time. Once you try it, it’s likely to become one of your favorite go-to meals — easy to make, hard to forget.